If you're frantically refreshing your phone to find out what's the score of the kansas city football game, the answer is actually a bit of a gut punch for the Kingdom. It’s over. The final whistle blew at Allegiant Stadium, and the scoreboard reads Las Vegas Raiders 14, Kansas City Chiefs 12.
Yeah, you read that right.
It wasn't exactly the high-flying offensive masterclass we’ve grown used to seeing from a team led by Andy Reid. Instead, it was a gritty, sometimes ugly, defensive struggle that ended on a walk-off 60-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson. For a season that had already been rocky, this Week 18 finale on January 4, 2026, felt like the final exclamation point on a year most fans would rather delete from their memory.
The Reality of the Chiefs 2025-2026 Season Finale
Honestly, the "score" tells only half the story. If you were looking for a playoff berth or a late-season surge, you're not going to find it here. The Chiefs finished the year with a 6-11 record.
That hurts.
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This particular game against the Raiders was a microcosm of the entire season. The defense held firm for the most part, but the offense just couldn't find the end zone. Harrison Butker was the only reason Kansas City even had a lead in the fourth quarter. He went 4-for-4 on field goals, including a 41-yarder with just over a minute left that put the Chiefs up 12-11.
But then, the Raiders did what rivals do.
They marched down, and Carlson—who had been struggling throughout the season—nailed a career-long 60-yarder with eight seconds left. It was the first time the Raiders had beaten the Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Ever.
Why the Offense Stalled Out
You’ve probably noticed some unfamiliar names if you watched the highlights. Patrick Mahomes didn't play. With the playoffs out of reach and the team locked into a losing season, the Chiefs opted to get a look at their depth.
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- Chris Oladokun started under center, going 11-of-17 for a meager 58 yards.
- Shane Buechele took over in the second half, throwing for 88 yards but getting sacked five times.
- The rushing attack, led by Brashard Smith (12 carries, 56 yards), was okay but lacked any explosive plays.
It was a "back to basics" game that unfortunately stayed basic. Travis Kelce was out there, but he was held to just 3 catches for 12 yards. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hollywood Brown tried to make things happen, but when your quarterbacks are under constant fire from Tyree Wilson—who had 2 sacks and a forced fumble—it’s hard to establish a rhythm.
What the Score Means for the 2026 Draft
Basically, this loss was a "win" for the Raiders in a weird way. By beating the Chiefs, the Raiders actually secured the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s a rare moment where a victory feels like a double-edged sword for draft position, but for Las Vegas, snapping an 11-game skid against AFC West opponents was clearly the priority.
For Kansas City, the 6-11 finish means they’ll be picking much higher than they have in a decade. We’re talking about a top-10 selection.
Key Stats from the Finale
- Final Score: Raiders 14, Chiefs 12
- Leading Passer: Shane Buechele (88 yards)
- Leading Rusher: Brashard Smith (56 yards)
- Turning Point: Daniel Carlson's 60-yard FG (8 seconds remaining)
- The Safety: A pivotal moment in the 4th quarter when Tyree Wilson sacked Buechele in the end zone, giving the Raiders 2 points that ultimately made the difference.
What's Next for the Chiefs?
The game is done. The season is over. No playoffs this time.
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The coaching staff is already shifting focus to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. We know the 2026 opponents are already set. The Chiefs will face the AFC East (Bills, Jets, Dolphins, Patriots) and the NFC West (49ers, Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals). It’s a brutal schedule, and they’ll have nine road games compared to eight home games because of the NFC rotation.
If you're looking for the "score" because you thought there was a game tonight, January 14, you can breathe easy. The team is officially in the off-season. The next time you’ll see them in action will be the preseason in August 2026.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Monitor the Draft Board: With a high pick, keep an eye on names like Fernando Mendoza or whatever top-tier offensive tackle prospect enters the fold to protect Mahomes.
- Check the Schedule Release: The full 2026 schedule with dates and times usually drops in mid-May.
- Review the Salary Cap: Expect some roster turnover. The Chiefs have several veterans with high cap hits that might be moved to make room for younger talent.
The dynasty isn't dead, but it’s definitely taking a breather.