The question of what time do chiefs play sunday usually implies a high-stakes playoff game, a freezing Arrowhead tailgate, and Patrick Mahomes doing something that defies physics. But if you’re looking for the Chiefs on the schedule for this Sunday, January 18, 2026, I have some news that might sting a little.
They aren't playing.
Honestly, it’s weird to even type that. For years, the Kansas City Chiefs playing in the Divisional Round was as certain as death and taxes. But the 2025-2026 season was a different beast entirely. After a grueling campaign that saw the team struggle with uncharacteristic consistency issues, the Chiefs finished the regular season with a 6-11 record.
They missed the dance.
Why the Chiefs Aren't Playing This Sunday
It’s been a long time since January felt this quiet in Kansas City. Usually, by now, we’re talking about "Big Red" Andy Reid’s record coming off a bye or whether Travis Kelce is healthy enough to rack up ten catches. Instead, the Chiefs wrapped up their season back on January 4th with a tough 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
If you’re still itching for football this Sunday—and let’s be real, who isn't?—the NFL Divisional Round is still moving full steam ahead without the kingdom.
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: This one kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. CT) on ESPN and ABC.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: The nightcap starts at 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CT) on NBC and Peacock.
Basically, if you’re looking for what time do chiefs play sunday, the answer for the rest of this month is "next year."
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What Happened to the 2025-2026 Season?
You’ve probably seen the stats by now. A 6-11 finish is the kind of thing that makes a fanbase do a double-take. It wasn't just one thing. It was a "perfect storm" of injuries, a defense that couldn't quite find its footing in the red zone, and a schedule that felt like a gauntlet from Week 1.
They started the year in Brazil against the Chargers and never really found a rhythm.
Losing to Denver twice in one season? That’s a tough pill to swallow. Watching the Broncos take the No. 1 seed in the AFC while the Chiefs watch from home is even tougher. Experts like Matt McMullen have already started dissecting the "why," pointing toward the third-place finish in the AFC West as a sign that the division has finally caught up to the powerhouse.
Looking Toward the 2026 Schedule
While we don't have the exact kickoff times yet, we do know exactly who the Chiefs are playing in 2026. Because they finished third in the division, their 2026 "strength of schedule" looks a bit more manageable on paper, though there are no easy Sundays in this league.
You can expect games against:
- AFC West Rivals: The usual suspects—Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers (home and away).
- AFC East: Bills, Patriots, Dolphins, and Jets.
- NFC West: Seahawks, Rams, 49ers, and Cardinals.
- Extra Matchups: The Colts, Bengals, and Falcons.
The "17th game" for 2026 is scheduled to be an away game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Predicting the 2026 Comeback
So, when will we actually be asking what time do chiefs play sunday with an answer that involves a kickoff? The 2026 preseason usually starts in early August. If history is any indicator, a "down year" for Mahomes usually precedes a massive "revenge tour."
Think about it. The last time people doubted this core, they went on a tear.
The front office is already looking at the draft. With a higher pick than they’ve had in a decade, the potential to snag a top-tier playmaker is huge. Whether it's adding another weapon for Mahomes or shoring up the offensive line, the work for next January starts right now.
Actionable Next Steps for Chiefs Fans
If you’re feeling the void of a Chiefs-less Sunday, here is how to pivot:
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- Scout the Competition: Watch the Texans and Patriots this Sunday. These are the teams the Chiefs will have to leapfrog next season to get back to the top.
- Check the Draft Order: Keep an eye on the mock drafts. Since the Chiefs finished 6-11, they'll have a surprisingly high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Mark Your Calendar: The full 2026 schedule with specific dates and times usually drops in mid-May. That’s when we’ll know the exact time for the 2026 season opener.
The era isn't over. It's just on a temporary hiatus. While we won't be seeing any "Mahomes Magic" this Sunday, the foundation for the 2026 season is already being laid.