If you're scouring the internet trying to figure out who won kc game today, you might be a little confused by the silence coming from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Here is the short answer: nobody. The Kansas City Chiefs didn't play a game today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Wait. Don't close the tab yet.
There is actually a massive reason why they aren't on your TV screen right now, and it’s the best-case scenario for Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. The Chiefs secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC at the end of the regular season, which earned them the only first-round bye in the conference. While the rest of the AFC was beating each other up during Wild Card weekend, the Chiefs were at home, likely watching film and letting Travis Kelce’s ankles recover.
The Playoff Picture Without a KC Game Today
It’s easy to get the dates mixed up, especially since exactly one year ago today—January 18, 2025—the Chiefs were busy dismantling the Houston Texans 23-14 in a divisional showdown. But this year, the calendar fell differently.
While KC rested, the rest of the league was chaotic. Just yesterday, Saturday, January 17, the NFL world was rocked by the Denver Broncos pulling off a stunning 33-30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills. That game had everything: five turnovers from Josh Allen, a 23-yard game-winning field goal by Wil Lutz, and the devastating news that Broncos QB Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle and is out for the remainder of the postseason.
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This matters immensely for Kansas City.
Because the Broncos (the No. 4 seed) upset the Bills (the No. 2 seed), the bracket has shifted. The Chiefs, as the top seed, always play the lowest remaining seed.
Who do the Chiefs play next?
Since you can't find out who won kc game today, you're likely looking for when they actually take the field. The Chiefs will host their Divisional Round game next weekend at Arrowhead.
Their opponent depends on the final result of the remaining Wild Card matchups. In the 2025-26 NFL season, the parity has been higher than we've seen in a decade. We saw the Raiders actually sweep the Chiefs in the regular season—including a heartbreaking 14-12 loss for KC on January 4th where Daniel Carlson nailed a 60-yarder to end the game.
Fans are understandably anxious.
The "bye week rust" is a real thing people talk about, but for Andy Reid, it’s usually a massive advantage. Statistically, Reid is one of the most successful coaches in NFL history when he has an extra week to prepare. Honestly, the rest is probably a godsend for a team that struggled with consistency in the final month of the regular season.
Why people are searching for the score
Search trends for who won kc game today usually spike because of the "Taylor Swift effect" or just general playoff fever. People expect the Chiefs to be playing every single Sunday in January because, frankly, they usually are.
If you are seeing scores floating around for a "Chiefs vs. Texans" or "Chiefs vs. Bills" game with today's date, you are likely looking at 2025 archives. Last year's playoff run was a gauntlet. This year, the road to the Super Bowl officially starts next week in Kansas City.
Key Takeaways for Chiefs Fans
- The Chiefs had a bye: They are the No. 1 seed. No game was scheduled for Sunday, Jan 18, 2026.
- The AFC is wide open: With Buffalo losing to Denver yesterday, a major rival is already out of the way.
- Injury Watch: Keep an eye on the Chiefs' practice reports this week. The extra seven days of rest for the offensive line will be the deciding factor in the Divisional Round.
- Next Game: Expect the Chiefs to play on either Saturday, Jan 24, or Sunday, Jan 25.
If you're looking to place bets or set your fantasy lineups for the remaining playoff slate, focus on the NFC games happening this afternoon. The Chiefs are safe and sound in the film room, waiting for their next victim to arrive in Missouri.
Check the official NFL schedule tomorrow morning. By then, the league will have locked in the exact kickoff time for the Chiefs' return to action. For now, enjoy a Sunday without the stress of a Mahomes two-minute drill.
Next Steps for You:
Check the final score of tonight's remaining Wild Card game to see which lowest-remaining seed will be traveling to Arrowhead next week. You should also monitor the injury status of Isiah Pacheco, as his return to full participation in practice this week will be the biggest indicator of the Chiefs' offensive ceiling for the Divisional Round.