You're sitting there, wings are getting cold, and the remote is getting a workout. We’ve all been there. Trying to figure out what channel kc chiefs are playing on feels like a part-time job lately. Honestly, the NFL has made it a scavenger hunt between cable, about five different streaming apps, and those weird exclusive holiday games.
The Chiefs aren't just a local team anymore; they're the league's main characters. That means they get yanked around the schedule more than anyone else. If you're in the 816 or 913, you have it a bit easier with local broadcasts, but for the rest of us, it's a digital maze.
The Short Answer for Today's Game
If you are looking for the game right now, look at CBS. Historically, the AFC lives on CBS, and that hasn't changed for the bulk of the Sunday afternoon slate. Most weeks, if Mahomes is playing at 1:00 PM or 3:25 PM, Jim Nantz and Tony Romo are probably calling it on your local CBS affiliate.
But wait.
If it’s a primetime game, you need to pivot. Sunday Night Football is strictly NBC (and Peacock). Monday Night Football belongs to ESPN, though they occasionally simulcast on ABC if the ratings gods demand it.
The Streaming Chaos
Streaming has changed everything. It's not just "turn on the TV" anymore. Here is how the digital side of what channel kc chiefs actually works:
- Paramount+: This is your best friend for CBS games. If the game is on CBS, it’s streaming here.
- Peacock: They have the exclusive rights to some games now. If it’s Sunday Night, it’s here. Sometimes they even hide a playoff game behind this paywall.
- Amazon Prime Video: Thursday Night Football is their territory. If the Chiefs are playing on a Thursday, don't bother looking for a channel number. It's an app thing.
- Netflix: Yeah, you read that right. In 2025 and 2026, Netflix has started grabbing those Christmas Day slots.
How to Watch If You Are Out of Market
Living in Kansas City is great for football because the local channels are forced to show the game. If you’re a fan living in, say, New York or Florida, you're at the mercy of the "Map."
🔗 Read more: Siksorogo Ultra Lawu 2025: Why It Is Actually Indonesia’s Toughest Mountain Race
You know the one. Those color-coded maps that show which parts of the country get which game. Usually, the Chiefs get "national" coverage, but if they're playing a struggling team, you might get stuck watching a local blowout instead.
NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV is the only "official" way to guarantee you see every single out-of-market game. It’s expensive. Kinda painfully so. But if you can't live without seeing every snap, it's the gold standard.
The "Skinny" Bundle Hack
If you've cut the cord, you don't necessarily need the $400 Sunday Ticket. Services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV carry the local channels (CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC).
Fubo is particularly popular for sports fans because it keeps the interface simple, but YouTube TV’s multiview feature—where you can watch four games at once—is a game-changer for RedZone junkies.
Radio Is Still a Vibe
Sometimes you’re stuck in the car. Or maybe you just can't stand the TV announcers. The Chiefs Radio Network is legendary. Mitch Holthus is the voice of your childhood, or at least the voice of every "Touchdown, Kan-sas City!" you’ve ever loved.
🔗 Read more: Dallas Mavericks Schedule NBA: What Most People Get Wrong
In KC, you’re looking for 96.5 The Fan. They recently took over as the flagship. If you’re outside the area, the Chiefs Mobile App usually streams the radio broadcast, though NFL blackouts can be finicky depending on your GPS location.
What About the Postseason?
When the playoffs roll around, the rules change again. The NFL spreads the love (and the money) across every major network.
- Wild Card Weekend: Could be anywhere. NBC, CBS, FOX, and even that exclusive Peacock game we mentioned.
- Divisional Round: Usually split between CBS and FOX.
- AFC Championship: This has been a CBS staple for years.
- The Super Bowl: It rotates every year between the big three (and occasionally ABC).
Why the Channel Keeps Changing
It's all about "Flex Scheduling." The NFL wants the biggest audiences for the best games. If the Chiefs were originally scheduled for a Sunday afternoon on CBS, but the game becomes a massive showdown, NBC can "flex" it to Sunday night.
This usually happens with about 12 days' notice. If you’re planning a watch party, keep an eye on the schedule about two weeks out. Nothing ruins a party like finding out the game moved from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Actionable Steps for the Next Kickoff
Don't wait until five minutes before kickoff to figure this out.
First, download the NFL App. It’s actually pretty decent at telling you exactly which local channel has the rights in your current zip code.
Second, if you're a cord-cutter, make sure your apps are updated. There is nothing worse than opening Paramount+ and seeing a "System Update" bar when the Chiefs are already on their opening drive.
Finally, if you’re traveling, check the 506 Sports website. They publish those color-coded broadcast maps every Wednesday. It’s the most reliable way to know if your hotel TV is going to show the game or a infomercial.
Basically, stay flexible. The days of just "Channel 5" are over. But as long as Mahomes is under center, it’s worth the hunt.