It is a weird time to be a Chiefs fan. For the first time in basically forever—or at least since Patrick Mahomes took over the huddle in 2018—the Kansas City Chiefs are watching the playoffs from their couches. Honestly, seeing a postseason bracket without that arrowhead logo feels a bit like seeing a burger without a bun. Something is just missing. After a brutal 6-11 finish in the 2025 season, the conversation has shifted from "Who are they playing in the Super Bowl?" to a much more grounded question: who plays Kansas City next?
The 2025 season was a gut punch. Mahomes went down with a late-season ACL tear, and the pass rush basically vanished, ranking 26th in the league with only 33 sacks. But the NFL moves fast. Even as the Wild Card round wraps up in January 2026, the 2026 schedule is already locked in. If you're looking for the 2026 opponents, you've come to the right place. We are looking at a massive revenge tour or a very long rebuilding year.
The 2026 Opponents: A Brutal Road Ahead
The NFL's scheduling formula is like a clock—it’s predictable, even if the results aren't. Because the Chiefs finished third in the AFC West this year, they get a "third-place" schedule. Sounds easy? Think again.
Kansas City has to face the entire AFC East and the NFC West in 2026. That means battles against the high-flying Bills and the physical 49ers. You also have the standard home-and-away series against the AFC West rivals. Denver and the Chargers aren't the doormats they used to be; Denver actually finished 14-3 this past season.
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Home Games at Arrowhead
Arrowhead Stadium is going to see some serious talent next year. Fans will get to see a Super Bowl rematch (or two) and some historic rivalries. Here is who is coming to town:
- Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders: The usual suspects.
- San Francisco 49ers: Always a heavyweight fight.
- New York Jets: A test for the secondary.
- Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray coming to the loud house.
- New England Patriots: A classic AFC matchup.
- Indianapolis Colts: This was determined by the 2025 divisional standings.
On the Road
Traveling is never easy, and the 2026 road map looks exhausting. The Chiefs will be heading to some of the loudest venues in the league.
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- Buffalo Bills: Expect snow and a very angry Josh Allen.
- Miami Dolphins: A massive speed test for the KC defense.
- Seattle Seahawks: The "12th Man" versus the Chiefs Kingdom.
- Los Angeles Rams: A trip to SoFi.
- Cincinnati Bengals: The "Burrow vs. Mahomes" (assuming health) rivalry continues.
- Atlanta Falcons: This is the rotating "17th game" opponent from the NFC South.
Why the 2025 Season Tanked
You can't talk about who plays Kansas City next without acknowledging why they were so bad last year. It wasn't just the Mahomes injury, though that was the nail in the coffin. The defense, led by Steve Spagnuolo, usually finds its rhythm late. In 2025, they just... didn't.
Chris Jones is still a force, but he’s 31 now. George Karlaftis and Mike Danna had moments, but as a unit, the pass rush was subpar. They couldn't get off the field on third down. When you combine a stagnant pass rush with a backup quarterback like Chris Oladokun or even a veteran like Gardner Minshew, you're going to lose close games. The Chiefs lost six of their last seven games. That’s not a slump; that’s a collapse.
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The Roster Shakeup for 2026
The front office has a massive task this spring. Travis Kelce is 36. He’s a legend, but he’s entering the "one year at a time" phase of his career. Hollywood Brown, Kareem Hunt, and Isiah Pacheco are all listed as impending free agents or have uncertain statuses heading into the new league year.
Keep an eye on the young guys. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are the future of the receiving corps. If Mahomes comes back at 100%—and modern medicine suggests he will—he needs those track-stars to be ready. The 2026 draft will likely focus on the defensive line. You can't win in the AFC West if you can't sack the quarterback. It's that simple.
What This Means for Your Calendar
If you're planning a trip to GEHA Field at Arrowhead, the specific dates won't drop until the NFL's official schedule release in May. However, the opponents are set. We know that the Chiefs will play 17 games: nine at home and eight on the road (or vice versa, depending on the rotation).
Honestly, the "who plays Kansas City" question is about more than just a list of teams. It's about whether the dynasty is over or just taking a nap. Finishing 6-11 gives them a much higher draft pick than they’re used to. They haven't picked in the top 15 in years. That kind of talent infusion could be exactly what Andy Reid needs to spark one last run.
Key Takeaways for the Offseason
- Monitor the Rehab: The health of Mahomes' ACL is the only thing that actually matters. If he's not ready by September, the 2026 schedule doesn't matter.
- Free Agency Fever: With guys like Nick Bolton and Trey Smith needing big contracts, the salary cap gymnastics will be intense.
- The "Third Place" Perk: Playing the Colts and Bengals (who also struggled) instead of the Ravens or Jaguars could provide a slightly easier path back to the playoffs.
The road back to the top starts with knowing the hurdles. The 2026 opponents are a mix of old ghosts and new powerhouses. For a team that has been the "hunted" for half a decade, becoming the "hunter" might be the change of pace they need.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the NFL schedule release in mid-May 2026 for exact dates and kickoff times.
- If you're a season ticket holder, expect high demand for the 49ers and Bills home games.
- Follow the Chiefs' injury reports throughout the summer to track the recovery of key starters before the preseason starts in August.