If you’re looking for a score from a game that happened tonight, January 15, 2026, I’ve got some tough news for the Kingdom. Nobody won the Chiefs game tonight because the Chiefs didn't play. In fact, for the first time in nearly a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs aren't just "not playing tonight"—they're officially done for the year.
The NFL Divisional Round kicks off this weekend, but Kansas City is watching from the couch. It’s a weird feeling, right? We’re so used to seeing Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid deep in the mix this time of year, but the 2025-2026 season was a brutal wake-up call that proved even dynasties can have a "down" year.
What Happened to the 2025-2026 Chiefs?
Honestly, this season felt cursed from the jump. You’ve probably seen the headlines about the 6-11 finish. That’s not a typo. The team that was chasing a "Three-peat" just a year ago ended up 3rd in the AFC West. Basically, everything that could go wrong did.
The biggest blow? Patrick Mahomes is currently rehabbing a season-ending ACL injury. Without #15 under center, the offense just couldn't find its rhythm. We saw Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun trying to hold things together, but let’s be real—replacing the best quarterback on the planet is an impossible task.
Their final game of the season was back on January 4, 2026, against the Las Vegas Raiders. If you're wondering how that ended, it was a stinging 14-12 loss at Allegiant Stadium. They fought hard, but a late 60-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson for the Raiders sealed their fate. It was a messy, low-scoring affair that pretty much summarized their entire December.
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Who is Playing Instead?
Since the Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, the "tonight" slot in the NFL conversation is occupied by the teams that actually survived the Wild Card gauntlet.
While the Chiefs are moving into "offseason mode," here is who is still standing in the AFC:
- The Denver Broncos: They grabbed the #1 seed and have been resting up.
- The Houston Texans: They absolutely dismantled the Steelers 30-6 earlier this week.
- The New England Patriots: They took down the Chargers in a defensive slugfest.
- The Buffalo Bills: They managed to squeak past the Jaguars 27-24.
It’s a bit of a bitter pill to swallow seeing the Broncos sitting at the top of the division with a 14-3 record while the Chiefs are looking at draft boards.
Key Takeaways from the Chiefs' Final Stretch
You can't talk about who won the Chiefs game without looking at the stats from that final Raiders matchup. Even in a loss, there were some bright spots that give us a hint of what 2026 might look like once Mahomes is back.
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Travis Kelce made history again. He became only the third tight end in NFL history to hit the 13,000-yard mark. Even with a rotating door of backup quarterbacks, he was still the safety net.
On the injury front, it's not just Mahomes. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy just underwent shoulder surgery on January 14. He’d been playing through a torn labrum since Week 1. Think about that for a second. The kid played 14 games with a shoulder that kept popping out of place. He finished with 532 receiving yards, but he’s already posted on social media that he's "coming for it all next year."
What’s Next for Kansas City?
So, who won the Chiefs game tonight? Nobody. But the "win" for the front office starts right now.
Because of that 6-11 record, the Chiefs are actually in a position they haven't been in for a long time: a high draft pick. They are currently locked into the top 20 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Brett Veach is going to have to get creative with the cap, especially with Mahomes' massive (but earned) contract taking up a huge chunk of the pie.
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If you’re a fan, the move right now is to keep an eye on the rehab updates. Mahomes is reportedly "feeling loved" and motivated, and the surgery went as well as it could have. The goal for 2026 is simple: get healthy, fix the offensive line depth, and make sure this "gap year" doesn't become a trend.
The playoffs continue this Saturday, January 17, with the Bills heading to Denver. It’ll be a great game, even if the red and gold jerseys are missing from the sidelines.
Next Steps for Chiefs Fans:
- Track the Injury Report: Follow Xavier Worthy and Patrick Mahomes on social media for direct updates on their surgical recoveries.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the Texans vs. Patriots game on Sunday to see the level of competition the Chiefs will need to beat next September.
- Scout the Draft: Start looking at mock drafts for 2026; the Chiefs desperately need to bolster their defensive secondary and find a consistent #2 receiving threat.