It is Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you've been refreshing your sports app looking for the time of KC Chiefs game today, I have some news that might sting a little. Honestly, it’s the kind of realization that hits you right in the gut when you’re ready for a day of wings and red jerseys.
The Kansas City Chiefs are not playing today.
They aren't playing tomorrow, either. For the first time in what feels like an eternity for the Kingdom, the road to the Super Bowl does not run through GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this January. After a grueling 2025-2026 regular season that saw Andy Reid’s squad finish with an uncharacteristic 7-10 record, the Chiefs are officially in "couch mode."
Why the Chiefs Aren't in the Divisional Round
Usually, this weekend is a religious holiday in Kansas City. We're used to seeing Patrick Mahomes under the lights, making some sidearm throw that defies the laws of physics. But 2025 was... weird.
Basically, the season ended on January 4, 2026, with a heartbreaking 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. That game was a microcosm of their whole year: a lot of Harrison Butker field goals and not enough trips to the end zone. They finished third in the AFC West. Because of that, the time of KC Chiefs game today is nonexistent—they didn't even make the Wild Card cut last week.
Instead of the Chiefs, the AFC Divisional Round today features the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for KC fans, especially seeing a division rival like Denver holding that #1 seed and a first-round bye.
Today's Actual NFL Playoff Schedule (Jan 17, 2026)
If you're still looking for a football fix, there are two massive games happening. You might not see the arrowhead logo, but the stakes are just as high.
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: This kicks off at 4:30 PM ET (3:30 PM CT for those in KC). You can catch it on CBS or stream it on Paramount+.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: This is the nightcap at 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT). It’s airing on FOX.
It’s definitely strange seeing the Broncos as the powerhouse of the AFC West right now. They finished 14-3. Meanwhile, Kansas City is looking toward the NFL Draft and dealing with rumors about coaching staff changes, specifically the possible retirement of long-time offensive line coach Andy Heck.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since there is no time of KC Chiefs game today, let’s talk about when you can see them again. The 2026 schedule is already taking shape, and it looks like a gauntlet.
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Kinda feels like the NFL schedule makers didn't do them any favors. Because they finished third in the division, they’ll be playing a "third-place schedule," which ironically includes some heavy hitters. They’re slated to play the entire AFC East and the NFC West. That means games against the Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots, plus a tough slate against the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks.
One interesting bit of trivia: their 17th game for the upcoming 2026 season will be against the Indianapolis Colts. That one is scheduled to be an away game at Lucas Oil Stadium because the conferences rotate who gets the extra home game each year.
What to Do Since the Chiefs are Out
- Watch the Bills-Broncos game: If you're a "hate-watcher," you might enjoy seeing if Josh Allen can upset the Broncos in the thin air of Mile High.
- Scope the Draft Order: The Chiefs are picking much higher than they usually do. It’s a weird silver lining, but they need fresh blood on the offensive line and potentially another deep-threat receiver.
- Check the Super Bowl Odds: Super Bowl LX is set for February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium. Even without KC in the mix, the betting lines for a 49ers-Broncos matchup are already heating up.
It’s a bummer, I know. You’ve probably got the Mahomes jersey ready to go. But for today, January 17, the Chiefs are spectators just like the rest of us.
Keep an eye on the official team announcements as we head into February. With the season over, the front office is going to be busy. We’re likely to see some roster moves sooner rather than later to ensure that this time next year, we aren't searching for why the game isn't on.
Go ahead and set a calendar alert for the NFL Draft in April. That’s the next "big game" for Kansas City.