If you just sat down with a bag of chips and a cold drink, scouring the guide for what channel is chiefs game on today, I’ve got some news that might sting.
The Kansas City Chiefs are not playing today, January 16, 2026.
I know, it feels weird. For years, this part of January has been "Chiefs Season," a time when Arrowhead is loud and the Kingdom is prepping for another deep playoff run. But the 2025-2026 season didn't go according to the usual script. After a grueling 18-week schedule that wrapped up on January 4, 2026, the Chiefs officially hung up the cleats for the year.
Why There Is No Chiefs Game Today
The simple, frustrating truth is that Kansas City did not qualify for the 2026 NFL Playoffs. They finished the regular season with a 6-11 record. Their final game was a narrow 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
Because they aren't in the postseason bracket, there is no channel, no kickoff time, and no Mahomes magic to tune into this afternoon. The Divisional Round of the playoffs kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, but the Chiefs will be watching from their couches just like the rest of us.
The 2026 NFL Playoff Schedule (The Games You Can Watch)
Even though you won't find the red and gold on your screen today, the NFL playoffs are moving full steam ahead this weekend. If you're looking for live football, here is who is playing and where you can find them starting tomorrow.
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Saturday, January 17, 2026
The action starts with the Buffalo Bills traveling to face the Denver Broncos. This game is a massive deal because Denver is currently the top seed in the AFC—a spot usually reserved for Kansas City. You can catch this one at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS or stream it via Paramount+.
Later that night, the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in a classic NFC West grudge match. That kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
The Houston Texans face the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN. Following that, the Los Angeles Rams head to Chicago to play the Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
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What Happened to the Chiefs This Season?
It was a "perfect storm" of bad luck. Honestly, seeing a team led by Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid miss the playoffs feels like a glitch in the Matrix.
Injuries were the primary culprit. Mahomes spent a significant portion of the year battling through rehab, and the chemistry on the offensive line never quite solidified. They lost a string of one-score games, including heartbreakers against the Chargers and Eagles early on. By the time December rolled around, the uphill climb was just too steep.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
The good news? We already know who the Chiefs will face when they return in the fall of 2026. Since they finished third in the AFC West, their 2026 schedule is actually looking quite interesting.
They will play their usual divisional rivals—the Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers—twice each. Beyond that, they are slated to face the entire AFC East and the NFC West. This means high-profile matchups against the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins.
They also have "place-based" matchups against the third-place finishers in the AFC North (Cincinnati Bengals) and the AFC South (Indianapolis Colts).
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How to Stay Connected to the Kingdom
Since you can't watch a game today, you've basically got two options to get your Chiefs fix.
First, the official Chiefs Mobile App is the best spot for off-season updates. They’ll be posting injury reports on Mahomes’ recovery and early looks at the 2026 NFL Draft.
Second, if you’re a die-hard, NFL+ offers full game replays. You can go back and re-watch the wins over Baltimore or Detroit from earlier this season to remind yourself what this team looks like at its best.
Your Off-Season Checklist
- Track the Draft: The Chiefs will have a high pick this year. Keep an eye on the NFL Combine in February.
- Watch the Playoffs: Even without KC, the road to Super Bowl LX (which airs February 8 on NBC) goes through Denver this year.
- Mark Your Calendar: The official 2026 NFL schedule with specific dates and times won't be released until mid-May.
The hunt for a channel is over for today, but the road back to the top for Kansas City is already beginning.