If you’re scouring the web trying to figure out what time do the kansas city chiefs play tomorrow, I have some news that might sting a little. Tomorrow is Saturday, January 17, 2026. Usually, this is the height of the NFL Divisional Round—the best weekend of football all year.
But for the first time in a decade, the Chiefs aren't in it.
Honestly, it feels weird. We've spent years just assuming Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid would be hosting a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this time of year. But the 2025-2026 season was a different beast entirely.
The Chiefs Schedule Explained: Why No Game Tomorrow?
The reality is that the Kansas City Chiefs' season ended on January 4, 2026, with a tough 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. They finished the year with a 6-11 record. Because they didn't make the playoffs, there is no game scheduled for tomorrow.
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Instead of watching the Red Kingdom take the field, fans are looking at a Divisional Round lineup that looks like this:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS).
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET (FOX).
It’s a bitter pill to swallow for a fanbase that has basically lived in the AFC Championship for the last seven years.
What Happened to the Chiefs This Year?
You’ve probably been following the headlines, but the wheels kind of fell off in 2025. It wasn't just one thing. Mahomes dealt with a lingering injury rehab through the later half of the season, and the offense struggled to find that explosive rhythm we're used to seeing.
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Losing to the Broncos on Christmas Day was a low point. That 20-13 loss essentially sealed their fate. They missed the playoffs entirely, ending a streak of eight consecutive AFC West titles.
If you are looking for what time do the kansas city chiefs play tomorrow, you're actually looking at the first Saturday of the Chiefs' offseason.
Key Dates for the Chiefs' Offseason
Since they aren't playing tomorrow, the focus shifts to rebuilding. Here is what the calendar looks like for the front office:
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- March 11, 2026: The new league year begins. This is when free agency officially kicks off.
- April 2026: The NFL Draft. Expect Brett Veach to be very active here, especially looking at offensive line depth and maybe another weapon for Mahomes.
- Late July 2026: Training camp in St. Joseph returns.
Where to Watch the Other Games
Even though Kansas City isn't playing, tomorrow’s games are huge. If you still want your football fix, you can catch the Bills and Broncos on CBS or stream it via Paramount+. Later that night, the 49ers and Seahawks—two of the biggest rivals in the NFC—battle it out on FOX.
It’s a strange feeling for Kansas City fans to be "neutral" observers. Usually, we’re checking weather reports for snow at Arrowhead or worrying about Travis Kelce’s snap count.
Tomorrow? Most Chiefs fans will probably be watching to see if Denver gets knocked out.
Moving Forward: Actionable Steps for Fans
Since there is no game tomorrow, here is how you can actually stay plugged into what’s happening with the team:
- Check the Roster Status: Keep an eye on the "futures" contracts. The Chiefs recently signed players like Andrew Armstrong (WR) and Kam Arnold (OLB) to reserve/future deals.
- Monitor Mahomes’ Rehab: The quarterback has been vocal about being 100% for Week 1 of the 2026 season. His progress over the next few months is the most important storyline in Kansas City.
- Free Agency Watch: With big names like Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and Travis Kelce having questions around their longevity or contract status, March will be the real "game day" for this team.
Basically, the "game" tomorrow for Chiefs fans is scouting the competition. It’s a rebuilding phase we haven't seen in a long time, but with #15 under center, the wait for next season's kickoff is already on everyone's mind.