If you’re typing what's the score for Kansas City into your phone right now, you might be expecting to see a playoff bracket or a live update of Patrick Mahomes working his late-game magic. Honestly, the reality is a lot weirder this year. As of Friday, January 16, 2026, the scoreboard at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is dark. There is no game today.
Usually, this is the time of year when Kansas City is the center of the football universe. But the 2025-2026 season didn't follow the script. Instead of preparing for a divisional matchup or an AFC Championship run, the Chiefs are already deep into an offseason they’d probably rather forget.
The Score That Ended the Season
The last time the Chiefs took the field was Sunday, January 4, 2026. It was a Week 18 heartbreaker against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. If you’re looking for the final "live" score of the season, it was Raiders 14, Chiefs 12.
It was a gritty, ugly, field-goal-heavy affair. Harrison Butker actually put the Chiefs ahead 12-11 with just about a minute left on the clock. It felt like one of those classic "find a way to win" moments. Then, Daniel Carlson happened. He nailed a career-long 60-yarder with eight seconds left. That kick didn't just win the game for Vegas; it slammed the door on a Kansas City season that ended with a confusing 6-11 record.
Why Aren't They Playing?
It’s been a rough stretch. The team lost their final six games in a row. Let that sink in for a second. This is a franchise that has treated the AFC West like its personal playground for a decade. Seeing them finish 6-11 and at the bottom of the division feels like a glitch in the Matrix.
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Injuries played a massive role. Patrick Mahomes is currently in the middle of a long rehab process. He’s already gone on record saying he’s eyeing Week 1 of the 2026 season for his return, but the vacuum he left behind was obvious. Without #15 under center, the offense struggled to find its rhythm. We saw Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun take snaps, and while they had moments, it wasn't enough to overcome a defense that was on the field way too long.
The losses weren't even blowouts for the most part, which almost makes it worse for the fans.
- They lost to the Broncos 20-13 on Christmas Day.
- They lost to the Chargers 16-13 in mid-December.
- They fell to the Raiders by two points in the finale.
It was a season of "almost," and in the NFL, almost doesn't get you a playoff game on January 16.
What About the Other Kansas City Scores?
If you're not a football fan and you're asking what's the score for Kansas City regarding the college scene or other local teams, the news is equally "blue."
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The Kansas City Roos men’s basketball team was in action just yesterday, Thursday, January 15. They traveled to Vermillion to take on the South Dakota Coyotes. Kasheem Grady II put up a valiant effort with 21 points, but the Roos fell 99-83. The defense just couldn't stop the Coyotes from the perimeter.
On the women’s side, the Roos also played yesterday against Oral Roberts. That one ended in an 81-65 loss for Kansas City. It's just a tough week to be a sports fan in the 816 area code.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Comeback
The good news? The 2026 opponents are already set. Because the Chiefs finished fourth in the AFC West, they’ll actually have a "last-place" schedule next year, which could be the springboard they need to get back to the top.
They’re slated to play the AFC East and the NFC West next season. That means fans can look forward to matchups against:
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- The San Francisco 49ers (Home)
- The Arizona Cardinals (Home)
- The Buffalo Bills (Away)
- The Miami Dolphins (Away)
The front office is basically looking at the 2026 Draft as a total reset. With a high draft pick—something this city hasn't seen in ages—there's a real chance to reload the roster around a healthy Mahomes.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
Since there's no game to watch today, here is how you can stay locked in:
- Track the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on the Chiefs’ official rehab updates for Mahomes. His mobility will be the story of the summer.
- Draft Position: Start scouting the top offensive line and receiver prospects. With a 6-11 finish, the Chiefs are picking much earlier than usual.
- Winter Sports: Pivot to the Roos or keep an eye on the Royals’ spring training schedule, which usually kicks off in late February at Surprise Stadium.
The scoreboard might be empty today, but in Kansas City, the conversation never actually stops. It just shifts from "who do we play Sunday?" to "how do we fix this?"