It feels weird, doesn't it? For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the NFL playoffs are happening right now, and the Kansas City Chiefs are just... watching from the couch. If you are asking who does Kansas City play today, the honest answer is nobody. They are officially in "next year" mode.
After a brutal 6-11 campaign that wrapped up with a loss to the Raiders on January 4, 2026, the Patrick Mahomes postseason streak finally snapped. No trip to the Divisional Round. No AFC Championship appearance at Arrowhead. Just a lot of questions about what went wrong and a very clear list of who they have to beat to get back on top in the 2026-2027 season.
The 2026 Opponent List is Set
Even though the specific dates and kickoff times won't drop until the NFL schedule release in May, we already know exactly which teams are on the slate. The NFL uses a rotation, so there’s no guesswork on the "who," just the "when."
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Kansas City is going to be busy. Because they finished third in the AFC West this year, they actually get a "third-place" schedule, which is supposed to be easier on paper, though in the NFL, that's rarely how it works out.
Home Games at Arrowhead
The Sea of Red will host some massive names in 2026. You’ve got the usual AFC West suspects, but the out-of-division matchups are spicy.
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- Denver Broncos: Always a dogfight.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Expect a lot of blue jerseys in the stands.
- Las Vegas Raiders: The team that officially ended the Chiefs' season in Week 18.
- San Francisco 49ers: A Super Bowl rematch that always draws a massive TV audience.
- New York Jets: Hopefully, Aaron Rodgers (if he's still playing) makes it through the first quarter this time.
- Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray coming to town is always a track meet.
- New England Patriots: Life in the post-Belichick era continues.
- Indianapolis Colts: This was determined by the third-place divisional finish.
On the Road: The 2026 Away Slate
Traveling is going to be a gauntlet. The Chiefs have to head to some of the loudest stadiums in the league this coming year.
- Buffalo Bills: Because of course. It wouldn't be a football season without Mahomes vs. Allen in the freezing cold of Orchard Park.
- Seattle Seahawks: The 12th Man vs. the Chiefs kingdom.
- Los Angeles Rams: A trip to SoFi Stadium.
- Miami Dolphins: Hopefully, this one is scheduled for September and not a December blizzard.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Another "placement" game. Even when these teams underperform, the rivalry stays heated.
- Atlanta Falcons: This is the "17th game" on the schedule, an interconference matchup based on standings.
- The Division Rivals: Trips to Denver, Vegas, and LA (Chargers).
Why the Chiefs Are Sitting Out Right Now
Usually, in mid-January, we’re talking about Arrowhead hosting a Divisional game. Not this time. The 2025 season was a mess of injuries and uncharacteristic mistakes. Looking at the current 2026 playoff bracket, it’s the Denver Broncos holding down the #1 seed in the AFC. Talk about a power shift.
While the Bills, Patriots, and Texans are currently battling it out for a spot in the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium, the Chiefs' front office is likely looking at the NFL Draft. Finishing 6-11 gives them a much higher pick than they are used to. They aren't picking 31st or 32nd anymore.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
People tend to think the NFL "protects" big teams like Kansas City by giving them easy games. That’s just not how it works. The scheduling formula is rigid.
The Chiefs play the AFC East and the NFC West in 2026. That is locked in years in advance. The only "variable" games are based on where you finish in your division. Since KC finished third, they play the third-place teams from the AFC North (Bengals), AFC South (Colts), and NFC South (Falcons). If they had won the division, they’d be playing the Ravens and Texans instead.
Actionable Steps for Chiefs Fans
Since there is no game to watch this weekend, here is how you should be prepping for the 2026 return:
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- Mark Your Calendar for May: That is when the NFL will announce the actual dates. Expect at least five primetime games; even a "down" Chiefs team is a ratings goldmine.
- Monitor the 17th Game: The trip to Atlanta is a unique one. If you’re a traveling fan, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the better "bucket list" venues to visit.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the Broncos and Bills. These are the teams KC has to leapfrog next year to get their crown back.
- Draft Prep: Start looking at wide receiver and offensive line prospects. With a top-15 pick, the Chiefs have a chance to grab a Day 1 starter they wouldn't normally have access to.
The road back to the Super Bowl starts with knowing the path. The path for 2026 is officially set.