So, you’re looking for the kickoff time. You want to know what time is chiefs game sunday because, usually, this is the part of January where Kansas City is basically the center of the football universe.
But if you look at the TV schedule for Sunday, January 18, 2026, you’re going to see something that feels deeply wrong. The New England Patriots are playing the Houston Texans at 3:00 p.m. ET. Then, the Chicago Bears are hosting the Los Angeles Rams at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Where are the Chiefs? Honestly, they aren't there. For the first time in what feels like a lifetime, the Kansas City Chiefs are not playing a football game this Sunday.
The Chiefs Are Out: Why the Sunday Schedule Looks Different
It’s a weird pill to swallow. After years of hosting the AFC Championship or at least grinding through the Divisional Round, the Chiefs' 2025-2026 season actually ended on January 4th. They wrapped things up with a 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
If you’re a die-hard fan, you probably already knew the season was rocky. But for the casual viewer used to seeing Patrick Mahomes on their screen every single weekend in January, the empty Sunday slot is a bit of a shock. The Chiefs finished third in the AFC West this year. That means while the Broncos and Chargers are still in the hunt, KC is already looking at mock drafts and vacation brochures.
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It’s definitely a "changing of the guard" vibe in the AFC right now. Instead of Arrowhead Stadium being the loudest place on earth this weekend, we’re looking at games in Foxborough and Chicago.
Who Is Playing This Sunday Instead?
Since you came here wondering what time is chiefs game sunday, you might still want to catch some playoff action. Here is the actual lineup for Sunday, January 18, 2026:
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ABC/ESPN/ESPN+
- Why it matters: The Texans are the "new" Chiefs in a way—young, fast, and led by a dynamic QB. The Patriots, somehow, have clawed back into the No. 2 seed.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
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- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: NBC/Peacock
- The Vibe: This is the primetime slot. If you usually watch the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, this is your replacement.
Looking Ahead: When Will the Chiefs Play Again?
Since there is no game this Sunday, the next time you'll see the Chiefs in a meaningful game will be the 2026 Preseason in August.
The NFL usually drops the full, official schedule for the 2026-2027 season in mid-May. We do know who they are playing, though. Because they finished third in the division, their 2026 schedule is actually going to be "easier" on paper. They’ll be facing teams like the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals (who also had a rough 2025) because of those third-place finish rotations.
Basically, the Chiefs are in a "retooling" phase.
What Should Chiefs Fans Do This Weekend?
It’s a great Sunday to be a hater, honestly. You can watch the Denver Broncos (the No. 1 seed this year!) take on the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, or just enjoy the fact that Mahomes doesn't have to dodge any 300-pound linemen for a few months.
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If you’re looking for a silver lining, the Chiefs having an early exit means they have a much better draft pick than they’ve had in a decade. They also have a chance to get healthy. The injury report at the end of the Raiders game was a mile long.
Actions to Take Now
Since there is no game today, here is how you can stay updated on the Chiefs' offseason moves:
- Check the 2026 Opponent List: While dates aren't set, the Chiefs are confirmed to play the 49ers, Patriots, and Jets at home next season.
- Monitor the NFL Draft Order: With the season over, KC’s draft position is locked in. Watch the playoffs to see which prospects might fall to the middle of the first round.
- Update Your Calendar for May: The NFL Schedule Release is the next "big" event for Chiefs fans. That’s when we’ll finally know the real answer to "what time is the game" for next September.
The dynasty isn't dead, but it’s definitely taking a nap this weekend. Enjoy the stress-free football while it lasts.