What Channel Is the Chiefs Game On? TV Channel and Streaming Guide

For fans of the Kansas City Chiefs, catching every moment of the action—whether regular season, primetime, or playoff—is a cherished tradition. Yet, with broadcast rights shifting between TV networks and the explosion of streaming services, the once simple question, “What channel is the Chiefs game on?” now demands a deeper dive. This guide unpacks where to watch the Chiefs, why TV arrangements change, and how streaming has forever altered NFL viewership.

TV Networks That Broadcast Chiefs Games

Over the last decade, NFL broadcast rights have become a battleground for major networks. Chiefs games, like all NFL matchups, typically air on a rotation among a handful of national broadcasters.

Regular Season Network Assignments

In most cases, Sunday afternoon games featuring the Chiefs appear on either CBS or FOX. Traditionally, CBS holds the rights to most AFC games, including Chiefs matchups, while FOX handles NFC matchups. However, network “cross-flexing” means this isn’t always the case—some Chiefs games may land on FOX, especially if playing an NFC opponent or featured in a marquee slot.

Sunday Night Football, featuring high-profile matchups, airs on NBC. Monday Night Football belongs to ESPN, though select big games may also simulcast on ABC due to expanded agreements.

“The NFL’s broadcast schedule can look complex to the uninitiated, but it’s designed to maximize prime viewership and feature the league’s most compelling matchups,” says Tom Jones, a senior sports media analyst.

Playoffs, Primetime, and Special Games

Postseason coverage broadens. CBS, FOX, and NBC all participate in airing playoff rounds. The Super Bowl rotates yearly among these networks. Special games—like the Thursday Night Football slate or international matchups—require special attention: Amazon Prime Video now holds exclusive national rights to Thursday games, a major shift that marks the NFL’s growing streaming footprint.

In Kansas City, as elsewhere, local network affiliates (like KCTV5 for CBS) often carry Chiefs games, with regional blackouts very rare in recent NFL seasons due to high sellout rates and digital distribution.

Chiefs Game Streaming: Where to Watch Without Cable

Beyond broadcast TV, digital streaming has rapidly gained ground. NFL fans increasingly expect flexibility, wanting to watch the Chiefs live whether at home, on the road, or on mobile devices. Multiple platforms now battle for attention—and subscriber dollars.

NFL-Focused Streaming Services

1. NFL+: The league’s official streaming service, NFL+, lets subscribers watch live local games (including Chiefs broadcasts) and primetime matchups on mobile devices. This makes it a reliable option for fans on the move.
2. Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access): Paramount+ streams all games aired on CBS, covering a majority of Chiefs regular season fixtures.
3. Peacock: NBC’s streaming service hosts Sunday Night Football, along with any NBC-aired playoff games.

Broad Streaming Platforms with NFL Rights

Several live TV streaming bundles include local and national NFL games:

• YouTube TV: Includes CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, covering nearly all Chiefs games regardless of slot.
• Hulu + Live TV: Similar coverage, offering convenience for cord-cutters who want a simplified interface.
• fuboTV: Known for sports, this provider extends coverage to nearly all local and national NFL networks in supported markets.

However, some streaming services may lack local affiliate access in certain areas, so confirming channel availability beforehand is crucial.

Thursday Night Football Goes Digital

Thursday Night Football underwent a seismic shift in 2022, moving exclusively to Amazon Prime Video on a national level. For the Chiefs, this means Thursday games are only available through Prime (with local markets receiving simulcast coverage on traditional TV).

Since this digital-exclusive arrangement, Amazon has reported double-digit increases in streaming engagement for NFL games, a testament to evolving viewing habits.

Navigating Market-Specific Broadcasts and Blackouts

Although blackouts are now rare, market rules sometimes affect how and where Chiefs fans can watch locally.

Local Market vs. Out-of-Market Viewing

• In-Market: Fans in the Kansas City region usually receive the game via their regional broadcaster or local affiliate, even if a streaming service is used.
• Out-of-Market: Fans outside the Chiefs’ geographic territory can struggle to see every game live on TV. Enter NFL Sunday Ticket, now operated by YouTube TV, which lets users watch any out-of-market Sunday game—effectively solving the decades-old regional limitation.

Tracking Chiefs Game Schedules and Channel Listings

With so many platforms and frequent flex scheduling, staying updated is essential. NFL and Chiefs official websites publish up-to-date schedules, including channel assignments and streaming options. Third-party sports apps, TV guides, and digital TV provider platforms also offer real-time listings.

Tips for Finding the Right Channel

• Check NFL.com or the Chiefs’ official website for weekly updates.
• Use TV guide apps with “favorite team” features to auto-track broadcasts.
• Sign up for streaming services that provide local affiliate coverage if you’re a cord-cutter.

The Impact of Streaming and Flex Scheduling

As the NFL embraces streaming, game times and channel designations have become more fluid. “Flex scheduling” allows the league to swap out games for better matchups in prime slots, often on short notice. For Chiefs fans, this might mean a Sunday afternoon kickoff suddenly becomes a primetime event—changing the expected network.

While these shifts aim to maintain high viewer engagement, they add complexity for audiences, who must remain nimble about where and how to watch. The advantage is unprecedented reach: Chiefs games now stream to phones, tablets, and smart TVs worldwide.

Conclusion: Staying Ahead of the Game

With the Kansas City Chiefs in perpetual contention and an evolving media landscape, finding the right channel or stream is more important than ever. Broadcast rights rotate, primetime slots flex, and streaming services expand each season. Savvy fans track schedules, embrace platform flexibility, and ensure they never miss a touchdown—no matter where they watch. Staying informed is the best way to guarantee front-row access from kickoff to final whistle.

FAQs

What channel usually broadcasts Chiefs games?

Most regular season Chiefs games air on CBS, with some broadcast on FOX if playing an NFC team. Primetime games can appear on NBC (Sunday night) or ESPN (Monday night), while Thursday games air on Amazon Prime Video.

Can I stream Chiefs games without cable?

Yes, streaming services like NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video all offer ways to watch Chiefs games live, depending on the slot and location.

What should out-of-market fans do to watch Chiefs games?

Out-of-market fans can use NFL Sunday Ticket, now available through YouTube TV, which provides access to every live out-of-market Sunday NFL game, including Chiefs contests.

Are all Chiefs games available on local TV in Kansas City?

Almost all Chiefs games are available on local affiliates in the Kansas City area, barring rare blackout scenarios. These have become extremely uncommon in recent seasons due to robust ticket sales and the rise of digital streaming.

How can I find this week’s Chiefs game channel or stream?

Check the Chiefs’ official website, NFL.com, or a reliable TV guide for current listings. Many streaming services also update weekly game schedules within their interface.

Does streaming lag behind broadcast TV for live NFL games?

Streaming typically introduces a slight delay compared to traditional broadcast, but most mainstream platforms have minimized lag to a matter of seconds, making it negligible for most fans.