If you're waking up and asking what channel is the Chiefs game tomorrow, I have some news that might sting a little. You can put the remote down. Stop scrolling through the guide.
The Kansas City Chiefs aren't playing tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for Chiefs Kingdom. We’ve become so used to January being "Mahomes Time" that the idea of a Divisional Round Sunday without a red jersey on the field feels like a glitch in the matrix. But after a 6-10 finish to the 2025 regular season—capped off by that frustrating 14-12 loss to the Raiders on January 4—the Chiefs are officially on the couch this postseason.
Why the Chiefs Aren't on Your TV Tomorrow
It was a rough year. There's no way to sugarcoat it. The offense struggled to find a rhythm, and for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, the magic didn't quite materialize when it mattered most. While the rest of the AFC is battling it out for a spot in the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium, the boys in KC are already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Instead of a Chiefs game, Sunday's NFL Divisional Round schedule features:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock
It’s definitely a change of pace. Usually, we’re the ones everyone is trying to knock off the mountain. This time, we’re just spectators watching the Texans and Patriots fight for that AFC Championship slot.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Kansas City Chiefs Schedule
Just because there isn't a game tomorrow doesn't mean there isn't plenty to talk about. The 2026 opponents are already locked in, even if we don't have the exact dates and times yet. If you're already planning your road trips for next fall, here is who the Chiefs are slated to face.
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Home Games at Arrowhead
The atmosphere in Kansas City is going to be electric next year as the team tries to prove 2025 was just a fluke. You'll see the usual AFC West rivals—the Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers—coming to town. But the non-divisional slate is where things get really interesting.
The San Francisco 49ers are coming to Arrowhead. That’s always a heavyweight fight. You’ve also got the New York Jets, the Arizona Cardinals, the Indianapolis Colts, and the New England Patriots making the trip to Missouri.
Away Games
Pack your bags, because the away schedule is a gauntlet. Aside from the divisional trips to Denver, Vegas, and LA, the Chiefs have to travel to:
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- Buffalo Bills: A classic rivalry that never disappoints.
- Miami Dolphins: Hopefully, it’s not another "Peacock-exclusive" freezer bowl.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow vs. Mahomes is always "must-see" TV.
- Seattle Seahawks: One of the loudest stadiums in the league.
- Atlanta Falcons: A sneaky-tough NFC South matchup.
Where to Get Your Chiefs Fix This Weekend
Since you can't watch a live game tomorrow, the best way to spend your Sunday is probably diving into the off-season storylines. The big question on everyone's mind is the draft. With a 6-10 record, the Chiefs are sitting on a much higher draft pick than they’ve had in years.
Experts like Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates are already projecting the Chiefs to look heavily at the wide receiver position or potentially bolster the offensive line to give Mahomes more than two seconds to breathe.
You can also keep an eye on the Divisional games tomorrow to scout the competition. Seeing how the Texans' CJ Stroud or the Patriots' defense handles the pressure might give us a glimpse of what the Chiefs need to overcome to get back to the top of the AFC in 2026.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
- Check the Draft Order: Keep an eye on the official NFL Draft order as the playoffs wrap up; the Chiefs will have a top-15 pick, which is prime territory for a "game-changer" talent.
- Update Your Streaming Subs: If you’re watching the games tomorrow, remember that the Texans/Patriots game is on ESPN+ and the Rams/Bears game is on Peacock.
- Review the 2026 Schedule: Start looking at those away game cities. Miami and Seattle are top-tier travel destinations for fans who want to support the team on the road.
The "What channel is the Chiefs game tomorrow" search might lead to a bit of a letdown today, but the road back to the Super Bowl starts now. It's going to be a long spring, but in KC, we trust the process.