If you’re waking up on this chilly Saturday, January 17, 2026, and frantically searching for what time do the Kansas City Chiefs play today, I have some news that might sting a little. You probably shouldn't set the slow cooker for those famous KC wings just yet.
In a twist that feels almost surreal given their recent dominance, the Kansas City Chiefs are not playing today.
Actually, they aren't playing at all this weekend. For the first time in what feels like an eternity, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are watching the Divisional Round from their couches just like we are. It’s weird, right? After years of the "Arrowhead Invitational" becoming a January staple, the 2025-2026 season took a sharp left turn that nobody in Missouri—or the betting markets—really saw coming.
Why the Chiefs Aren't on the Schedule Today
So, here is the deal. The Chiefs finished their regular season with a 6-11 record. Yeah, you read that correctly. Between a mid-season slump that saw them drop games to divisional rivals like the Broncos and Raiders, and a stagnant offense that just couldn't find its rhythm, they missed the postseason entirely.
While the rest of the AFC West is buzzing, Kansas City is already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft. If you’re a die-hard member of the Kingdom, today isn't about kickoff times; it’s about scouting. Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch considering they were defending champions not too long ago.
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The "Corndog" play that Mecole Hardman used to win a Super Bowl? Other teams are using it now. In fact, if you tune into the games today, you'll see the Buffalo Bills—the team that usually loses to KC in January—running those exact plays against Denver.
Who is Playing Today? (The Actual Saturday Schedule)
Since you’re likely still looking for some high-stakes football to fill the void, the NFL still has a massive double-header for the Divisional Round. Even without the Chiefs, these matchups are pretty spicy.
Game 1: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 PM ET (1:30 PM PT)
- Channel: CBS / Paramount+
- The Vibe: Denver is the #1 seed this year. It’s bizarre to see them at the top while KC sits at the bottom of the AFC West, but Bo Nix has been playing out of his mind.
Game 2: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
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- Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT)
- Channel: FOX / FOX One
- The Vibe: A classic NFC West rivalry in the playoffs. Seattle took the top spot in the conference, and the 49ers are trying to prove they’re still the kings of the West.
If you were hoping to see what time do the Kansas City Chiefs play today because you wanted to catch Mecole Hardman, he’s actually playing for the Bills now. He even scored the first touchdown of the day today on a "Corndog" motion play against Denver. Talk about salt in the wound for Chiefs fans.
Looking Ahead: When Will the Chiefs Play Again?
Since there’s no game today, your next chance to see the Red and Gold will be the 2026 preseason in August. The NFL hasn't released the specific dates for the 2026 schedule yet—they usually do that in May—but we already know who they're going to face.
Because they finished third in the AFC West, their 2026 schedule is actually a bit "easier" on paper. They’ll play the usual suspects: Denver, Las Vegas, and the Chargers twice. They also draw the AFC East and the NFC West next year. That means Mahomes will be facing off against Josh Allen and Brock Purdy again soon enough.
The 2026 Opponent List
- Home Games: Broncos, Raiders, Chargers, Jets, Cardinals, 49ers, Colts.
- Away Games: Broncos, Raiders, Chargers, Patriots, Bills, Dolphins, Seahawks, Falcons, Bengals.
It’s a tough road back to the top. Missing the playoffs in 2026 was a wake-up call for the front office. Expect a lot of movement in free agency this March.
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What to Do Instead of Watching the Chiefs
Honestly, the best thing you can do today is keep an eye on the Bills vs. Broncos game. Watching Denver host a playoff game as the #1 seed is a glimpse into the mountain the Chiefs have to climb next year. Plus, seeing Joe Brady and the Bills use Andy Reid’s own playbook is a weirdly fascinating bit of "copycat" football that proves just how much the league still respects what KC built.
If you’re still craving Chiefs content, today is a great day to dive into the mock drafts. With a top-10 pick likely on the horizon, the conversation in Kansas City has shifted from "Who do we play in the AFC Championship?" to "Which wide receiver can we get to help Mahomes?"
Keep an eye on the scouting reports for the upcoming NFL Combine. That is where the real "game" begins for Kansas City this year.
Next Steps for Chiefs Fans:
Check the current NFL Divisional standings to see how the AFC West rivals are faring, and start tracking the 2026 NFL Draft order to see where the Chiefs' first-round pick eventually lands.