If you’re refreshing your apps or screaming at the TV asking when do chiefs play, I have some news that might sting a little. Honestly, for the first time in over a decade, the answer is "not for a while."
The Kansas City Chiefs are out.
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It feels weird even typing that. Since 2014, January has basically been a month-long red-and-gold festival in Missouri, but the 2025-26 season went sideways in a way nobody really saw coming. After a brutal 12-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on January 4, 2026, the Chiefs officially finished their season with a 6-11 record. They aren't in the playoffs. They aren't playing this weekend.
The Empty Seat in the 2026 NFL Playoffs
It’s kind of a shock to the system. We’ve become so used to seeing Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce deep in the postseason that a playoff bracket without them looks like a typo. But look at the standings: the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars took the top spots in the AFC this year.
The Chiefs ended up third in the AFC West. Just let that sink in for a second.
Basically, the "Chiefs Kingdom" has entered its first true offseason since the Obama administration. If you're looking for the next time they'll take the field in a meaningful way, you're looking at September 2026.
Why aren't they playing right now?
Injuries played a massive role, and it's not just an excuse. Patrick Mahomes is currently deep in a long rehab process for an injury that hobbled him late in the year. He's already gone on record saying he’s eyeing Week 1 of the 2026 season for his big return.
The team struggled to find a rhythm all year. They dropped games to the Titans, Texans, and even a Christmas Day heartbreaker to the Broncos. By the time Week 18 rolled around at Allegiant Stadium, the spark just wasn't there.
When do Chiefs play again?
Since the postseason is a no-go, the next date to circle is the 2026 NFL Draft in April. That’s when the rebuilding—or re-tooling—really starts. But if you’re asking about actual football with pads and helmets, here is the rough timeline for 2026:
- Mid-May 2026: The official NFL schedule release. This is when we get the exact dates and times for the 17-game grind.
- Late July 2026: Training camp starts.
- August 2026: Preseason games.
- September 10-13, 2026: The likely window for the Week 1 kickoff.
We already know who they will face next season, even if the "when" is still a bit of a mystery. The 2026 home opponents include some heavy hitters: the San Francisco 49ers, the New York Jets, and the New England Patriots are all slated to visit Arrowhead. On the road, they’ll have to travel to places like Miami, Seattle, and Atlanta.
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Does this mean the dynasty is over?
People love to say that. Every time a great team misses the dance, the "end of an era" headlines start flying. Honestly, it’s probably premature. Creed Humphrey was just named an AP All-Pro First Teamer for the second year in a row. They still have the best quarterback on the planet when he’s healthy.
The defense, led by Steve Spagnuolo, had its moments, but the offense just couldn't stay on the field. Missing the playoffs might actually be a blessing in disguise for a team that has played more football than almost anyone else over the last five years. They need the rest.
Navigating the 2026 Offseason
If you’re a die-hard fan, the "when do chiefs play" question shifts from the field to the front office. March 11, 2026, is a huge day—that’s when the new league year officially begins and free agency kicks off. That’s when we’ll see if Brett Veach is going to go big to fix the receiving corps or the offensive line.
It’s going to be a long spring.
For those of us used to booking flights to the AFC Championship game in late January, the silence is deafening. But don't expect it to last. This team is built on a foundation that doesn't just crumble after one bad year.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Stop checking the playoff TV schedule for "Chiefs"; they aren't there.
- Keep an eye on the NFL Scouting Combine in February to see which prospects the Chiefs are eyeing for their high draft pick.
- Monitor Patrick Mahomes’ social media for rehab updates; his health is the single most important factor for the 2026 season.
- Check the official NFL schedule release in May to plan your trips for the fall.