If you're looking for the next time Patrick Mahomes and company take the field, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. The Kansas City Chiefs' 2025-2026 season actually wrapped up on January 4, 2026, with a tough 14-12 loss to the Raiders. Because the team finished with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs, there are no more games on the immediate horizon for this winter.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for Chiefs Kingdom. We’re used to planning February around Super Bowl parties, but this year, the calendar is looking pretty empty. So, when does Kansas City Chiefs play next? We are officially in the "wait for the draft" phase of the year.
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The Long Wait for the 2026 Kickoff
The NFL doesn't just hand out dates the second a season ends. Usually, the league waits until mid-May to drop the official schedule with all the times and TV networks. While we don't have the exact Sundays circled yet, we do know exactly who the Chiefs are playing in 2026 thanks to the NFL’s rotating scheduling formula.
Since they finished third in the AFC West, their "strength of schedule" matchups are a bit different than the gauntlet they faced last year. They’ll be playing 17 games again, with nine of those being on the road this time around.
2026 Home Opponents at Arrowhead
The Sea of Red will host some massive names this coming fall. You can expect games against:
- Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and LA Chargers (The usual AFC West suspects).
- San Francisco 49ers (A heavy-hitter cross-conference matchup).
- Arizona Cardinals (Another NFC West visitor).
- New York Jets and New England Patriots (The AFC East contingent).
- Indianapolis Colts (The third-place finisher matchup).
The 2026 Road Slate
Pack your bags, because the away schedule looks like a West Coast tour mixed with some tough East Coast stops.
- Denver, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles (Division rivals).
- Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams (Rounding out the NFC West games).
- Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins (Two very difficult environments).
- Cincinnati Bengals (The rivalry continues).
- Atlanta Falcons (The 17th game on the schedule).
Why the 2025 Season Ended Early
It’s worth looking at why we aren't asking "when do the Chiefs play in the Divisional Round?" right now. The 2025 campaign was a statistical anomaly for an Andy Reid-led team. After starting with a decent 5-3 record by late October, the wheels kinda fell off.
They hit a brutal five-game losing streak in December. Losing to the Texans, Chargers, Titans, Broncos, and Raiders in consecutive weeks basically sealed their fate. It wasn't just one thing. The offense struggled to find a consistent deep threat, and the defense, while stout for most of the year, couldn't bail them out in one-score games. Injuries played a role, sure, but the AFC West has also gotten a lot more competitive.
Key Dates to Watch for 2026
Since there are no games today, you should keep an eye on these milestones. These are the "games before the games" that decide how 2026 will actually go.
- The NFL Draft (April 2026): This is where the roster gets rebuilt. With a 6-11 record, the Chiefs have a much higher draft pick than they’ve had in nearly a decade.
- Schedule Release (May 2026): This is when we’ll finally know if they open on a Thursday night or a Sunday afternoon.
- Training Camp (July 2026): The first time we see the new-look squad in St. Joseph.
- Preseason (August 2026): Expect three games here, likely against regional rivals or NFC West teams.
What Most Fans Are Getting Wrong
There’s a common misconception that the Chiefs are "falling off" for good. NFL cycles are real. Even the greatest dynasties have "down" years where things just don't click. If you're wondering when does Kansas City Chiefs play meaningful football again, the answer is technically September, but the work starts in the front office this week.
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Travis Kelce's future and Chris Jones' workload are going to be huge talking points. The team has a lot of cap space compared to previous years, mainly because they aren't paying "championship bonuses" to everyone on the roster right now.
Actionable Steps for Chiefs Fans
Don't let the lack of a game this weekend get you down. Here is how you can stay prepared for the 2026 return:
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- Check Your Season Ticket Status: If you're on the waitlist, a 6-11 season usually sees some turnover, meaning you might move up a few spots.
- Sync Your Calendar in May: As soon as the NFL release happens, most sports apps allow you to "Sync to Calendar." Do this immediately so you don't double-book a wedding on a Raiders weekend.
- Follow the Mock Drafts: Since the Chiefs are picking in the top half of the draft for once, pay attention to the elite wide receivers and offensive linemen coming out of the college ranks.
The Chiefs might be out of the playoffs, but the 2026 season is already being built. We'll be back at Arrowhead before you know it.