So, you’re looking for the kickoff time. You’ve got the snacks ready, the lucky jersey is out of the dryer, and you’re wondering what time is the kansas city chiefs game tomorrow so you can plan your Sunday.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you're looking for Patrick Mahomes and the crew on Sunday, January 18, 2026, you’re going to be staring at an empty Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs aren't playing tomorrow.
Honestly, it’s been a weird year for the Kingdom. For the first time in what feels like forever, the road to the Super Bowl doesn't run through Kansas City. After a grueling 2025 regular season that ended with a 12-14 loss to the Raiders on January 4, the Chiefs officially finished the season with a 6-11 record.
They missed the playoffs.
What Time Is The Kansas City Chiefs Game Tomorrow: The Reality of the 2026 Postseason
Usually, this time of year is when we're all debating whether or not the defense can hold up in the Divisional Round. But tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, the NFL schedule is moving on without them.
Instead of a Chiefs game, the NFL Divisional Round features a doubleheader that has nothing to do with Missouri.
At 3:00 PM ET, the Houston Texans travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. Then, at 6:30 PM ET, the Los Angeles Rams head to the frozen tundra of Soldier Field to play the Chicago Bears. That’s the reality of the what time is the kansas city chiefs game tomorrow search query right now—there just isn't one.
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It’s a bitter pill to swallow for a fan base that has basically lived in the AFC Championship for the last decade.
Why the Chiefs are watching from home
The 2025 season was, frankly, a mess.
Patrick Mahomes spent a good chunk of the year dealing with nagging injuries, eventually undergoing rehab that he’s still working through right now. You might have seen his update on social media lately; he's aiming for a Week 1 return in September 2026, but the "long process" of recovery is the priority.
Without a healthy Mahomes and with a roster that looked surprisingly thin at receiver, the Chiefs stumbled through the AFC West. They finished third in the division, tucked behind the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders.
The 2026 Chiefs Schedule: When is the next game?
Since there’s no game tomorrow, when do we actually get to see them again?
The NFL won't release the official 2026-2027 schedule until May, but we already know exactly who they’re playing because of the league’s scheduling formula. Since the Chiefs finished third in the AFC West, their 2026 strength of schedule looks a bit different than the gauntlet they usually face as division champs.
They’ll be facing the AFC East and the NFC West next season.
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2026 Home Opponents:
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- San Francisco 49ers
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Indianapolis Colts
2026 Away Opponents:
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Seattle Seahawks
- Los Angeles Rams
- Atlanta Falcons
That "17th game" is an away matchup against the Falcons this year. It’s a lot of travel. They’ve got trips to Seattle, Miami, and even a flight to Los Angeles on the books.
The Offseason Priority List
With no game to watch tomorrow, the front office is likely huddled in meetings already. They have huge holes to fill.
The defense, led by Steve Spagnuolo, had its moments in 2025, but the aging core needs a spark. Most fans are screaming for a true WR1 to take the pressure off Travis Kelce, who isn't getting any younger.
Expect the Chiefs to be very aggressive in the 2026 NFL Draft. Since they didn't make the playoffs, they’ll have a much higher draft pick than we’re used to seeing—somewhere in the top 10 to 12 range. That’s prime territory for a franchise-altering playmaker or a cornerstone offensive tackle.
Watching the Playoffs without the Chiefs
If you’re a football junkie and still want to watch the games tomorrow even without the Chiefs, here is the broadcast info for the Divisional Round:
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The early game (Houston vs. New England) is airing on ESPN and ABC. If you prefer streaming, it’ll be on ESPN+.
The nightcap (Rams vs. Bears) is an NBC production. You can catch that on your local NBC affiliate or stream it live on Peacock.
It’s going to feel weird watching a playoff Sunday without seeing the red and gold on the screen. But maybe the rest is what this team needs.
The dynasty isn't necessarily dead, but it's definitely on a hiatus.
While you won't be finding out what time is the kansas city chiefs game tomorrow in terms of an actual kickoff, you can spend that time looking at mock drafts. Or, you know, finally cleaning out the garage.
The 2026 season officially kicks off in August with the preseason, and the hunt for another ring begins anew.
Check your local listings for the 2026 NFL Draft in April to see who the Chiefs pick to help Mahomes get back to the mountaintop. You can also follow the official Chiefs social media channels for updates on Patrick Mahomes' injury rehab progress throughout the spring.