If you’re scrambling to find out what time the Chiefs play tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2026, I have some news that might sting a little.
The Kansas City Chiefs are not playing tomorrow. In fact, they aren’t playing this weekend at all.
For a fan base that has basically lived in the postseason for the last decade, this feels weird. Empty. Usually, by mid-January, Arrowhead is smelling like smoked brisket and the kingdom is bracing for another deep run. But this year, the lights are off. After a regular season that saw the Chiefs finish with a 7-10 record, they missed the 2025-26 NFL playoffs entirely.
It's a tough pill to swallow. Honestly, seeing the Denver Broncos sitting at the #1 seed in the AFC while Patrick Mahomes watches from his couch is a reality most of us didn't see coming back in August.
The Reality of the Chiefs Playoff Absence
The question of what time the Chiefs play tomorrow has a simple but painful answer: they don’t. Friday is an off-day for the entire NFL as the league prepares for the Divisional Round, which kicks off on Saturday, January 17.
Usually, we'd be looking at a Saturday or Sunday kickoff. This year, the AFC is being run through Denver and New England.
It’s been 36 years since the NFL saw a streak where at least four teams make the playoffs after missing them the year before. This year, that trend continued with teams like the Chicago Bears and the Seattle Seahawks surging back into relevance. Unfortunately, Kansas City went the other direction. A string of late-season losses, including a 14-12 heartbreaker to the Raiders in Week 18, officially slammed the door on any playoff hopes.
Why the Chiefs Missed the Postseason This Year
It wasn't just one thing. It was a "perfect storm" of issues that started early.
The offensive line struggled with consistency. Mahomes, as great as he is, found himself under more pressure than in previous Super Bowl-winning campaigns. Then there were the injuries. You can't lose key playmakers in a division as competitive as the AFC West has become and expect to skate by.
- The December Slide: The Chiefs lost five of their last six games.
- Division Struggles: Going 0-2 against the Broncos proved fatal for their seeding.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Kansas City dropped to the bottom half of the league in touchdown percentage inside the 20-yard line.
Basically, the "Chiefs magic" we’ve all grown accustomed to ran out of juice in late November. Seeing the Raiders celebrate a Week 18 win that knocked K.C. out was a low point for the era.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents and Schedule
Since there is no game tomorrow, the focus has already shifted to the 2026 season. The front office, led by Brett Veach, is likely already deep into draft boards. Because they finished third in the AFC West, their 2026 schedule is actually starting to take shape, and it looks like a gauntlet.
Next year, the Chiefs will face the entire AFC East and the NFC West. That means games against the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks. They also get the third-place finishers from the AFC North (Cincinnati Bengals) and the AFC South (Indianapolis Colts).
It doesn't get easier. But that's the NFL. One year you're at the top, the next you're wondering why you're watching the Bills and Broncos battle it out on a Saturday afternoon while your jersey stays in the closet.
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What to Watch Since the Chiefs Aren't Playing
If you still need your football fix tomorrow, you'll have to wait until Saturday. The NFL Divisional Round is set, and even without K.C., the matchups are pretty wild.
On Saturday, January 17, the Buffalo Bills travel to face the Denver Broncos at 4:30 PM ET on CBS. Later that night, the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks at 8:15 PM ET. Then Sunday brings the Houston Texans at the New England Patriots followed by the Rams at the Bears.
It’s weird not seeing the arrowhead logo in that bracket. Kinda feels like a movie where the main character gets written out in the second act.
Actionable Steps for Chiefs Fans This Weekend
Since you won't be heading to GEHA Field at Arrowhead or tuning in to watch Mahomes tomorrow, here is how you can pivot:
- Scope the 2026 Draft Order: The Chiefs will have a much higher pick than they've had in years. Start looking at the top offensive tackle and wide receiver prospects.
- Monitor the Divisional Games: Keep a close eye on the Broncos. If they win it all, the AFC West becomes an even bigger arms race this offseason.
- Check Contract Situations: Several key veteran contracts are up for review. Keep an eye on local K.C. sports media for news on who might be a cap casualty and who is getting an extension.
The "what time the Chiefs play tomorrow" search might lead to a dead end for 2026, but the rebuild—or "re-tooling"—starts now.
Next Steps: You should check the current NFL Draft order to see exactly where the Chiefs land in the first round. Knowing their draft position will give you a better idea of which elite prospects might actually be available to help K.C. get back to the playoffs next January.