You’ve got the wings ready. The lucky jersey is on. You’re scanning the TV guide looking for the Red Kingdom, but something feels off. If you’re asking what channel is the Kansas City Chiefs playing, the answer for today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, might be a tough pill to swallow: they aren’t playing.
The Chiefs aren't on the schedule because their 2025-2026 season ended earlier than anyone in Missouri—or the world—really expected. For a team that practically lived in the AFC Championship for the better part of a decade, seeing a Divisional Round Saturday without Patrick Mahomes feels like a glitch in the Matrix. But it's real. The Chiefs finished their regular season with a 12-14 loss to the Raiders on January 4, 2026, and they didn't make the cut for the postseason dance this time around.
Honestly, it’s weird. We’re so used to seeing Arrowhead Stadium shaking in mid-January. Instead, the AFC spotlight has shifted to Denver and Foxborough.
Where the Action Is if the Chiefs Aren't Playing
Since you’re already on the couch, you might as well see who is actually fighting for the spot the Chiefs usually own. Today is the start of the Divisional Round, and the bracket is actually pretty wild.
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: This is the big AFC matchup today. It’s airing on CBS (and streaming on Paramount+). Kickoff is at 4:30 PM ET. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo are on the call.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: For the NFC side of things, you’ll need to flip over to FOX at 8:00 PM ET. Tom Brady is in the booth for this one alongside Kevin Burkhardt.
Basically, if you were looking for the Chiefs, you're going to find Josh Allen or Bo Nix instead. It’s a strange transition for NFL fans who have basically penciled Kansas City into the Super Bowl for the last several years.
What Happened to the Chiefs in 2025?
So, how did we get here? How is it that we’re asking what channel is the Kansas City Chiefs playing only to find out they’re at home?
💡 You might also like: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
The 2025 season was a grind. The Chiefs faced a brutal schedule, including a heartbreaking Christmas Day loss to the Broncos and that final Week 18 stinger against Las Vegas. Injuries played a part, but the AFC West has also become a gauntlet. The Broncos secured the top seed in the AFC this year, which is why they’re the ones hosting the Bills today.
It wasn't just one thing. It was a "perfect storm" of a struggling run defense and some uncharacteristic turnovers in the red zone. Andy Reid is still at the helm, and he’s still the winningest active coach not named Sean Payton (who, ironically, is coaching the Broncos today), but even the best dynasties have a "reloading" year.
The 2026 Opponents Are Already Set
Even though they aren't on a channel today, the road to redemption is already mapped out. We don't have the specific dates yet—the NFL usually drops that bombshell in May—but we know exactly who Kansas City will be facing in the 2026 regular season.
- The AFC West Rivals: You know the drill. Two games each against the Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers.
- The AFC East: They’ll play the Patriots, Bills, Dolphins, and Jets. That Bills game is almost certainly going to be a primetime "Game of the Week" on NBC or CBS.
- The NFC West: A heavy-hitting rotation featuring the Seahawks, Rams, 49ers, and Cardinals.
- The "Formula" Games: Based on their third-place finish in the division, they’ll also face the Colts, Bengals, and Falcons.
How to Watch Future Chiefs Games
When the 2026 season eventually kicks off in September, you’ll want to have your streaming apps sorted. The NFL's broadcasting landscape is messier than a fumbled snap. Usually, you’re looking at a mix of these platforms:
CBS and Paramount+
This remains the "home" of the AFC. Most Sunday afternoon Chiefs games will live here. If you’re local to Kansas City, KSHB-TV is usually your go-to.
📖 Related: Eastern Conference Finals 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
FOX
When the Chiefs play an NFC team (like that upcoming matchup with the 49ers), FOX usually gets the rights.
NBC and Peacock
Sunday Night Football is still the gold standard. Given the Chiefs' star power, expect them to land at least two or three spots here next season.
ESPN and ABC
Monday Night Football. It’s a staple. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman aren't going anywhere, and they love a Mahomes highlight reel.
Amazon Prime Video
Thursday Night Football. You’ll need a Prime subscription for these, though local markets usually get a broadcast on a local channel to keep things fair.
Actionable Next Steps for Chiefs Fans
Since the game isn't on, here is what you can actually do today to get your football fix and prepare for the 2026 comeback.
👉 See also: Texas vs Oklahoma Football Game: Why the Red River Rivalry is Getting Even Weirder
First, watch the Bills vs. Broncos game on CBS at 4:30 PM ET. Why? Because whoever wins that game is likely the team the Chiefs will have to leapfrog next year to get back to the top. Seeing how Denver’s defense handles the Bills' passing attack will give you a good idea of what Kansas City needs to tweak in the off-season.
Second, mark your calendar for the 2026 NFL Draft. It usually happens in late April. Since the Chiefs finished 3rd in the division, they’ll have a higher draft pick than they’ve had in years. This is where the "rebuild" actually happens. Look for them to target offensive line depth or a speedy receiver to stretch the field.
Lastly, check out the Chiefs Mobile App or 96.5 The Fan. Even in the off-season, the local radio and team reporters like Matt McMullen are dropping insights on roster changes and coaching adjustments.
The "Red Kingdom" might be quiet today, but in the NFL, the off-season is just a countdown to the next kickoff. Keep your remote handy—the 2026 schedule will be here before you know it.