So you’re sitting there, remote in hand, wings getting cold, and you’re frantically scrolling through the guide wondering what channel is KC Chiefs on right now. We’ve all been there. It’s frustrating. One week they’re on CBS, the next they’re a "digital exclusive," and don’t even get me started on the holiday scheduling gymnastics the NFL pulls.
Honestly, the 2025-2026 season was a bit of a rollercoaster for the Kingdom. If you're looking for them today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, I have some tough news to deliver. The Chiefs aren't on any channel today. Their season wrapped up after a Week 18 loss to the Raiders. While the Divisional Round of the playoffs is currently in full swing with the Texans, Patriots, Rams, and Bears taking the field, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are already looking toward the draft.
The Breakdown of Where the Chiefs Play
The NFL’s TV deals are a mess. They’re basically a giant spiderweb of contracts designed to make you subscribe to five different things. Usually, if the Chiefs are playing a Sunday afternoon game, your first instinct should be CBS. Because they are an AFC team, CBS owns the "primary" rights to their games.
But it’s never that simple, is it?
If they’re playing a team from the NFC—like that matchup against the Detroit Lions earlier this season—you might find them on FOX. Then you’ve got the primetime slots. NBC handles Sunday Night Football, while ESPN (and sometimes ABC) takes the Monday night stage.
Streaming Is the New Cable
Kinda feels like you need a degree in computer science just to watch a kickoff lately. This past season, the Chiefs showed up in some places that would have confused a fan ten years ago:
- Amazon Prime Video: They had that Thursday night game against the Broncos.
- YouTube/NFL+: The season opener in Brazil against the Chargers was a weird one—streamed via YouTube.
- Peacock: If you wanted to see the Week 14 game against the Texans, you likely needed a login for NBC’s streaming service.
Why You Can’t Find the Game Today
It’s Jan 18. Normally, this is "Chiefs Invitation" time in the playoffs. But this year, the chips didn't fall their way. The AFC is currently being fought over by the Houston Texans, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Denver Broncos.
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The Broncos actually took the AFC West crown this year, which feels weird to even type. They played the Bills yesterday on CBS. If you’re seeing NFL highlights on your TV right now, you’re likely seeing the Texans vs. Patriots on ABC/ESPN or getting ready for the Rams and Bears on NBC.
What Most People Get Wrong About TV Blackouts
I hear this all the time: "The game is blacked out!"
Usually, it’s not a blackout. The NFL hasn't done traditional "stadium attendance" blackouts in years. What you’re actually hitting is a regional broadcast restriction. If the Chiefs are playing at the same time as another big game, CBS or FOX has to choose which one to show in your specific city.
If you live in Kansas City, you’re golden. You’ll always get the local broadcast. But if you’re a member of the Kingdom living in, say, Florida? You’re at the mercy of the "NFL Map." This is where NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV becomes the only real way to guarantee you never have to ask "what channel is KC Chiefs on" again.
Where to Catch Chiefs Content in the Offseason
Just because they aren't playing today doesn't mean the coverage stops. The NFL never sleeps. You can usually find re-runs of classic games or mic'd up segments on the NFL Network.
Local fans in the KC area should keep KSHB 41 (NBC) and 96.5 The Fan on their radar for coach's interviews and draft prospect breakdowns.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since the Chiefs are out of the hunt for Super Bowl LX, here is how you can stay prepared for the 2026-2027 cycle:
- Check the 2026 Opponents: The NFL has already slated the Chiefs to face the 49ers, Colts, Patriots, Cardinals, and Jets at home next season.
- Audit Your Subs: If you only got Peacock or Amazon Prime to watch the Chiefs, now is the time to cancel those subscriptions until next September to save some cash.
- Download the Chiefs Mobile App: This is honestly the best way to get "In-Market" radio calls and team news without hunting through cable menus.
- Watch the AFC Championship: Set a reminder for next Sunday, January 25, at 3:00 PM ET on CBS. Even though KC isn't in it, you'll want to see who wins the AFC to represent the conference in the Super Bowl on February 8.
The hunt for the next ring starts now. Even if the screen is dark today, the draft is only a few months away, and that's when the real work begins.