If you’re waking up today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, and scouring the web to find out what time are the Kansas City Chiefs playing today, I have some news that might sting a little.
The Chiefs aren't playing.
Honestly, it feels weird. For years, this specific weekend in January—the NFL Divisional Round—has basically been a national holiday in Kansas City. But today, the GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is quiet. There are no smokers going in the parking lot, no "Tomahawk Chop" echoing through the stands, and no Patrick Mahomes magic on the television schedule.
The reality is that the 2025-2026 season didn't go according to the usual script for the Kingdom. After a decade of dominance, the Chiefs finished the regular season with a 6-11 record, officially ending their season two weeks ago with a narrow 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
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What Time Are the Kansas City Chiefs Playing Today? The 2026 Playoff Reality
Since you’re likely here because you’re used to seeing the red and gold in the postseason, you might be looking for who is taking the field instead. Even without KC, today is a massive day for NFL fans.
The Divisional Round is arguably the best weekend of football all year. If you’re looking to fill that football-shaped hole in your heart, here is what the actual schedule looks like for Sunday, January 18, 2026:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots – Kickoff is at 3:00 PM ET. You can catch this one on ABC and ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears – This nightcap starts at 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
It’s a strange feeling. Seeing the Patriots back in a Divisional game at Gillette Stadium feels like a throwback, while the Texans have clearly taken over that "young, dangerous AFC team" mantle that the Chiefs held for so long.
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Why the Chiefs Aren't on the Schedule
It’s been a tough year for the reigning dynasty. If we’re being real, the cracks started showing early. The offense, which usually hums like a fine-tuned engine, struggled with consistency all year. Mahomes still had his flashes, but the supporting cast didn't quite click the way it needed to in a hyper-competitive AFC West.
The defense, led by Chris Jones, fought hard, but you can only ask so much of a unit when the points aren't hitting the board on the other side. Losing that Week 18 game to the Raiders was just the final salt in the wound.
So, while the search for what time are the Kansas City Chiefs playing today usually yields a primetime slot, today it yields an empty calendar. They are currently in "evaluation mode," looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft and trying to figure out how to rebuild the roster around Mahomes to ensure they aren't sitting at home this time next year.
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Who to Watch if You’re a Chiefs Fan
If you’re a Chiefs fan and you still want to watch some high-stakes ball today, the Texans-Patriots game is the one to circle. The winner of that game moves one step closer to the Super Bowl—a game the Chiefs have practically owned lately. Seeing how Drake Maye or C.J. Stroud handles the pressure of the Divisional Round is a good barometer for what the Chiefs will be up against when they (hopefully) return to this stage next season.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The good news? The Chiefs aren't going anywhere long-term. Mahomes is still Mahomes. Andy Reid is still one of the greatest minds to ever whistle on a sideline. The "down year" is a trope in the NFL, and usually, it's followed by a massive vengeful streak.
While you won't find a kickoff time for the Chiefs today, you can bet the front office is already working on the 2026 schedule. We already know they’ll be facing some heavy hitters next year, including the San Francisco 49ers and the Buffalo Bills at home.
For today, grab some barbecue, settle into the couch, and enjoy the games as a neutral observer. It’s a lot less stressful, even if it’s a lot less fun than watching number 15 do something impossible in the fourth quarter.
Actionable Next Steps for Chiefs Fans:
- Check the NFL Draft order to see where the Chiefs are currently slotted to pick; with a 6-11 record, they’ll have their highest pick in years.
- Monitor the NFL Divisional Round scores today to see who moves on to the AFC Championship game.
- Review the 2026 Chiefs opponents list to start planning your road trips for next season.