If you just typed what is the score for the kansas city chiefs into your search bar, you're probably looking for a live update. Honestly, the news is a bit of a bummer if you're a member of the Kingdom. The Chiefs aren't playing today. In fact, their season is officially over.
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs played their final game of the regular season against the Las Vegas Raiders. They lost. The final score was 14-12 in favor of the Raiders. It was a weird, defensive slog at Allegiant Stadium that ended on a 60-yard walk-off field goal by Daniel Carlson.
What is the score for the kansas city chiefs right now?
Since it is currently mid-January 2026, there is no "live" score to report. For the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, the Chiefs missed the playoffs entirely. They finished the 2025-2026 season with a 6-11 record.
That 14-12 loss to the Raiders was basically a microcosm of their whole year. Shane Buechele was under center because Mahomes has been dealing with an injury—a rehab process he recently told reporters is a "long process." The offense just couldn't find the end zone. Harrison Butker accounted for all 12 of the Chiefs' points, hitting four field goals, including a 41-yarder with just over a minute left that briefly gave KC a 12-11 lead.
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Then, the defense let Aidan O'Connell and the Raiders march down the field. Carlson’s 60-yarder as time expired was the dagger.
A look at the 2025-2026 final standings
Kansas City ended up third in the AFC West. Here is how the division shook out:
- Denver Broncos: 14-3 (Division Champs)
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11-6 (Wild Card)
- Kansas City Chiefs: 6-11
- Las Vegas Raiders: 3-14
It's a jarring sight for fans used to hosting the AFC Championship game every January. The team struggled with consistency, losing their last six games in a row. You’ve gotta go back years to find a skid that bad in KC.
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Why the Chiefs aren't in the playoffs
If you're wondering why you can't find a playoff score for the Chiefs, it's because they didn't qualify. They were officially eliminated late in December after a string of losses to the Texans, Chargers, Titans, and Broncos.
Injuries played a massive role. When Patrick Mahomes went down, the dynamic of the entire AFC changed. While players like Travis Kelce continued to hit milestones—Kelce actually surpassed 13,000 career receiving yards during that Raiders game—the scoring output cratered. They averaged fewer than 15 points per game over the final month of the season.
There's also been a lot of talk about the roster turnover. Losing key veterans in the previous offseason left the team relying on young guys like WR Jalen Royals and OT Josh Simmons. They’re talented, but the "Chiefs Mystique" didn't quite cover for the lack of experience this time around.
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Chiefs 2025 season highlights (and lowlights)
- The High Point: A mid-season win over the Indianapolis Colts (23-20 in OT) that briefly had people thinking they might sneak into a Wild Card spot.
- The Milestone: Travis Kelce becoming just the third tight end in NFL history to reach 13,000 yards.
- The Low Point: A 31-0 blowout loss at home earlier in the season, which signaled that something was fundamentally wrong with the offensive rhythm.
- The Finale: The 14-12 heartbreaker in Vegas that ended the year on a six-game losing streak.
What happens next for Kansas City?
So, if there's no score to check, what are fans doing? They're looking at the 2026 NFL Draft. Since they finished 6-11, they'll have a much higher draft pick than they've had in a decade.
The front office, led by Brett Veach, is already pivoting to the offseason. We know who they’ll play in 2026, even if we don't have the dates yet. They’ll be facing the AFC East and the NFC West. That means games against the Bills, Dolphins, 49ers, and Rams. It’s not going to be an easy road back to the top.
Most of the conversation right now is centered on Patrick Mahomes' health. He’s aiming for a Week 1 return in September 2026. Until then, the "score" for the Chiefs is basically a zero until the preseason kicks off in August.
Actionable insights for Chiefs fans
- Track the Draft: Keep an eye on the Top 10 projected picks. The Chiefs are in a rare position to snag a blue-chip talent.
- Mahomes Injury Updates: Follow official team reporters like Matt McMullen for the most accurate rehab timelines.
- Salary Cap Watch: With some big contracts on the books, seeing how they handle the upcoming free agency period in March will be key to a 2026 turnaround.