If you're frantically clicking your remote or scrolling through your streaming apps trying to find the Kansas City Chiefs game tonight, I have some news that might be a little tough to hear. Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for Chiefs Kingdom. After years of January deep runs and high-stakes playoff drama, the screen is dark tonight, January 15, 2026.
The Chiefs aren't playing.
It feels wrong, right? Since Patrick Mahomes took over the huddle, we've basically penciled in the Chiefs for a deep postseason run every single year. But the 2025-2026 season was a different beast entirely. Between a season-ending injury to Mahomes and a roster in transition, the team finished 6-11. For the first time in over a decade, Kansas City is watching the playoffs from the couch just like the rest of us.
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The Reality of the 2026 NFL Playoff Schedule
So, while there is no answer to what channel is the chiefs play on tonight, there is plenty of other football happening. We are currently in the gap between the Wild Card round and the Divisional round. If you were looking for a game to scratch that itch, you’ll have to wait until Saturday.
The NFL Divisional Round kicks off on January 17, 2026. Here is who is actually taking the field while the Chiefs start their off-season evaluations:
- Saturday, Jan 17: The Buffalo Bills travel to face the Denver Broncos at 4:30 PM ET on CBS.
- Saturday Night: The San Francisco 49ers head to Seattle to take on the Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN.
- Sunday Night: The Los Angeles Rams face the Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
It’s a strange lineup. Seeing the Broncos and Raiders (who beat KC in the season finale) still relevant in January while the Chiefs are out is a bitter pill for fans in Missouri and beyond.
Why Aren't the Chiefs Playing?
You've probably heard the stats, but seeing them in black and white is still jarring. The Chiefs ended their season on January 4, 2026, with a 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. That loss capped off a year where the offense struggled to find a rhythm after Mahomes went down with a torn ACL.
Without #15 under center, the magic just wasn't there.
Travis Kelce, a legend of the game, faced constant double-teams and dealt with the reality of being a veteran in a league that gets faster every year. With the Chiefs finishing third in the AFC West, they didn't even come close to a Wild Card spot. They are currently looking at a top-10 draft pick, which is a silver lining, I guess? But it doesn't help you find a game to watch tonight.
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Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season Schedule
Kinda sucks for now, but the NFL never stops moving. Even though they aren't on a channel tonight, we already know who they will be playing when the 2026 season kicks off in September. Because they finished third in the division, their schedule for next year actually looks somewhat favorable compared to the gauntlets they've run in the past.
Basically, the NFL uses a formula. They will play their usual AFC West rivals twice. Then, they’ll face the entire AFC East and the NFC West. Because they finished third, they also get the third-place teams from the AFC North, AFC South, and NFC South.
2026 Home Opponents at Arrowhead
The atmosphere at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will be electric regardless, but these are the teams coming to town:
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Arizona Cardinals
- Indianapolis Colts
- New York Jets
- New England Patriots
- San Francisco 49ers
2026 Road Trips
Pack your bags, because the Chiefs will be traveling to some tough environments next year:
- Denver, Las Vegas, and LA (Chargers)
- Cincinnati Bengals (A classic rivalry renewed)
- Buffalo Bills (Expect another cold one at Highmark Stadium)
- Miami Dolphins
- Atlanta Falcons
- Los Angeles Rams
- Seattle Seahawks
Where to Find Chiefs Content Tonight
Since you can't watch a live game, your best bet for "Chiefs tonight" is catching up on the coaching search and draft rumors. Local stations like KSHB 41 in Kansas City or the 96.5 The Fan radio station are usually buzzing with off-season talk.
You can also fire up NFL+ or Paramount+ to watch replays of the glory days. Sometimes watching the 2024 Super Bowl run helps ease the pain of a 6-11 season.
Honestly, the best thing you can do tonight is keep an eye on the injury reports regarding Mahomes' recovery. The team expects him to be ready for training camp, and that is the most important "broadcast" any Chiefs fan should care about right now.
Actionable Next Steps for Chiefs Fans
While the TV stays off for KC tonight, here is what you can actually do to stay prepared for the 2026 return:
- Monitor the 2026 NFL Draft Order: The Chiefs are in a rare position to grab a blue-chip prospect. Keep an eye on Mock Drafts focusing on wide receivers or offensive line depth to protect Mahomes.
- Check NFL+ for Postseason Access: If you still want to watch the playoffs, NFL+ is the easiest way to stream the upcoming Divisional games on your phone or tablet.
- Stay Updated on Travis Kelce: Follow the official Chiefs social media channels for any retirement announcements or contract restructuring news.
- Track the AFC West: Since the Broncos are playing this Saturday, scouting the competition is never a bad idea.
The Chiefs may be off the air tonight, but the road back to the Super Bowl has already started in the front office.