If you’re refreshing your apps and looking for a kickoff time this weekend, I have some tough news for the Kingdom. For the first time in over a decade, the answer to when does kc play again isn't "this Sunday in the divisional round."
It’s actually "not until August."
The Kansas City Chiefs officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign on January 4, 2026, with a narrow 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. That loss was the final nail in the coffin of a season that saw the reigning dynasty stumble to a 6-11 record. It’s a surreal feeling for a fanbase that has basically treated the AFC Championship game like an annual family reunion at Arrowhead.
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But this year, the lights are off at GEHA Field. The NFL playoffs are moving forward without Patrick Mahomes, and honestly, the bracket looks a little weird without that red and gold arrowhead in the mix.
Understanding the Chiefs 2026 Offseason Timeline
Since KC isn't playing in the Divisional Round on January 17 or 18, the focus has shifted entirely to the 2026 reboot. If you're looking for the next time they actually suit up in pads, you’re looking at the NFL Preseason in August 2026.
While the exact dates for the 2026 preseason won't be set in stone until the league release in May, we can look at the patterns. Usually, the first preseason game hits the second week of August. Based on the 2026 calendar, you should mark your calendars for roughly August 13–16, 2026, for the first taste of Chiefs football.
Before that, though, there are several "soft" dates where the team is back in action, just without the scoreboard:
- Late July 2026: Training Camp begins at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. This is the first real chance to see the new roster.
- April 23–25, 2026: The NFL Draft. This is arguably the most important "game" for KC this year as they look to reload after a disappointing 6-11 finish.
- May 2026: The official 2026 NFL schedule release. This is when we’ll know the exact day and time for every single matchup.
when does kc play again: A Look at the 2026 Opponents
We might not have the "when" for the regular season yet, but thanks to the NFL’s rotating scheduling formula, we definitely have the "who."
The 2026 schedule is going to be a gauntlet. Because the Chiefs finished third in the AFC West, they actually dodged a first-place schedule, but the cross-divisional draws are still brutal. They are slated to play the entire AFC East and the NFC West.
2026 Home Games at Arrowhead
The atmosphere in Kansas City is always electric, but the 2026 home slate brings some massive storylines. You’ve got the San Francisco 49ers coming to town, which is always a heavyweight bout. The Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets are also on the list, along with the standard division rivals like the Broncos and Chargers.
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2026 Away Games
This is where it gets tricky for the travel budget. The Chiefs have to travel to Buffalo to face Josh Allen and the Bills, a rivalry that never fails to deliver. They also have a tough road trip to Seattle to face the Seahawks in one of the loudest environments in the league, plus a visit to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
One of the more interesting "17th game" matchups for 2026 is an away game against the Atlanta Falcons. Since the NFC has the extra home game in 2026, the Chiefs will be heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for that inter-conference clash.
Why the Chiefs Missed the Postseason This Time
It’s the question everyone in the Ozarks is asking. How did a team with Mahomes and Andy Reid end up watching the playoffs from the couch?
The 2025 season was plagued by an uncharacteristic lack of offensive rhythm. While the defense remained stout under Steve Spagnuolo, the team struggled in one-score games—losing seven games by a touchdown or less. That 14-12 loss to the Raiders in Week 18 was the perfect microcosm of the season: plenty of opportunities, but an inability to punch it in when it mattered most.
Furthermore, the AFC West improved significantly. The Broncos and Raiders both found ways to limit KC's explosive plays, and the Chargers' resurgence under their coaching staff made the division a weekly dogfight. For the first time since 2014, the road to the Super Bowl doesn't go through Kansas City.
How to Follow the Chiefs Until Kickoff
Just because they aren't playing doesn't mean the news stops. The NFL offseason is basically its own sport now. Here is how the next few months will play out for the front office:
- Free Agency (March 2026): Keep an eye on the salary cap. General Manager Brett Veach is known for being aggressive. With a disappointing season behind them, expect some roster churn as they look to find more weapons for the passing game.
- The Scouting Combine (February 2026): This is where the foundation for the next season is built. The Chiefs will be looking closely at offensive tackle depth and perhaps another vertical threat at wide receiver.
- Rookie Minicamps (May 2026): After the draft, the newest members of the team will be on the field for the first time. It’s the first real "football" activity of the new cycle.
Honestly, the "dynasty" talk hasn't died; it's just on a one-year hiatus. Most analysts expect KC to be right back in the thick of the Super Bowl hunt in 2026. Mahomes is still Mahomes, and a 6-11 season often leads to a better draft pick and a much-needed "wake-up call" for a veteran roster.
If you're looking for a team to root for in the meantime, the AFC is wide open. The Bills and Broncos are currently the favorites to represent the conference, but without the Chiefs in the way, it’s anyone’s guess who takes the trophy.
Next Steps for Chiefs Fans:
- Check the official NFL standings to see the final 2026 Draft order; the Chiefs' 6-11 record should land them a top-15 pick.
- Monitor the "Legal Tampering" period starting in mid-March to see which free agents the Chiefs are targeting to fix the offensive woes.
- Wait for the mid-May schedule release to see if the Chiefs open the 2026 season on the road or at home.
The wait for the next Chiefs game will be long, but if history tells us anything, a motivated Kansas City team is a dangerous one. August 2026 can't come soon enough.