If you’re refreshing your phone looking for the live score on the Kansas City game right now, I have some bad news that’s going to sting. There isn't one. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and while the NFL Divisional Round is in full swing with the Patriots and Texans just wrapping up, the Kansas City Chiefs are nowhere to be found on the playoff bracket.
It feels weird, right? For the last several years, January in Missouri meant Patrick Mahomes doing something magical in the freezing cold. But the 2025-2026 season didn't go according to the script. Instead of preparing for a deep run, the Chiefs players are basically at home or on vacation, having finished their season two weeks ago with a disappointing 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Honestly, seeing the AFC playoffs move forward without Kansas City is a bit of a culture shock for the league.
The 2026 Playoff Picture Without Kansas City
While the Chiefs are sitting this one out, the rest of the AFC is absolute chaos. Earlier today, the New England Patriots took down the Houston Texans 28-16. That game filled the slot where many fans expected to see the Chiefs. Yesterday, the Denver Broncos—who actually won the AFC West this year—barely survived a thriller against the Buffalo Bills, winning 33-30 in overtime.
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The standings this year were a mess for KC. They finished the regular season with a 6-11 record. Yeah, you read that right. Six wins.
- Denver Broncos (14-3) - AFC West Champs
- New England Patriots (14-3)
- Houston Texans (12-5)
- Buffalo Bills (12-5)
It wasn't just one thing that went wrong; it was sort of a "death by a thousand cuts" situation. Injuries played a role, sure, but the consistency just wasn't there. If you’re looking for a Kansas City team that is actually playing today, you’d have to look at the ice. The Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL) played the Utah Grizzlies this afternoon. They’ve actually been on a tear lately, winning 11 games in a row. So if you need a win for the city, the Mavericks are your best bet.
What Happened to the Chiefs This Season?
Everyone wants to know how a dynasty trips and falls this hard. Basically, the magic ran out of the bottle for a minute. The season started with a loss to the Chargers and never really found its rhythm. People kept waiting for that "Mahomes moment" where they would rattle off eight wins in a row, but it never happened.
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The offensive line struggled more than we've seen in years. Kelce, while still a legend, finally started showing the physical toll of a decade of dominance. You've also got to look at the rest of the AFC West. The Broncos finally figured it out under Sean Payton, and the Raiders played spoiler in Week 18 to officially end any tiny glimmer of hope the Chiefs had left.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Offseason
So, what's next? The front office is heading into its most important offseason since they drafted Mahomes. With a 6-11 record, they’ll have a top-10 draft pick, which is something this version of the Chiefs has never had to navigate.
There's a lot of talk about a "retool" versus a "rebuild." Given that Mahomes is still in his prime, nobody expects them to stay down for long. But the roster needs more than just a fresh coat of paint. They need a legitimate threat at WR2 and some youth on the defensive interior.
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If you're still craving football today, the nightcap is the Los Angeles Rams at the Chicago Bears. It’s a great game, even if it feels empty without the red and gold on the field.
Next Steps for Chiefs Fans:
- Check the Draft Order: Start scouting the top offensive tackle prospects; the Chiefs will likely be picking in the top 7-9 range.
- Watch the AFC Championship: Next Sunday, January 25, the Patriots will play the Broncos. It’ll give you a good look at the teams the Chiefs have to jump over next year.
- Follow the Mavericks: If you need live sports, the KC Mavericks are the hottest team in the city right now and are worth a watch while the NFL season finishes up.