You’ve checked the apps. You’ve scrolled through the sports bars’ social media feeds. Maybe you even asked Alexa. But if you’re looking for what time do chiefs play tomorrow, I have some tough news that might feel like a punch to the gut for the Kingdom.
The Kansas City Chiefs aren't playing tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, 2026. In fact, their season is officially over.
It feels weird, right? For years, January in Kansas City meant red jerseys, freezing temperatures at Arrowhead, and Patrick Mahomes doing something that defied the laws of physics. But this year, the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs is moving forward without the defending champs. Instead of a deep postseason run, the team is already looking toward the 2026 draft and offseason workouts.
The Reality of the January 18 NFL Schedule
If you turn on the TV tomorrow, you’re going to see some great football, but none of it involves Missouri. The NFL Divisional Round is set in stone. Here is who is actually taking the field while the Chiefs watch from home:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: This one kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. CT for those in KC). You can catch it on ESPN and ABC.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: The nightcap starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a surreal lineup. Seeing the Patriots and Bears back in the Divisional hunt while the Chiefs are sidelined is a massive shift in the AFC power dynamic we've grown used to.
What happened to the 2025-2026 Chiefs?
Look, every dynasty has a "down" year, but this one was particularly stinging. The Chiefs finished the 2025 regular season with a 6-11 record. Yeah, you read that right.
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The season wrapped up on January 4, 2026, with a frustrating 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. That loss was the final nail in the coffin. It capped off a year where the offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm and the usual "Mahomes Magic" was smothered by a lack of deep-threat production and some uncharacteristic defensive lapses.
They finished third in the AFC West, trailing behind a resurgent Denver Broncos squad and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Why everyone is still asking what time do chiefs play tomorrow
It’s a habit. When you win as much as Kansas City has over the last decade, fans and even casual observers just assume they’re playing in mid-January. It’s like expecting the sun to rise.
The search for what time do chiefs play tomorrow usually peaks right around this weekend because, for the last several years, the Chiefs were almost guaranteed a first-round bye or a home game in the Divisional Round. This is the first time since the 2014 season that the Chiefs haven't been a major factor in the postseason conversation.
If you’re a bettor or a fantasy enthusiast, you’ve probably noticed the odds-makers have shifted entirely. The AFC is currently being dominated by the Denver Broncos—who are hosting the Bills today—and the New England Patriots.
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Breaking down the Divisional Round matchups
Even though the Chiefs aren't in it, tomorrow's games are actually pretty fascinating from a tactical standpoint.
In the afternoon game, you have a young Houston Texans squad that has basically modeled their rebuild after what the Chiefs did years ago. They are fast, aggressive, and led by a quarterback who isn't afraid to take risks. They're heading into a hostile environment in Foxborough.
Then you have the Bears hosting the Rams. If you’re a fan of old-school, smash-mouth football in the cold, Soldier Field is the place to be. It's the kind of game that reminds you why January football is so special, even if your favorite team isn't the one on the turf.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Chiefs season
Since you can't watch them tomorrow, what’s the move? Well, the front office is already busy.
Because of that 6-11 finish, the Chiefs are looking at a much higher draft pick than they’ve had in years. General Manager Brett Veach is reportedly focused on rebuilding the receiving corps. The departure of key veterans and the lack of development in the younger wideout room were glaring issues all season.
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We already know who they'll face in 2026. Aside from the standard AFC West rivals, they’ve got a tough slate including the 49ers, Patriots, and Bills. The NFL scheduling matrix has determined they’ll play the third-place finishers from the AFC North (Cincinnati) and AFC South (Indianapolis).
It’s going to be a long road back to the top, but history suggests you shouldn't bet against Mahomes and Andy Reid for long.
Actionable steps for Chiefs fans this weekend
Don't let the lack of a game ruin your Sunday. If you're feeling the void, here’s how to handle it:
- Watch the AFC Competition: Keep a close eye on the Texans and Patriots game. One of these teams will likely be the hurdle the Chiefs have to clear next year to reclaim the AFC.
- Check the Mock Drafts: Now that the season is over, sites like PFF and ESPN are already projecting who the Chiefs might take with their top-15 pick. It’s a great way to get familiar with the next generation of KC stars.
- Revisit the Classics: If you really need a Chiefs fix, NFL+ has the archives. Watching the Super Bowl LVIII highlights is a good reminder that the "down" years are just the setup for the next comeback.
Basically, the Chiefs are "on the clock" now, even if they aren't on the field. The road to Super Bowl LXI starts with the lessons learned from this disappointing 2025 campaign.