You’ve got the wings ready, the lucky jersey is on, and you’re frantically scrolling through the TV guide wondering what channel is the kc game on today. It's a frustrating feeling. You see the NFL playoff promos everywhere. You see "Divisional Round" headlines splashed across sports sites. But as you flip through CBS, FOX, and NBC, there is a distinct lack of red and gold on the screen.
Honestly, the news isn't what most Kansas City fans want to hear right now.
There is no Chiefs game today, Friday, January 16, 2026. The harsh reality of the 2025-2026 season is that the Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs entirely. After a dominant run over the last several years, the team finished with a 6-11 record, rooted at the bottom of the AFC West. Their season officially ended on January 4, 2026, with a 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Where Are the Chiefs? Understanding the 2026 Postseason
If you are looking for what channel is the kc game on today because you're used to seeing Patrick Mahomes playing deep into January, you aren't alone. It feels weird. For nearly a decade, KC has been a fixture in the Divisional Round. But this year, the spotlight has shifted to other teams in the AFC like the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, who are currently preparing for their Saturday and Sunday matchups.
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The NFL Divisional Round schedule for this weekend looks like this:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET on CBS)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET on FOX)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET on NBC)
Notice a trend? No Kansas City. They’ve traded the gridiron for the golf course and the rehab room this winter.
Other "KC" Teams Playing Today
While the Chiefs are out, "KC" can mean a few things depending on who you're rooting for. If you’re a multi-sport fan in Missouri or Kansas, you might actually be looking for a different kind of "KC game" happening right now.
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The Kansas City Mavericks (Hockey)
If you need a local sports fix, the KC Mavericks are actually in action. They are taking on the Utah Grizzlies tonight, Friday, Jan 16. The puck drops at 8:10 PM CST. If you want to watch this one, you won't find it on standard cable channels like ESPN. You'll need to tune in via FloHockey, which is the primary streaming service for the ECHL.
Kansas Jayhawks Basketball
Technically "KU" and not "KC," but most locals follow them just as closely. The Jayhawks are playing a massive game against the Baylor Bears tonight at Allen Fieldhouse. This game is on major TV. You can catch it at 7:00 PM CST on FOX.
Why the Chiefs Missed the Cut
It’s been a weird year for the Kingdom. Patrick Mahomes spent much of the latter half of the season dealing with lingering injury issues, and the offensive line struggled to provide the protection he’s used to. Basically, the magic ran out at the wrong time.
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The defense, led by Steve Spagnuolo, remained stout, but you can’t win in the modern NFL when you’re averaging fewer than 18 points a game. The AFC West was surprisingly competitive this year too, with the Broncos surging under a revamped roster to take the top seed in the conference.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since you can't find what channel is the kc game on today, the best thing to do is look at when they'll actually be back. The NFL hasn't released the exact dates for the 2026 regular season yet—that usually happens in May—but we already know who they are playing.
The 2026 schedule will see the Chiefs facing off against the AFC East and the NFC West. That means high-profile home games at Arrowhead against the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets. They’ll also have to travel to take on the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins.
Actionable Steps for Disappointed Fans
- Cancel the Sunday Ticket (Temporarily): If you only subscribed to YouTube TV or NFL Sunday Ticket to watch the Chiefs, you might want to pause your subscription to save some cash until August.
- Watch the Jayhawks: If you need that "KC" area energy, the KU vs. Baylor game on FOX tonight is going to be high-intensity and features several future NBA picks.
- Track the Draft: The Chiefs have a high draft pick this year (roughly 6th overall). Start looking at scouting reports for offensive tackles or wide receivers; that’s where the off-season "game" is won.
- Follow the Mavericks: Download the FloSports app if you want to follow the Mavericks' road trip through Utah this weekend.
The era of Mahomes isn't over, but for this specific Friday in January, the remote stays on the coffee table. There’s no KC game on the tube today, but the road back to the Super Bowl starts with the scouting combine in just a few weeks.