So, you're looking for the score. You probably refreshed your sports app three times, checked the TV guide, and wondered if you somehow missed a Friday night kickoff. It’s frustrating when you're ready for some Kansas City football and the screen stays blank.
Where was the Chiefs game today? Honestly, nowhere. There was no game.
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If you’re reading this on Friday, January 16, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs are officially on summer vacation—or at least the NFL version of it. For the first time in years, the "Kingdom" isn't gearing up for a deep playoff run. The Chiefs wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign nearly two weeks ago on January 4th.
It’s a weird feeling, right? Seeing the Divisional Round of the playoffs start tomorrow without Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid involved feels like a glitch in the Matrix. But the standings don't lie.
The Last Time They Suited Up
The final whistle for the Chiefs' season blew on January 4, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. It was a heartbreaker, too. They lost 14-12 to the Raiders in a game that was basically a slugfest of field goals.
That loss capped off a genuinely tough season. The Chiefs finished 6-11. Let that sink in for a second. After years of dominance, they ended up third in the AFC West.
While the rest of the league is heading to places like Denver and Seattle for the Divisional Round this weekend, the guys in KC are likely already looking at flight itineraries for the offseason or hitting the rehab facility.
Why There's No Football in Kansas City Right Now
The NFL playoff bracket for 2026 is officially set, and for once, the road to the Super Bowl doesn't go through GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Because the Chiefs didn't make the postseason, they have no game scheduled today or any other day until the 2026 preseason begins in August.
Here is who actually is playing this weekend while the Chiefs stay home:
- Saturday, Jan 17: The Buffalo Bills travel to Denver to face the Broncos.
- Saturday, Jan 17: The San Francisco 49ers take on the Seahawks in Seattle.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The Los Angeles Rams head to Chicago to play the Bears.
Basically, the AFC is currently being run by the Broncos and the Patriots this year. It's a massive shift from the "Chiefs Invitational" era we've all gotten used to over the last decade.
What Happened to the 2025-2026 Chiefs?
Looking back, the season was sort of a mess from the start. They opened the year with a weird loss in Brazil against the Chargers and never really found their rhythm.
Injuries played a part, sure. But the offense struggled in ways we haven't seen since the pre-Mahomes days. By the time they got to that final game in Vegas, they were starting Shane Buechele at quarterback because they were just trying to get through the finish line.
Seeing Travis Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster fight for every yard in a 12-14 loss to a 3-14 Raiders team was a tough pill for fans to swallow. It wasn't the "dynasty" football everyone expected.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since there is no game today, the "game" has shifted to the front office. The Chiefs are already looking at their 2026 opponents. While the specific dates won't be out until May, we know who they’re playing.
They’ve got a tough road ahead. They’ll be facing the AFC East and the NFC West next year. That means matchups against the 49ers, Bills, and Dolphins. Plus, because they finished third in the division, they’ll have games against the Colts and Bengals.
The good news? A 6-11 record means a much better draft pick than they’ve had in years. They’ll be picking in the top half of the first round, which is prime territory to grab a playmaker who can help Mahomes get back to the January football we're all missing today.
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Your Post-Season Action Plan
Since you can't watch the Chiefs today, here is how to stay plugged in:
- Watch the Broncos vs. Bills tomorrow: It’s weird to root for a rival, but the Broncos are the #1 seed in the AFC. If you want to see who’s currently "the man" in the AFC West, that’s the game to watch.
- Check the Mock Drafts: Now is the time when the "Draft Nerds" come out of the woodwork. Keep an eye on prospects like those coming out of Georgia or Ohio State that might fit the KC system.
- Follow the Coaching Staff: With a losing season, there might be some shuffling in the assistant coaching ranks. Keep an eye on local KC sports news for any "parting of ways."
The Chiefs might be idle today, but in the NFL, the off-season is just a different kind of competition.