If you were looking for the high-flying, Mahomes-led juggernaut we’ve seen for a decade, you probably blinked and wondered if you had the right channel. Honestly, the answer to who did the Kansas City Chiefs play last week isn't just about the name on the jersey; it’s about a game that felt like a fever dream. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs closed out their roughest season in recent memory against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
It wasn't pretty. Actually, it was kind of a mess.
The Chiefs walked into Las Vegas and walked out with a 14-12 loss, a scoreline that looks more like a low-scoring baseball game than an NFL showdown. This wasn't just another game. It was the final chapter of a 6-11 season that saw the "Chiefs Kingdom" dynasty hit a massive speed bump.
The Ugly Reality: Chiefs vs. Raiders Recap
Most fans asking who did the Kansas City Chiefs play last week are usually expecting to hear about a playoff matchup. Not this year. Since the Chiefs were already eliminated from postseason contention—thanks to a brutal December where Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL tear—this Week 18 game was all about pride and draft positioning.
The game was a defensive slog, to put it lightly. We are talking about zero touchdowns. None. The entire 14-12 final score was built on the backs of eight field goals and a safety.
Quarterback Carousel in Sin City
If you tuned in expecting Mahomes, you saw Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun instead. On the other side, the Raiders were rolling with Aidan O'Connell. It felt like a preseason game in January.
Buechele actually gave the Chiefs a late lead. He found Hollywood Brown for a massive 51-yard gain that set up a Harrison Butker field goal with about a minute left. For a second, it looked like KC might steal a win and end the year on a high note. But then, Daniel Carlson happened.
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The Raiders kicker nailed a career-long 60-yard field goal with only eight seconds left on the clock. It was a dagger. That kick didn't just win the game for Las Vegas; it snapped their 10-game losing streak and gave them their first-ever win over the Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Why This Game Felt So Different
When you look at who did the Kansas City Chiefs play last week, the context of the rivalry matters. Usually, the Chiefs own the Raiders. Entering this game, KC had won five straight in Vegas. But the 2025-2026 season flipped the script.
The Raiders were playing for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which they actually secured despite winning this game. It’s a bit of a "suffering from success" moment for them. Meanwhile, the Chiefs were just trying to see what their young guys could do. Coach Andy Reid gave significant snaps to players like tailback Brashard Smith, who managed 56 yards on 12 carries, and cornerback Nohl Williams, who actually looked like a bright spot with two pass-breakups and a sack.
Key Stats from the Week 18 Matchup
- Final Score: Raiders 14, Chiefs 12
- Total Touchdowns: 0
- Field Goals: Daniel Carlson (4), Harrison Butker (4)
- The Decider: A safety in the 4th quarter when Tyree Wilson sacked Buechele in the end zone.
It’s wild to think that a safety was the difference-maker, but that’s exactly where the Chiefs found themselves.
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Looking Ahead: Life After the Raiders Loss
So, the season is over. The answer to who did the Kansas City Chiefs play last week serves as a final data point for a year most fans want to forget. With a 6-11 record, the Chiefs are heading into an offseason filled with massive questions.
First and foremost is the health of Patrick Mahomes. His ACL injury in mid-December changed everything. Then there is the roster. For the first time since 2014, the Chiefs aren't in the playoffs. They finished third in the AFC West, trailing the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers.
The reality is that the "next steps" for this team aren't on the field anymore; they are in the front office.
What’s Next for Chiefs Fans?
Now that the 2025-2026 regular season has officially wrapped up with that loss to the Raiders, the focus shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
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- Monitor the Rehab: All eyes are on Mahomes’ recovery timeline. A mid-December ACL tear is tough, and his availability for the start of the 2026 season is the biggest storyline in the league.
- Evaluate the Youth: This last game against the Raiders gave a lot of "fringe" players a chance to show out. Expect the team to lean heavily on the tape of guys like Brashard Smith and Ethan Downs when making roster cuts this spring.
- Draft Positioning: By losing last week, the Chiefs secured a top-10 draft pick. This is unfamiliar territory for Andy Reid in Kansas City, and it gives them a chance to snag a blue-chip offensive lineman or another weapon for the passing game.
The dynasty isn't necessarily dead, but it’s definitely in the shop for repairs. While the loss to the Raiders was a tough pill to swallow, it officially starts the clock on the most important offseason in Kansas City since they drafted Mahomes in 2017.