If you’re frantically scrolling through your guide or yelling at your remote asking what channel is Kansas City Chiefs playing today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. Honestly, you can put the wings back in the fridge.
The Kansas City Chiefs are not playing today, January 18, 2026.
While today is a massive day for NFL football—specifically the Divisional Round of the playoffs—the reigning dynasty from Arrowhead is watching from home just like you. For the first time in over a decade, the AFC playoffs are moving forward without Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. It’s weird, right? We’ve basically spent the last ten years penciling them into a late January slot. But after a rocky 6-11 regular season, the Chiefs missed the postseason entirely.
The Playoff Schedule Without the Chiefs
Since the "what channel is Kansas City Chiefs playing" question has a disappointing answer, you might be wondering who actually is on your screen today. We’ve still got some heavy hitters in the Divisional Round.
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Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, features two critical matchups:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: This game kicks off at 3:05 p.m. ET. You can find it on ESPN and ABC. If you're looking to stream, it’s on ESPN DTC.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: This one is the nightcap at 6:40 p.m. ET. It’s airing on NBC and streaming live on Peacock.
It’s a bit of a surreal landscape. Usually, by mid-January, we’re talking about Travis Kelce’s post-game quotes or Mahomes’ latest "how-did-he-do-that" left-handed pass. Instead, the AFC is currently being dominated by a resurgent New England squad and CJ Stroud’s Texans.
Why the Chiefs Are Missing This Year
It wasn’t just one thing that went wrong for Kansas City in 2025. It was a "perfect storm" of issues. The defense, which had been a rock for them in previous Super Bowl runs, took a step back after some key departures. Combine that with a regular-season schedule that felt like a gauntlet, and the losses just started piling up.
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They finished at the bottom of the AFC West, a division they had owned for nearly a decade. Watching the Raiders and Broncos fight for the division title while the Chiefs sat at 6-11 was something most experts didn't see coming. This isn't just a minor dip; it’s the first time since 2014 that the postseason doesn't feature a KC jersey.
How to Watch the Remaining NFL Games
Even though you aren't searching for the Chiefs' channel for the right reasons, the rest of the playoffs are still easy to find. The NFL is sticking to its usual broadcast partners for the home stretch.
- AFC Championship (January 25): This will be on CBS at 3:00 p.m. ET.
- NFC Championship (January 25): This will be on FOX at 6:30 p.m. ET.
- Super Bowl LX (February 8): The big game is in Santa Clara this year and will be broadcast on NBC.
If you’re a die-hard Chiefs fan, the "next step" is already in motion. The front office is currently looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency, which opens up in early March. General Manager Brett Veach has already hinted that the roster needs a significant "injection of youth" in the trenches.
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Keep an eye on the Scouting Combine in late February. That’s where the road back to the playoffs actually starts for Kansas City. For now, you might as well pick a "playoff team" to root for today—just don't expect to see any red and gold on the field until the preseason kicks off in August.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Update your calendar: The NFL Scouting Combine begins February 24, 2026, which will be the next major milestone for the Chiefs' rebuild.
- Check your subscriptions: If you were keeping Peacock or Paramount+ specifically for Chiefs games, remember that the Super Bowl is on NBC/Peacock this year, while the AFC Championship stays on CBS/Paramount+.
- Mock Draft Season: Since the Chiefs finished 6-11, they will have a significantly higher draft pick than usual. Start looking at top-tier defensive linemen and wide receiver prospects currently projected in the top 10.