So you're looking for the game. Honestly, finding the right channel for a Chiefs game lately feels like trying to read a complicated Andy Reid playbook in the dark. One week they are on a standard local channel, and the next, you're scrambling to remember your password for a streaming service you only use twice a year. If you've ever asked what channel is the kansas city chiefs on five minutes before kickoff, you're definitely not the only one.
The 2025-2026 season was a wild ride, and as we look toward the 2026 schedule, the landscape of NFL broadcasting is shifting faster than Tyreek Hill used to hit a seam.
The Local Mainstays: CBS, FOX, and NBC
For most Sunday afternoon games, the answer is usually CBS or FOX. Because the Chiefs are in the AFC, CBS is the primary home for the majority of their games. If it’s a 12:00 PM or 3:25 PM kickoff (Central Time), you should start your search at KCTV-5 if you’re in the Kansas City area.
When they play an NFC opponent at home, or if FOX picks up a high-profile "cross-flex" game, you’ll find them on channel 4.
Sunday Night Football is a whole different beast. It’s almost exclusively on NBC (KSHB-41 locally). These are the primetime slots where the lights are brightest. If Mahomes is playing under the lights on a Sunday, just head straight to NBC.
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The Streaming Shuffle: Prime, Netflix, and Beyond
This is where it gets kinda annoying for some fans. The NFL has gone all-in on streaming. You’ve probably noticed that Thursday Night Football has lived on Amazon Prime Video for a while now. If the Chiefs are playing on a Thursday, don't bother checking your cable box unless you're in the immediate Kansas City market. Locally, a station like KSHB usually carries the game, but for everyone else, it’s Prime or bust.
Then there’s the holiday weirdness. Remember the Christmas games? Netflix has entered the chat. In 2025, we saw Netflix grab exclusive rights to Christmas Day games. As we move into the 2026 cycle, expect more of this.
- Monday Night Football: Usually ESPN or ABC. Sometimes both.
- Thursday Night Football: Amazon Prime Video.
- Special Holiday Windows: Often Netflix or Peacock.
- International Games: We've seen games on YouTube and the NFL Network.
Watching the Chiefs Without Cable
Maybe you cut the cord years ago. Good for you. But it does make answering "what channel is the kansas city chiefs on" a bit more technical. If you are using a digital antenna, you can still grab CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC for free. It’s old school, but it works flawlessly and the picture quality is often better than compressed cable feeds.
If you’re a streamer, YouTube TV and FuboTV are the heavy hitters. They carry all the local channels and ESPN. Hulu + Live TV is another solid option.
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If you live outside of the Kansas City market—maybe you're a member of the "Chiefs Kingdom" living in Florida or California—NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV is basically your only way to guarantee you see every single Sunday afternoon game. Without it, you're at the mercy of whatever the local "game of the week" is in your specific zip code.
The 2026 Opponents: Who is on the Calendar?
While the exact dates and times for the 2026 season won't be set in stone until the NFL releases the official schedule in May, we already know who the Chiefs are playing. The league uses a rotating formula, so there’s no guesswork on the "who," just the "when."
For 2026, the Chiefs are slated to face the NFC West. That means high-profile matchups against the San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Seattle Seahawks. These are the kinds of games that networks like FOX and NBC fight over. You can bet at least two of those will end up in a primetime slot.
They’ll also deal with the AFC East. Expect a showdown with the Buffalo Bills. It feels like Mahomes and Josh Allen play every year, mostly because they do. Whether it’s at Arrowhead or in the snow at Highmark Stadium, that game is almost guaranteed to be a national broadcast on CBS or a Sunday Night thriller on NBC.
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Why Does the Channel Change So Much?
It's all about the money. The NFL’s current media rights deals are worth over $110 billion. To make that back, the league sells "windows."
Basically, the NFL wants to make sure as many eyes as possible are on their product at all times. By spreading games across CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Amazon, and now Netflix, they ensure that casual viewers and die-hard fans alike are constantly switching platforms. It's a bit of a headache for us, but it’s the reality of modern sports.
How to Check the Channel Today
If there's a game happening right now, or later today, here is the fastest way to check:
- The Chiefs Official App: They always list the local and national broadcast partners right on the home screen.
- NFL.com/Schedule: This is the "source of truth." It will list the network logo next to the game time.
- Local News Sites: Sites like The Kansas City Star or local TV stations (KCTV, KSHB) usually post a "how to watch" guide every Friday.
Keep in mind that "flex scheduling" is a thing. The NFL can move a game from a Sunday afternoon slot to Sunday night with just a few weeks' notice if the matchup looks like it’s going to be a blockbuster. Always double-check the schedule about six days before kickoff.
Actionable Steps for the Season
- Check your local listings every Tuesday. The NFL often makes minor tweaks to broadcast maps early in the week.
- Download the NFL+ app if you are okay with watching on a phone or tablet. It’s a cheaper way to get local and primetime games without a full cable package.
- Audit your streaming services. If you only have Prime for the Chiefs, see if you can share a login or just subscribe for the months they are playing on Thursdays.
- Get a high-quality antenna. Even if you have high-speed internet, a $30 antenna is a great backup for when your Wi-Fi decides to quit right during a two-minute drill.