It is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the divisional round of the NFL playoffs is officially in full swing. If you are waking up in Kansas City or across the Kingdom and frantically asking what time does the chiefs game start, I have some tough news that might ruin your morning coffee.
There isn't one.
The Kansas City Chiefs are not playing today. In fact, they aren’t playing tomorrow, either. For the first time in what feels like an eternity for the Mahomes era, the Chiefs missed the postseason entirely. After a brutal 6-11 finish in the 2025-2026 regular season, the team is currently in "evaluating the roster" mode rather than "championship" mode. It's weird. It’s quiet. Honestly, it’s a bit of a shock to the system for a fan base that has basically considered the AFC Championship Game a birthright for nearly a decade.
The Reality of Why You Can't Find What Time Does the Chiefs Game Is On
The search for what time does the chiefs game kick off usually leads to a high-stakes playoff bracket this time of year. But if you look at the 2026 Divisional Round schedule, the AFC matchups look very different. Today, the Buffalo Bills are taking on the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET. Later tonight, the San Francisco 49ers face the Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The Chiefs’ season ended on January 4, 2026, with a narrow 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. That loss was the final nail in the coffin of a year plagued by offensive inconsistencies and a defense that couldn't quite replicate the magic of 2024.
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Why the Chiefs Are Sitting Out the 2026 Playoffs
It wasn't just one thing. Football is never that simple. The 2025 season was a slog from the jump. You’ve probably noticed the shift if you watched the tape. The offensive line struggled with injuries, and the connection between Patrick Mahomes and his receiving corps—usually so lethal—seemed out of sync during critical "must-win" games in November and December.
- Week 17 Heartbreak: The Christmas Day loss to the Denver Broncos (20-13) effectively ended any slim hope of a wildcard miracle.
- The Away Slump: Kansas City went 1-8 on the road this year. That is a staggering statistic for a team with this much talent.
- Division Woes: Going 0-6 in the AFC West? That's almost unheard of for this franchise.
Basically, the "Chiefs Kingdom" is experiencing its first real winter in a long time.
What to Watch While You Wait for 2027
Since you're likely a football junkie if you're searching for what time does the chiefs game start, you don't have to go cold turkey. The NFL divisional round is actually featuring some of the Chiefs' biggest rivals today and tomorrow.
If you want to scout the competition for next year, here is who is actually taking the field this weekend:
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- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This is the big AFC game today (Saturday, Jan 17). It starts at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Seeing the Broncos in the divisional round as the #1 seed is a bitter pill for KC fans, but it's the current reality of the AFC West.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: A classic NFC West battle tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: Tomorrow, Sunday, Jan 18 at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: The final divisional game on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Watching the Bills and Broncos battle for a spot in the AFC Championship might be painful, but it gives a clear picture of the mountain the Chiefs have to climb to get back to the top.
Looking Ahead to the 2026-2027 Season
So, if the game isn't today, when do we see Mahomes back in action? The 2026 regular season won't kick off until September, but the work starts now. The Chiefs have a high draft pick—something they haven't had in years.
The 2026 home opponents are already set. We know that the 49ers, Colts, Patriots, Cardinals, and Jets will all be coming to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Plus, the usual suspects from the AFC West. There is a lot of talk about whether the team will look to add a veteran wide receiver in free agency or if they'll focus entirely on rebuilding the defensive front.
The coaching staff is likely already deep into the 2026 NFL Draft prep. With a top-10 pick likely on the horizon, the focus is on finding an immediate impact player to ensure that next year, when people ask what time does the chiefs game start in January, there’s actually an answer.
Actionable Steps for Chiefs Fans Today
Since there is no game to watch, here is how you can spend your Saturday like a true scout:
- Watch the Broncos/Bills Game: Pay close attention to the Broncos' defensive schemes. They've dominated the AFC West this year, and the Chiefs have to solve that puzzle twice next season.
- Track the Draft Order: Start looking at 2026 Mock Drafts. Since the Chiefs are out, their draft position is locked in. Names like the standout edge rushers from Georgia or the top tackles from the Big Ten are going to be on the radar.
- Check the Injury Reports: Follow the post-season surgeries. Several Chiefs players were playing through "nagging" issues that contributed to the 6-11 record. Their recovery timelines will dictate how the early 2026 season looks.
The drought is real, but it’s rarely permanent in Kansas City. Use this weekend to appreciate the rest of the league, even if it feels a little wrong to watch a playoff game without a red jersey on the field.