So, you're looking at the NFL playoff bracket today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, and you're wondering who do the chiefs play next weekend during the AFC Championship? Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for anyone in Kansas City right now. Usually, this is the time of year when the GEHA Field at Arrowhead parking lot is smelling like smoked brisket and the kingdom is gearing up for another deep run.
But not this time.
The short answer is: The Kansas City Chiefs do not play anyone next weekend. They aren't in the playoffs. If you’re a die-hard fan, it’s probably a bitter pill to swallow, especially watching the Denver Broncos just punch their ticket to the AFC Championship game after beating the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in an overtime thriller today. While the rest of the AFC is battling it out in the Divisional Round, the Chiefs are already looking at draft boards and scouting reports for the 2026 season.
What Happened to the Chiefs' Postseason?
It’s been a minute since we’ve seen a January without Patrick Mahomes making magic happen on our TV screens. The 2025-2026 season was, frankly, a massive outlier for a team that has basically lived in the AFC title game for the better part of a decade. They finished the regular season with a 6-11 record. Yeah, you read that right.
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They closed out the year with a string of tough losses, including a heartbreaking 14-12 defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders on January 4th. That loss officially slammed the door on any wildcard hopes. Instead of preparing for a "next weekend" matchup against someone like the Patriots or the Texans, the roster is currently scattered—some guys are likely golfing in Scottsdale, others are just starting their recovery protocols.
The drop-off was a mix of things. We saw a lot of offensive rhythm issues early on, and while the defense kept them in games, the consistency just wasn't there. It’s the first time since 2014 that Kansas City hasn't been part of the postseason conversation. It feels wrong, doesn't it?
The 2026 Schedule: Who Is on the Horizon?
Since they aren't playing next weekend, the focus has shifted entirely to the 2026 opponents. The NFL has already finalized the home and away matchups based on the divisional rotations and the final 2025 standings.
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If you're trying to plan your travel for next season, here’s what the road looks like:
- The AFC West Gauntlet: They’ll do the usual home-and-home dance with the Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers.
- A Trip to the East Coast: The Chiefs are slated to head to Buffalo and Miami. Those are never easy environments, especially with the Bills likely looking for revenge after today's playoff exit.
- Interconference Battles: They’ll be facing the NFC West this coming year. That means games against the 49ers and Cardinals at home, while they’ll have to travel to see the Rams and Seahawks.
- The "Third-Place" Matchups: Because the Chiefs finished third in the AFC West, they draw the third-place finishers from the other AFC divisions. That sets up a home game against the Indianapolis Colts and a road trip to see Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Why Next Weekend’s Games Still Matter to KC
Even though the Chiefs are out, next weekend’s AFC Championship game (scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026) matters for their future. The winner of the upcoming Texans vs. Patriots game tomorrow will head to Denver to face the Broncos.
Watching the Broncos ascend back to the top of the AFC West is a wake-up call for the Kansas City front office. For years, the division went through Arrowhead. Now, Denver is hosting the title game at Mile High. That shift in power is something Andy Reid and Brett Veach are undoubtedly analyzing as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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There's also the stadium situation. While the team isn't on the field, the news cycle is dominated by the STAR bond deal in Johnson County. There's a massive $2.8 billion project being discussed to potentially move the team to a new stadium in Wyandotte County. So, while there's no football being played next weekend, the future of where the team actually plays home games in the 2030s is being decided right now.
What Fans Should Do Instead
Since you won't be tuning in to see the Chiefs next weekend, it's a good time to embrace the role of the "neutral observer."
- Watch the Young Guns: Keep an eye on C.J. Stroud and the Texans tomorrow. They represent the new wave of AFC quarterbacks that Mahomes will have to fight through to get back to the mountaintop next year.
- Scout the Draft: The Chiefs will have a much higher draft pick than they’re used to. Start looking at the top wide receiver and offensive line prospects in the 2026 class.
- Follow the Stadium News: Keep an eye on the Kansas Legislature’s moves regarding those STAR bonds. It’s not as exciting as a 40-yard bomb to Xavier Worthy, but it’s the most important thing happening for the franchise this month.
The 2025 season was a reality check. But if history tells us anything about this group, they don't stay down for long. The road back to "playing next weekend" starts with the work they do in the next few months.