It's been a rough stretch for the Kingdom. If you're a Kansas City fan asking when will the chiefs play, the answer isn't what we’re used to hearing this time of year. For the first time in what feels like forever, the road to the Super Bowl doesn't run through Arrowhead Stadium. In fact, it doesn't involve the Chiefs at all.
Kansas City’s 2025-2026 season hit a wall. Hard. After a year defined by injuries—most notably the ACL tear that sidelined Patrick Mahomes—the Chiefs finished third in the AFC West. They missed the playoffs entirely. While teams like the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots are currently battling it out in the Divisional Round this January, the Chiefs are already looking toward 2026.
The Long Wait for the 2026 Kickoff
So, let's get down to the calendar. You won't see the Chiefs back in pads for a real game until August 2026. That’s a long six-month wait.
The NFL hasn't released the specific dates for the 2026 schedule yet—that usually happens in a big televised spectacle in mid-May—but we know the windows. Preseason typically kicks off in the second week of August. Based on the 2026 calendar, expect the first Chiefs preseason game around August 13-15, 2026.
The "real" start? That’s Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Since the Chiefs aren't the defending champs this time, they won't be hosting that marquee Thursday night season opener. Instead, they'll likely play their Week 1 game on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
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Important Dates Before Kickoff
- NFL Draft (April 23–25, 2026): This is in Pittsburgh this year. Since the Chiefs finished with a losing record, they’ll have a much higher pick than they’ve had in the Mahomes era.
- Rookie Minicamp (May 2026): This is the first time we'll see the new draft class on the field at the University of Kansas Health System Training Complex.
- Training Camp (Late July 2026): The team heads back to St. Joseph, Missouri. This is where the 2026 identity actually gets formed.
Who is on the 2026 Chiefs Schedule?
We might not have the "when" for every game, but we definitely have the "who." The NFL's scheduling formula is basically a math equation, so the opponents are already locked in.
Because the Chiefs finished third in the AFC West, they actually get a slightly "easier" schedule on paper compared to the first-place Broncos. They’ll play the usual AFC West suspects home and away: the Raiders, Chargers, and Broncos.
Beyond the division, the 2026 rotation has the AFC West matched up against the AFC East and the NFC West.
Home Games at Arrowhead
The atmosphere in KC is going to be electric for a few of these. You've got the San Francisco 49ers coming to town, which is always a heavyweight fight. The New York Jets and New England Patriots are also on the home docket, along with the Arizona Cardinals and the Indianapolis Colts.
Road Trips
It’s a tough year for travel. The Chiefs have to fly out to face the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium—a rivalry that never gets old. They also head to the West Coast to play the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams (SoFi Stadium).
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One of the more unique matchups is the "17th game" opponent. For 2026, the Chiefs are slated to play the Atlanta Falcons on the road.
The Mahomes Recovery Factor
The biggest variable in when will the chiefs play at their full potential is No. 15. Patrick Mahomes is currently recovering from that ACL surgery. On January 15, 2026, Mahomes told reporters he's aiming to be 100% by Week 1.
ACL recovery is usually a nine-month process. Since his injury happened mid-season, the timing is tight but doable. If he hits a snag, we might see a backup starting the preseason or even the first few weeks of September. That would fundamentally change the stakes of those early games.
Honestly, the 2025 season felt like a fever dream for most fans. Seeing the Raiders and Broncos at the top of the division while KC sat at home was a reality check. But the silver line is the draft capital. The Chiefs haven't had a top-15 pick in ages.
Why the 2026 Schedule Matters
- The Comeback Narrative: Everyone loves a redemption story.
- Cap Space: With some veteran contracts likely coming off the books, the 2026 roster could look very different.
- Division Power Shift: The AFC West is no longer a cakewalk. Denver found a rhythm this year, and the Chargers are always a threat under Harbaugh.
Actionable Steps for Chiefs Fans
If you're planning your life around the next time the Chiefs hit the turf, here is how you should prep.
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First, mark your calendar for mid-May 2026. That is the official NFL Schedule Release. That’s when you can actually book flights for those road games in Seattle or Los Angeles.
Second, keep an eye on the March free agency period. The league year officially starts March 11, 2026. The Chiefs need help at receiver and on the defensive line, and who they sign then will tell us a lot about their 2026 prospects.
Lastly, if you're a season ticket holder or looking to go to a game, expect the 2026 single-game tickets to go on sale almost immediately after the May schedule announcement. Given the "revenge tour" vibes, they’re going to go fast.
The wait is long, but the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in the Andy Reid era.
Next Steps for 2026 Season Prep:
- Monitor the NFL's official announcement in May for exact kickoff times and TV networks.
- Follow the Chiefs' training camp updates in July to track Patrick Mahomes’ mobility and speed during drills.
- Review the final 2026 NFL Draft board in late April to see which playmakers Kansas City adds to the roster.