If you’re staring at a blank screen on Sunday afternoon wondering when do the chiefs play football again, you aren't alone. It’s a weird feeling in Kansas City. For the first time in over a decade, the "Chiefs Kingdom" isn't bracing for a deep playoff run or checking flight prices to the Super Bowl. Instead, the 2025-2026 season ended with a thud on January 4, 2026, after a 14-12 loss to the Raiders.
It was a rough one. Honestly, saying it was "rough" might be an understatement. The Chiefs finished 6-11, a record that would have been unthinkable during the dynasty years.
But football doesn't stop just because the scoreboard does. While the rest of the league fights through the Divisional Round this weekend, the front office at One Arrowhead Drive is already looking toward August. If you're looking for the short answer: the Chiefs will likely be back on the field for preseason action in mid-August 2026, with the regular season officially kicking off in early September 2026.
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The Patrick Mahomes Factor: When Is He Actually Back?
The biggest question surrounding the 2026 return isn't just "when," it's "who." Specifically, No. 15.
Patrick Mahomes is currently in the middle of a grueling rehab process. He tore his ACL and LCL during that ugly December 14 loss to the Chargers. Watching him go down was one of those "hold your breath" moments that felt like it lasted forever.
He recently told reporters that he's aiming for a Week 1 return. He’s optimistic. Doctors say it’s possible. But as anyone who has followed an ACL recovery knows, "possible" and "probable" are two different ballgames. Mahomes underwent surgery in Dallas right after the injury and started rehab four days later. He’s been vocal about wanting to participate in some capacity during OTAs (Organized Team Activities) this spring, but the team will almost certainly wrap him in bubble wrap until training camp starts in late July.
If he’s not ready by the time the Chiefs play football again in September, we might be looking at a heavy dose of the backup rotation to start the year.
Who Are the 2026 Opponents?
Even though the official NFL schedule won't drop until May (that's usually when the league makes a big TV spectacle of it), the opponents are already locked in based on the NFL's rotating formula. Since the Chiefs finished third in the AFC West, their 2026 schedule actually looks a bit more manageable than the gauntlets they've run in the past.
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They’ve got 17 games on the slate. Nine of those will be on the road.
The Home Games at Arrowhead
- Denver Broncos: Always a physical matchup.
- Las Vegas Raiders: The rivalry that ended their 2025 season.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Hopefully, Mahomes stays upright this time.
- Arizona Cardinals: A cross-conference visitor.
- Indianapolis Colts: Determined by the third-place finish.
- New York Jets: A tough defense coming to town.
- New England Patriots: A classic AFC clash.
- San Francisco 49ers: A Super Bowl rematch that always draws huge ratings.
The Road Warriors
- Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, LA Chargers: The standard divisional trips.
- Cincinnati Bengals: This has become one of the best rivalries in the league.
- Buffalo Bills: Another trip to Orchard Park is on the books.
- Miami Dolphins: Hopefully, it’s not another "Peacock Game" in the freezing cold.
- Atlanta Falcons: This is the "17th game" determined by the NFC South standings.
- Los Angeles Rams: A trip to SoFi Stadium.
- Seattle Seahawks: One of the loudest environments the Chiefs will face.
The Offseason Timeline: What Happens Now?
Since they aren't playing this weekend, the clock is ticking on some major decisions. The NFL calendar is pretty rigid.
- March 12, 2026: The new league year begins. This is when free agency officially starts. Expect the Chiefs to be aggressive in looking for offensive line depth—they'll need to protect Mahomes' knee at all costs.
- Late April 2026: The NFL Draft. Picking in the top half of the draft is a novelty for this front office. They’ll likely be looking for a true "X" receiver or a high-end tackle.
- May 2026: This is when we get the actual dates and times for the games. You'll know exactly which Sunday (or Monday, or Thursday) to clear your calendar.
- Late July 2026: Training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. This is the first time we'll see the team back in pads.
Why the 2026 Season Feels Different
For years, the Chiefs were the "inevitable" team. You knew they'd be playing in late January. Seeing them out of the mix while the Bills and Broncos battle it out in the Divisional Round is a reality check.
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But history is usually kind to great teams coming off a "down" year. The 2025 season was plagued by injuries and a lack of rhythm. Getting Mahomes healthy is priority number one, but fixing the wide receiver room is a close second. The drop-off in production last year was significant.
When the Chiefs play football again, they won't be the defending champs. They won't even be the division favorites—that's a title currently held by the Chargers or Broncos, depending on who you ask. They'll be the hunters.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're already missing the Sunday ritual, here’s how to prep for the return:
- Watch the Injury Reports: Keep a close eye on Mahomes’ rehab milestones in February and March. If he’s jogging by April, that’s a massive win for Week 1 availability.
- Mark the Schedule Release: Usually, the NFL drops the schedule the second week of May. That's when you should book your travel if you're planning an Arrowhead pilgrimage.
- Track the Draft: The Chiefs have rare high-draft capital this year. Following the NFL Combine in late February will give you a good idea of which young stars might be wearing red next fall.
The wait is long, but September comes faster than you think.