You're looking for the Chiefs game. I get it. It’s Thursday night, January 15, 2026, and usually, that means "Thursday Night Football" vibes. But if you’re scrolling through your guide wondering what channel are the kansas city chiefs playing on tonight, I’ve got some tough news for you.
The Chiefs aren't on. In fact, nobody is playing tonight.
It’s a weird gap in the calendar. We’re currently sitting in that quiet, slightly anxious space between the Wild Card round and the Divisional playoffs. The NFL doesn't do Thursday games during the postseason—Amazon’s TNF package ends with the regular season—so the TV schedule is looking pretty empty for football fans today.
Why the Chiefs aren't on TV tonight
If you followed this season, you know it was a rough one for the Kingdom. For the first time in what feels like a decade, January doesn't involve Patrick Mahomes magic. The Chiefs finished their 2025-2026 campaign with a 6-11 record. Their season officially ended on January 4th with a 14-12 loss to the Raiders.
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Honestly, it’s surreal. Since 2018, Kansas City has basically owned this month. But right now, the roster is likely already looking at offseason surgeries or vacation spots while the rest of the AFC dukes it out.
There are no NFL games on any channel tonight, January 15. The league spaces out the playoffs to maximize those massive weekend ratings. If you’re seeing "NFL Football" on your guide, it’s probably just a replay of a classic game or a documentary on NFL Network.
When the NFL returns to your screen
Even though KC is out, the playoffs are actually heating up. You’ll have to wait about 48 hours to get your fix. The Divisional Round kicks off this Saturday, and the matchups are actually pretty wild.
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Here is how the actual broadcast schedule looks for the upcoming weekend:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
It’s kinda crazy to see the Broncos and Patriots back in the mix as high seeds while the Chiefs are watching from home. Denver, specifically, has surged this year, clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 14-3 record. That's why they're the ones playing on CBS this Saturday instead of the usual Arrowhead crowd.
How to watch the playoffs without a cable box
If you’ve ditched traditional cable, you've still got plenty of ways to catch the games this weekend. Since the "big four" networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC) handle the Divisional round, you can usually get most of them with a cheap digital antenna.
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For streaming:
- Paramount+ will carry the Bills vs. Broncos game since it's on CBS.
- Peacock usually simulcasts whatever is on NBC (Rams vs. Bears this Sunday).
- YouTube TV or Fubo are your best bets if you want the whole slate in one app.
- NFL+ works if you’re okay watching on a phone or tablet, but it won’t let you cast to your TV for these live playoff broadcasts.
What’s next for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Since they aren't playing tonight, the focus in KC has shifted entirely to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. The 6-11 finish means they'll have a much higher draft pick than they’re used to.
Most analysts are already pointing toward the need for a revamped defensive line and more consistent targets for Mahomes. The "retooling" phase is officially here. It's a bitter pill for fans used to Super Bowl parades, but the silver lining is a healthier roster and better draft capital for the fall of 2026.
Check your local listings for any "Chiefs Rewind" specials, but for live action, you’re off the hook until the preseason starts in August.
Actionable Next Steps:
If you were planning a watch party for tonight, pivot to Saturday. Set your DVR for CBS at 4:30 p.m. ET on January 17th to see the Bills take on the top-seeded Broncos. If you specifically need your Mahomes fix, NFL Network often runs "Mic'd Up" marathons on Thursday nights that feature plenty of Chiefs highlights from better days.