If you're staring at your calendar and wondering when is the chiefs next game, I have some news that might sting a little. The Kansas City Chiefs' 2025-2026 season has officially come to an end. It feels weird, doesn't it? After years of deep playoff runs and February parades, the Kingdom is heading into an uncharacteristically quiet winter.
The Chiefs wrapped up their schedule on January 4, 2026, with a tough 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. That game wasn't just a divisional rivalry loss; it was the final nail in the coffin for a season that never quite found its rhythm. For the first time since 2014, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid won't be taking the field in the NFL postseason. While the rest of the league battles it out in the Divisional Round this weekend, the guys in red and gold are already looking toward the NFL Draft and training camp.
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The Long Wait for the 2026 Season Kickoff
Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch. We’re so used to "Chiefs Kingdom" extending well into February. But the reality is that the next time we see the Chiefs in a meaningful game will be in August 2026 for the preseason. The actual "meaningful" next game—the regular-season opener—won't happen until early September 2026.
We don't have the exact dates yet because the NFL usually releases the full schedule in mid-May. However, we know exactly who they are playing. Because of the way the NFL rotates divisional matchups, the 2026 schedule is already locked in terms of opponents.
Kansas City finished third in the AFC West this year. That sounds strange to even type. But because of that third-place finish, their "extra" games are actually against other third-place teams.
Who the Chiefs Play in 2026
When the Chiefs finally return to the field, they have a brutal lineup waiting for them. Here is a look at the home and away slate for the 2026 season:
- At GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, New England Patriots, and the Indianapolis Colts.
- On the Road: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Atlanta Falcons.
That road schedule is a gauntlet. Trips to Buffalo, Miami, and Cincinnati? Plus a flight to Seattle and a matchup against the Falcons in Atlanta? It’s not going to be an easy "bounce back" year.
What Happened to the 2025 Chiefs?
You're probably asking yourself how we even got here. How does a team with Patrick Mahomes miss the playoffs?
It wasn't just one thing. It was a perfect storm of "meh." The offense struggled with consistency throughout the fall. We saw flashes of the old magic—like that Week 4 win over the Ravens—but the late-season slide was real. Losing seven of their last eight games is something no one saw coming.
Patrick Mahomes has already been vocal about the disappointment. He recently shared that his focus is entirely on injury rehab and getting back to 100% for Week 1 of the 2026 season. He’s calling it a "long process," which suggests he might have been playing through more than the team let on during that December stretch.
The Playoff Void
If you're a football junkie, you’ll still be watching the games this weekend even if the Chiefs aren't in them. The NFL Divisional Round is happening right now (January 17-18, 2026).
While we're asking when is the chiefs next game, the rest of the AFC is busy. The Denver Broncos—who actually won the AFC West this year—are hosting the Buffalo Bills. It’s a weird feeling seeing Denver at the top of the division while the Chiefs are at home. Even the Patriots and Texans are still alive.
The AFC Championship is set for January 25, and Super Bowl LX will be on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium. It’s going to be a long month of watching other teams celebrate in the spot where the Chiefs usually live.
Looking Ahead: Important Dates for Chiefs Fans
Since there isn't a game next Sunday, what should you be watching for? The "offseason" for a non-playoff team starts early and moves fast.
- NFL Scouting Combine (Late Feb 2026): This is where the rebuild starts. Expect the Chiefs to be looking heavily at offensive line depth and perhaps another explosive weapon for Mahomes.
- Free Agency (March 2026): General Manager Brett Veach is going to have to be aggressive. With a third-place finish, there’s no room for complacency.
- The 2026 NFL Draft (April 2026): Because the Chiefs missed the playoffs, they’ll have a much higher draft pick than they've had in a decade. This is a silver lining. A top-15 pick could bring in a literal game-changer.
- Schedule Release (May 2026): This is when we can finally stop asking "when" and start circling dates on the fridge.
Why This Break Might Be a Good Thing
I know, it sounds like cope. But think about it. The Chiefs have played more football than almost any team in history over the last five years. The physical and mental toll of making it to the AFC Championship or Super Bowl every single year is massive.
The 2026 season will be the first time in a long time that this roster is actually rested. Mahomes will have a full eight months to heal. Travis Kelce—if he decides to go for another round—will have a real offseason.
Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward. The 2026 Chiefs are going to be a "revenge tour" team. They’ll be playing with a chip on their shoulder that they haven't had since the early days of the Mahomes era.
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Actionable Steps for the Chiefs Offseason
Since you won't be tailgating at Arrowhead this month, here is how you can stay locked in for the 2026 return:
- Track the Injury Reports: Keep a close eye on Patrick Mahomes’ rehab updates. If he’s back to full strength by OTAs in May, that’s a huge win.
- Watch the Draft Order: Since the Chiefs are picking higher this year, the draft actually matters for KC fans in a way it hasn't since they drafted Mahomes himself.
- Clear the Calendar for May: The NFL schedule release will finally give us the exact kickoff time for the 2026 season opener.
We might not have a game to watch this week, but the road back to the top starts now. It's going to be a long wait until September, but the Kingdom isn't going anywhere.
Next Steps for Fans:
Follow the official Chiefs social media channels for the "Mic'd Up" season recaps and stay tuned for the NFL Combine in February to see which college stars might be joining the roster in 2026.