If you’re refreshing your feed trying to figure out who won the kc chiefs game today, I have some news that might sting a little. Honestly, it’s been a weird day for the Kingdom. If you’re looking for a final score from this Saturday, January 17, 2026, you won’t find one.
The Chiefs didn't play today. In fact, they aren't even in the playoffs.
It feels bizarre to type that, right? After years of dominating the AFC and basically owning the month of January, Kansas City is watching the Divisional Round from the couch. While the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos are currently tearing it up on the field, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are likely already deep into "fixing the roster" mode.
The Reality of the KC Chiefs Game Today
The Chiefs’ season actually ended back on January 4th. It was a rough one. They finished with a 6-11 record, which is basically unthinkable if you’ve been following this team since 2018. They closed out their year with a 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, a game that pretty much summed up their entire 2025-2026 campaign: a lot of defensive grit but an offense that just couldn't find its rhythm.
✨ Don't miss: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: Why the Roster Flip is More Than Just Kyler Murray
Even though there isn't a KC Chiefs game today, their ghost is still all over the NFL playoffs. Case in point: the Bills-Broncos game that kicked off earlier this afternoon. Did you see that first touchdown by Buffalo?
Mecole Hardman—yeah, that Mecole Hardman—caught a touchdown on a play called "Corndog." If that sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the exact same play the Chiefs used to win the Super Bowl against the Niners. It’s a bit of a gut punch for Chiefs fans to see their signature postseason magic being used by a rival like the Bills to try and advance.
Why Kansas City Isn't Playing
So, what happened? How did a dynasty go from Super Bowl rings to a 6-11 record and no playoff spot?
🔗 Read more: Anthony Davis USC Running Back: Why the Notre Dame Killer Still Matters
- Quarterback Carousel: Patrick Mahomes dealt with some nagging injuries, and we saw a lot more of Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun than anyone expected.
- The Division Got Scary: The Denver Broncos completely flipped the script this year. They finished 14-3 and took the top seed in the AFC. Watching Bo Nix lead a team to the top of the AFC West while the Chiefs finished third is a reality check no one in Missouri was ready for.
- Offensive Slump: The "explosive" plays we’re used to seeing just didn't happen. Travis Kelce is still a legend, but the connection wasn't as automatic this year, and the run game was inconsistent despite some flashes from Kareem Hunt.
It’s easy to get frustrated, but this is the NFL. Parity is a real thing. One year you’re the king, the next you’re watching the Buffalo Bills steal your playbook.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
Since there was no who won the kc chiefs game today answer to satisfy the win column, fans are already looking at the 2026-2027 schedule. The league has already released the opponents for next year. It doesn't look easy.
Kansas City is slated to face the AFC East and the NFC West next season. That means games against the 49ers, Bills (again), and the Dolphins. They’ll also have nine road games compared to eight at home, thanks to the rotating 17-game schedule format.
💡 You might also like: AC Milan vs Bologna: Why This Matchup Always Ruins the Script
Practical Steps for the Offseason
If you’re a die-hard fan, the "game" has shifted from the field to the front office. Here is what you should be watching over the next few weeks:
- Draft Order: With a 6-11 finish, the Chiefs are looking at a much higher draft pick than they’ve had in a decade. This is a prime spot to snag a generational tackle or a true WR1.
- Free Agency: Keep an eye on the salary cap. There are some tough decisions coming up regarding veteran contracts.
- Coaching Staff: There’s always talk about Andy Reid’s future, but most insiders expect him back to "right the ship." However, some assistant coaching changes are almost certain after an 11-loss season.
Basically, the Chiefs are in a "retool" phase. It sucks for now, especially when the January air is cold and there's no game at Arrowhead. But if history tells us anything, a Mahomes-led team doesn't stay down for long.
The playoffs will continue without them this year. Denver and Buffalo will fight it out, and the Niners and Seahawks will battle for the NFC. It's a different vibe, for sure. But for the Kansas City faithful, the real work starts now.
Instead of looking for a score today, start looking at those mock drafts. The road back to the Super Bowl starts with finding out why the magic faded this season and making sure it doesn't happen again in 2026.