So, you're sitting on the couch, maybe looking for the remote, and wondering what time does the kansas city chiefs come on today. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you're looking for a kickoff time for this weekend—or any weekend for the rest of this month—you aren't going to find one.
The Chiefs aren't playing.
For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the Kingdom is quiet in January. After a grueling 2025 season that saw some high highs and some pretty frustrating lows, Kansas City finished with a 6-11 record. They didn't make the cut for the 2026 NFL Playoffs. While the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans are out there duking it out in the Divisional Round, Patrick Mahomes and company are already looking toward the draft.
It’s weird, right? We’ve been so spoiled by deep postseason runs that a January without Chiefs football feels like a glitch in the matrix.
When is the Next Chiefs Game?
Since they missed the playoffs, the question of what time does the kansas city chiefs come on shifts from "today" to "next season." We don't have the exact kickoff times yet. The NFL is notoriously protective of its schedule release, usually dropping the full calendar in mid-May.
Historically, we can expect the 2026 preseason to start in early August, with the regular season kicking off the first week of September. Specifically, the 2026 NFL season is slated to begin on September 10, 2026. Because the Chiefs finished third in the AFC West, they won't be hosting the primetime season opener this year—that honor usually goes to the defending Super Bowl sub-champs.
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The 2026 Opponents: Who is Arrowhead Hosting?
Even without a clock ticking down to kickoff, we know exactly who the Chiefs are playing in 2026. The NFL’s scheduling formula is basically a math equation that rotates every year.
Kansas City is set to face the AFC East and the NFC West this year. That means some heavyweight matchups are coming to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. You’ve got the San Francisco 49ers coming to town, which is always a grudge match. Then there’s the New York Jets and the New England Patriots.
Here is the breakdown of the home and away slate for 2026:
Home Games at Arrowhead:
- Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- New England Patriots
- Arizona Cardinals
- San Francisco 49ers
- Indianapolis Colts
Away Games:
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- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- Seattle Seahawks
- Los Angeles Rams
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Atlanta Falcons
That away schedule is a gauntlet. Traveling to Buffalo and Cincinnati in the same year is never easy, and a trip to Seattle’s "12th Man" is always a loud, messy affair. Honestly, the 2026 season looks like a major "bounce back" opportunity for the roster.
Why the Chiefs Aren't on TV Right Now
If you're still searching for what time does the kansas city chiefs come on because you saw a headline about them, it was likely related to the roster shakeups happening in the facility.
The big story right now? Travis Kelce.
The legendary tight end is currently mulling over retirement. He’ll be 37 this October. While he hasn't officially hung up the cleats, the team is already making moves. They recently signed Tre Watson to a reserve/future contract. It's a "just in case" move, but it shows the front office isn't sitting on its hands.
The 2025 season ended with a 14-12 loss to the Raiders on January 4th. That was the final whistle for the year. Since then, the only "Chiefs" content you'll find on TV is highlights or talk show pundits debating whether the dynasty is over. (Spoiler: With Mahomes under center, it’s never really over.)
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How to Watch the Chiefs When They Return
When the 2026 season finally arrives, the "where to watch" is going to be just as important as the "what time."
The NFL’s broadcasting landscape is getting... complicated. You’ve got CBS and FOX for the Sunday afternoon games. But then you’ve got Amazon Prime for Thursday nights, and sometimes even Netflix or Peacock getting exclusive rights to certain windows.
If the Chiefs are playing a local game or a major national broadcast:
- CBS/Paramount+: This is the home for most AFC games. If it’s a 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM ET kickoff, this is your best bet.
- NBC/Peacock: Sunday Night Football. The Chiefs are still a massive TV draw, so expect them to land here at least twice.
- ESPN/ABC: Monday Night Football.
- NFL+: This is the league’s own streaming service for mobile viewing.
Actionable Steps for Chiefs Fans in the Offseason
Since you can't watch them play today, here is how you can stay prepared for when the 2026 schedule actually drops:
- Mark Your Calendar for Mid-May: This is when the NFL releases the official dates and times. That is when you will finally have a real answer to what time does the kansas city chiefs come on.
- Track the Draft: The Chiefs have a high pick this year compared to their usual spot at 32. The NFL Draft starts April 23, 2026.
- Check International News: There are rumors the Chiefs might be headed overseas again in 2026. The league is eyeing games in Australia and Germany. If they play in Melbourne, the "what time" is going to be very early in the morning for US fans!
- Verify Your Streaming Subs: If you cancelled Paramount+ or Sunday Ticket because the season ended, make a note to check for "early bird" deals in July.
The 6-11 finish was a gut punch, no doubt. But the road to Super Bowl LXI in 2027 starts now. Keep an eye on the free agency period in March; that’s when we’ll see how serious the front office is about retooling the defense and getting Mahomes some more help on the perimeter.