It's a weird feeling, right? Usually, by mid-January, Kansas City is buzzing with "Red Friday" energy, and everyone is plotting out which AFC powerhouse is coming to Arrowhead for the Divisional round. But the 2025-2026 season threw a massive wrench in the works. For the first time in a decade, the answer to when are the Kansas City Chiefs playing isn't "this weekend."
Honestly, it’s jarring. The Chiefs finished a brutal campaign at 6-11, officially missing the playoffs and snapping a streak that made January football feel like a birthright in Missouri. If you're looking for a kickoff time for Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce right now, you won't find one. They are officially in the "wait until next year" camp.
When Are the Kansas City Chiefs Playing Next?
The short answer is: August 2026. Since the team failed to qualify for the 2026 NFL postseason, their next competitive snaps won't happen until the 2026 preseason.
Typically, the NFL releases the exact dates and times for the regular season in mid-May. While we don't have the specific calendar yet, we know exactly who they are playing and where. Because the Chiefs finished third in the AFC West, they’ve been handed a "third-place schedule." In theory, this is supposed to be easier, but looking at the 2026 opponent list, it’s still a gauntlet.
The 2026 Opponent Breakdown
The NFL's scheduling formula is a bit like a clock—it’s predictable if you know how to read it. In 2026, the AFC West is paired up against the AFC East and the NFC West. That means some high-profile matchups are coming to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
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Home Games at Arrowhead:
The Chiefs will host their usual AFC West rivals—the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers. Beyond the division, they’ve got the New England Patriots and the New York Jets coming to town from the AFC East. For the NFC crossover, the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers will make the trip to KC. Since the Chiefs finished third in their division, they also host the third-place finisher from the AFC South: the Indianapolis Colts.
Away Games on the Road:
Pack your bags, because the road schedule is intense. K.C. has nine road games this year (the 17th game rotates conferences, and it's the AFC's turn to travel). They’ll visit Buffalo, Miami, Seattle, and the Los Angeles Rams. They also have a date in Cincinnati against the Bengals—a game that has become one of the league's best rivalries—and a trip to Atlanta to face the Falcons.
Why the 2025 Season Went Sideways
You might be wondering how a team that was recently chasing a "three-peat" ended up 6-11. It wasn't just one thing. It was a "perfect storm" of regression. According to data from Sports Illustrated, the Chiefs went a miserable 1-9 in one-score games during the 2025 season.
Football is often a game of luck and inches. In 2024, they won those close games. In 2025, the ball bounced the other way.
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There’s also the roster turnover. We’ve already seen news of running back Carson Steele reportedly signing with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2026 season. Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy is also a name being floated for head coaching vacancies elsewhere. The "retooling" phase has officially begun.
Key Dates for the 2026 Chiefs Offseason
If you’re a die-hard fan, the "game" starts way before the first kickoff in September. Here is the timeline you need to watch to see how the team prepares for a 2026 comeback:
- Mid-May 2026: The NFL Schedule Release. This is when we’ll finally know if the Chiefs are playing on Opening Night (unlikely this year) or if they’ll have a heavy slate of primetime games.
- Late July 2026: Training Camp begins at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. This is the first time you’ll see the new-look roster on the field.
- August 2026: Preseason games. Expect three matchups, likely one at home and two on the road, where the starters play maybe a quarter at most.
- September 10-14, 2026: Week 1 of the Regular Season.
What Most Fans Get Wrong About "Easier" Schedules
A lot of people think finishing third in the division is a blessing because you get a "weaker" schedule. That’s sort of a myth. While the Chiefs get to play the Colts and Falcons instead of the Jaguars or Buccaneers, they still have to play the first-place teams from the divisions they are paired with.
For 2026, that means playing the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers. There are no "gimmies" in the NFL anymore.
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Chris Jones recently spoke about the 2025 collapse, calling it a "huge learning curve" and a "building block." The reality is that the AFC West is no longer a one-team race. The Denver Broncos, led by Bo Nix, finished 14-3 and took the division crown. The Chiefs aren't just playing against their opponents; they're playing against a shifting power balance in their own backyard.
Preparing for the 2026 Season Kickoff
If you are planning to attend a game, the best move is to wait for that May schedule release before booking flights. Since the Chiefs have nine road games in 2026, traveling fans will have plenty of options, from South Beach in Miami to the rainy Pacific Northwest in Seattle.
While the 2026 playoffs are currently happening without the Red and Gold, the foundation for the next run is being laid right now in the front office.
Next Steps for Chiefs Fans:
- Keep an eye on the NFL Scouting Combine (late February) to see how Brett Veach plans to fix the roster.
- Check the official NFL Schedule Release in mid-May for exact dates and times.
- Monitor free agency in March, especially regarding the defensive line and wide receiver depth.
The 2026 season will be about whether Patrick Mahomes can prove that 2025 was a fluke or if the "Chiefs Kingdom" era is actually facing its first real sunset. History suggests you shouldn't bet against number 15 for long.