You're looking for a kickoff time. I get it. We’ve all been there, hovering over the remote or checking the betting lines, waiting for that specific "what time does the KC Chiefs play today" answer so we can plan the wings and the beer.
But if you’re looking for a game on Thursday, January 15, 2026, there’s some news that might sting a little.
The Kansas City Chiefs are not playing today. In fact, they aren’t playing this weekend at all. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently heating up with the Bills, Broncos, Seahawks, and 49ers, the red and gold are already looking toward the 2027 draft.
The 2025-2026 Season Wrap-Up
It’s been a weird year for the Kingdom. Honestly, it was a rough one. The Chiefs finished their regular season on January 4, 2026, with a frustrating 14-12 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders. That loss was sorta the final nail in the coffin for a season that never really found its rhythm.
They finished with a 6-11 record.
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That’s a hard pill to swallow when you're used to deep playoff runs and AFC Championship trophies. If you were hoping to see Patrick Mahomes under center tonight, he’s actually in the middle of a long rehab process. He’s been vocal about his ACL recovery, telling reporters like Dave Skretta from the Associated Press that he's eyeing a return for Week 1 of the 2026-2027 season.
What Time Does the KC Chiefs Play Today?
Since the Chiefs missed the 2026 playoffs, they don't have a scheduled game today. The NFL postseason is moving forward without them for the first time in what feels like forever.
Instead of a Chiefs game, the NFL world is focusing on these Divisional Round matchups happening this weekend:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: Saturday, Jan 17 at 4:30 PM ET.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: Saturday, Jan 17 at 8:00 PM ET.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: Sunday, Jan 18 at 3:00 PM ET.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Sunday, Jan 18 at 6:30 PM ET.
If you’re a die-hard fan, it’s basically a "scouting weekend." You’ve got the Bills and Broncos—both AFC powerhouses—fighting for a spot that usually belongs to Kansas City. It’s definitely a different vibe.
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Why the Chiefs Missed the Postseason
Injuries. That’s the short version.
When Mahomes went down, the offensive chemistry basically evaporated. Matt Nagy and the coaching staff tried to pivot, but the AFC West was surprisingly brutal this year. The Denver Broncos surged to a 14-3 record, clinching the top seed and a first-round bye. Watching a rival take that spot at the top of the mountain? It's not fun for anyone in KC.
The schedule didn't help. They had a brutal stretch in December, losing to the Texans, Chargers, and Titans in consecutive weeks. By the time that Christmas Day game against Denver rolled around (a 20-13 loss), the playoff hopes were pretty much a ghost.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Even though you can't watch them today, the 2026-2027 opponents are already set. We don't have the exact times yet—the NFL usually drops those in May—but we know who is coming to Arrowhead.
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The Chiefs will face:
- Division Rivals: Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers (twice each, obviously).
- AFC East: Patriots, Bills, Dolphins, and Jets.
- NFC West: Seahawks, Rams, 49ers, and Cardinals.
- Additional Matchups: Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals.
The game against the San Francisco 49ers at home is already being circled as a "revenge game" or at least a massive test for Mahomes' return.
What to Do Instead of Watching the Chiefs
Since there is no game today, you might want to keep an eye on the NBA or the NHL. The Milwaukee Bucks are taking on the San Antonio Spurs tonight (Jan 15) at the Frost Bank Center. It’s a huge matchup because Victor Wembanyama is healthy and Giannis Antetokounmpo is trying to stop a Bucks slide.
If you're strictly a football person, take today to look at the mock drafts. With a 6-11 record, the Chiefs are sitting on a much higher draft pick than they’ve had in a decade.
Next Steps for Chiefs Fans:
- Track the Rehab: Follow the official Chiefs social media for updates on Patrick Mahomes’ physical therapy progress.
- Watch the AFC Rivals: Keep an eye on the Bills vs. Broncos game this Saturday on CBS/Paramount+. It will give you a good look at the teams the Chiefs will have to leapfrog next year.
- Check the Draft Order: Start looking at offensive line prospects or wide receiver depth in the upcoming NFL Draft.
- Wait for May: Set a reminder for the NFL Schedule Release in May 2026 to see the actual kickoff times for the next season.
It’s a long off-season, but for a team with this much talent, the "what time does the KC Chiefs play today" question will have much more exciting answers come September.