If you’re staring at your calendar wondering when do kansas city chiefs play again, I have some news that might sting a little. For the first time in over a decade, the answer isn't "this weekend in the playoffs."
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for Kansas City. We’ve become so used to the "Mahomes Invitational"—also known as the AFC Championship—being a permanent fixture on the January schedule. But the 2025-2026 season threw a massive wrench in those plans. The Chiefs officially wrapped up their campaign on January 4, 2026, with a tough 14-12 loss to the Raiders.
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Because they didn't make the postseason cut this time around, the pads are off. The lockers are being cleared. And for the fans? We're looking at a long, quiet stretch until late summer.
The Long Road to the 2026 Kickoff
So, let's get down to the brass tacks. Since the Chiefs missed the 2026 playoffs, they won’t be taking the field for a meaningful snap for quite a while.
Typically, the NFL kicks off the preseason in early August. If history holds, you can expect the first Chiefs preseason game to land somewhere around August 13-16, 2026. The official league schedule usually drops in mid-May, which is when we’ll get the exact dates, times, and whether or not we’re stuck with another 5:00 AM kickoff in Germany or London.
The 2026 regular season is slated to begin on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Since the Chiefs aren't the defending Super Bowl champs this year (a sentence that still feels typo-adjacent), they likely won't be hosting that marquee Thursday night opener. Instead, they’ll probably debut on Sunday, September 13.
Why the 2025 Season Went Sideways
It wasn't just one thing. It was a "perfect storm" of bad luck.
Patrick Mahomes dealt with a lingering injury that he's currently rehabbing—he actually just shared an update saying it’s a "long process" but he's aiming for Week 1.
Then you had the offensive line shifts and a defense that, while gritty, couldn't quite bail out a scoring unit that averaged its lowest output of the Reid era. Finishing 6-11 isn't just a "down year" by KC standards; it’s an anomaly.
Who are the Chiefs playing in 2026?
Even though we don’t have the "when" perfectly nailed down yet, we definitely know the "who." The NFL's scheduling formula is basically a math equation that doesn't care about your feelings.
Because the Chiefs finished third in the AFC West, their 2026 schedule is actually set up to be a bit of a "bounce-back" opportunity. They won't have to face the absolute gauntlet of first-place finishers from every division.
Home Games at Arrowhead
- The Division Rivals: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers.
- The AFC East Rotation: New York Jets, New England Patriots.
- The NFC West Rotation: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers.
- The Performance-Based Matchup: Indianapolis Colts (3rd place in AFC South).
Road Trips on the Calendar
- The Division Rivals: Broncos, Raiders, Chargers.
- The AFC East Rotation: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins.
- The NFC West Rotation: Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams.
- The Performance-Based Matchups: Cincinnati Bengals (3rd place in AFC North) and the Atlanta Falcons (the "17th game" opponent from the NFC South).
That trip to Cincinnati is already circled on most calendars. Even when both teams are struggling, Mahomes vs. Burrow is still the heavyweight fight the NFL loves to put in primetime.
What happens between now and the next game?
The "offseason" is a bit of a misnomer in the modern NFL. While there’s no hitting on the field, the front office is about to go into overdrive. If you're looking for the next big "event" for the team, it's not a game—it's the calendar of moves.
- The NFL Scouting Combine (Late Feb 2026): This is where Brett Veach starts looking for the next fast receiver or a cornerstone tackle.
- Free Agency Starts (March 11, 2026): This is the "legal tampering" period. Expect the Chiefs to be aggressive here. They have some cap space, and they clearly need to retool the weapons around #15.
- The 2026 NFL Draft (April): Because of the 6-11 record, the Chiefs will have their highest draft pick in years. This is a silver lining. Usually, they're picking 30th or 32nd. In 2026, they’ll be picking much earlier, which means access to "blue chip" talent they usually miss out on.
The Mahomes Rehab Factor
Everything hinges on Patrick's health. He’s the engine. Word from the facility is that his rehab is the top priority. The team isn't just looking for him to be "ready" by September; they want him back to that 2022-level mobility.
Is the Dynasty Over?
People love to jump to conclusions. You'll hear the talking heads on sports radio saying the Chiefs' window has slammed shut.
But look at the roster. Creed Humphrey was just named an AP All-Pro again. Travis Kelce, despite the age questions, still commands double teams. The core is there. Missing the playoffs in 2026 might actually be the "reset" this team needed after playing so much extra football over the last five years. Think of it as a forced rest.
Actionable Steps for Chiefs Fans
If you're feeling the withdrawal symptoms already, here’s how to stay locked in:
- Check the May Schedule Release: That’s when you can actually book your flights to Vegas or LA.
- Watch the March 11 Free Agency Wire: This will tell you exactly how the team plans to fix the 6-11 slide.
- Keep an Eye on the 17th Game: The trip to Atlanta is a rare one for KC fans—if you’re looking for a road trip, that’s a great stadium to visit.
The wait for the next Chiefs game is going to be long, but the 2026 season is already shaping up to be a massive "prove it" year for the Kingdom.