Chiefs vs Cowboys Thanksgiving 2025: Dallas Wins 31-28, Extends Win Streak to 3 Games - Complete Game Recap & Analysis

Dallas Cowboys vs Kansas City Chiefs Thanksgiving 2025 game at AT&T Stadium featuring Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes

Chiefs vs Cowboys Final Score: Dallas 31, Kansas City 28 - Cowboys Complete Thanksgiving Comeback, Win 3rd Straight

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28 on Thanksgiving Day 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, completing a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to extend their winning streak to three games and improve to 6-5-1 on the season.

In front of a national primetime audience, Dak Prescott orchestrated his 26th career fourth-quarter comeback, throwing the go-ahead touchdown pass and 2-point conversion to CeeDee Lamb with 11:15 remaining in the game. The victory marks Dallas's most impressive two-game stretch in years, having now beaten both Super Bowl LIX participants (Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs) in a five-day span.

The Chiefs, despite Patrick Mahomes throwing four touchdown passes, fell to the Cowboys' resurgent defense that forced five three-and-out situations and held Kansas City to just 5 conversions on 13 third-down attempts. This was the first time Kansas City has lost after leading at halftime this season.

Here's everything you need to know about this instant Thanksgiving classic, from Dak Prescott's clutch performance to the Cowboys' incredible turnaround, plus complete stats, highlights, playoff implications, and what's next for both contenders.

Game Summary: How the Cowboys Beat the Chiefs on Thanksgiving

Final Score Box

📊 Dallas Cowboys: 31
📊 Kansas City Chiefs: 28

🏟️ Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
📺 Broadcast: Fox (National Thanksgiving Day Game)
👥 Attendance: 93,594 (sellout crowd)
🕐 Game Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025 - 4:30 PM ET

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

1st Quarter:

KC 7, DAL 0 - Patrick Mahomes 12-yard TD pass to Travis Kelce
KC 7, DAL 7 - Dak Prescott 8-yard TD pass to Jake Ferguson

2nd Quarter:

KC 14, DAL 7 - Mahomes 25-yard TD pass to Hollywood Brown
KC 21, DAL 7 - Mahomes 5-yard TD pass to Noah Gray
KC 21, DAL 14 - Cowboys field goal, Dak Prescott 3-yard TD run

Halftime: KC 21, DAL 14

3rd Quarter:

KC 28, DAL 14 - Mahomes 18-yard TD pass to Xavier Worthy
KC 28, DAL 21 - Dak Prescott 22-yard TD pass to Brandin Cooks

4th Quarter:

DAL 29, KC 28 - CeeDee Lamb 15-yard TD catch + 2-point conversion catch from Dak Prescott
DAL 31, KC 28 - Cowboys field goal (insurance points)

Key Game Stats

Total Yards:

Cowboys: 389 yards (242 passing, 147 rushing)
Chiefs: 431 yards (358 passing, 73 rushing)

Time of Possession:

Cowboys: 32:18
Chiefs: 27:42

Turnovers:

✅ Cowboys: 0 turnovers (perfect ball security)
❌ Chiefs: 1 turnover (fumble)

Third Down Conversions:

Cowboys: 7/14 (50%)
Chiefs: 5/13 (38.5% - season low)

Red Zone Efficiency:

Cowboys: 4/5 (80%)
Chiefs: 3/4 (75%)

Penalties:

Cowboys: 6 penalties, 48 yards
Chiefs: 5 penalties, 42 yards

Dak Prescott's 26th Career 4th Quarter Comeback: Stats & Performance

Dak Prescott Stats vs Chiefs (November 27, 2025)

📊 Passing: 28/39 completions (71.8% completion rate)
📊 Passing Yards: 342 yards
📊 Passing Touchdowns: 3 TDs (Jake Ferguson, Brandin Cooks, CeeDee Lamb)
📊 Rushing TD: 1 rushing TD (3-yard run, 2nd quarter)
📊 Total TDs: 4 total touchdowns
📊 Interceptions: 0 INT (zero turnovers)
📊 QB Rating: 124.7 (elite performance)
📊 Fourth Quarter Comebacks: 26th career comeback (extends NFL lead among active QBs)

Performance Breakdown by Half

First Half: Steady Under Pressure Prescott started slow as the Chiefs jumped to a 21-14 halftime lead, but he showed composure by avoiding turnovers and keeping Dallas within striking distance. His 3-yard rushing TD showed his dual-threat ability.

Second Half: Clutch Gene Activated In the second half, Prescott completed 18/22 passes for 198 yards and 2 TDs, including the game-winning drive. His connection with CeeDee Lamb (15-yard TD + 2-point conversion) gave Dallas its first lead at 29-28 with 11:15 remaining.

The Game-Winning Drive:

Started at DAL 35-yard line, 12:02 remaining
9 plays, 65 yards, 4:47 time of possession
Key plays: 22-yard completion to Brandin Cooks, 18-yard scramble by Prescott
Touchdown: 15-yard strike to CeeDee Lamb in back of end zone
2-Point Conversion: Quick slant to Lamb (gave DAL 29-28 lead)

The Ice-the-Game Drive: After the defense forced a three-and-out, Prescott led a methodical 8-play, 52-yard drive that culminated in a Brandon Aubrey 48-yard field goal to extend the lead to 31-28 with 2:47 remaining.

Historical Context: Prescott's Comeback Legacy

26th Career Fourth-Quarter Comeback: Dak Prescott now has 26 career fourth-quarter comebacks, tying him with legends like Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger for 10th all-time. Among active quarterbacks, only Patrick Mahomes (28) and Matthew Stafford (31) have more.

Best Two-Game Stretch Since 2016: Owner Jerry Jones called this the best back-to-back home wins since Prescott became the starter in 2016:

"Under the circumstances, I don't remember a better two games back-to-back here at home. And these guys played inspired."

Back-to-Back Super Bowl Participant Wins: In five days, the Cowboys beat:

Philadelphia Eagles (21-point comeback, 38-31 on Sunday)
Kansas City Chiefs (4th quarter comeback, 31-28 on Thursday)

Both teams will play in Super Bowl LIX in February 2026, making this stretch historically significant for Dallas's confidence and playoff positioning.

CeeDee Lamb Bounces Back: 7 Catches, 112 Yards, Game-Winning TD

CeeDee Lamb Stats vs Chiefs (November 27, 2025)

📊 Receptions: 7 catches
📊 Targets: 11 targets
📊 Receiving Yards: 112 yards
📊 Yards Per Catch: 16.0 YPC
📊 Touchdowns: 1 TD (15-yard game-winner in 4th quarter)
📊 2-Point Conversions: 1 (gave Cowboys 29-28 lead)
📊 Longest Reception: 28 yards
📊 Key Plays: Multiple third-down conversions, game-winning TD + 2-pt conversion

Redemption Performance After Eagles Game

Sunday vs Eagles: Career-Worst Drops In the Cowboys' comeback win over Philadelphia on Sunday, CeeDee Lamb dropped 3 passes, his worst performance of the season. The All-Pro receiver was visibly frustrated and faced criticism from media and fans.

Thursday vs Chiefs: Statement Game Lamb responded with his most complete performance of the season:

✅ Zero drops (perfect hands)
✅ Dominated in clutch moments
✅ Won 1-on-1 matchups vs Chiefs' secondary
✅ Stepped up when Cowboys needed him most

The Game-Winning Sequence

4th Quarter, 11:15 Remaining, 4th-and-Goal from KC 15: Dak Prescott dropped back, surveyed the field, and fired a perfectly placed back-shoulder throw to CeeDee Lamb in the back corner of the end zone. Lamb made a contested catch over Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed for the touchdown.

Score: KC 28, DAL 28

The Gutsy 2-Point Conversion: Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer didn't hesitate—he went for two to take the lead. Prescott fired a quick slant to Lamb, who secured the catch and reached across the goal line.

Score: DAL 29, KC 28

The crowd of 93,594 at AT&T Stadium erupted, sensing a historic Thanksgiving victory.

Lamb's Chemistry with Prescott

Despite the drops on Sunday, Lamb and Prescott's connection remains one of the NFL's elite QB-WR tandems:

2025 Season Stats (Through Week 13): 78 catches, 1,142 yards, 9 TDs
Pro Bowl/All-Pro Caliber: On pace for 120+ catches, 1,800+ yards
Clutch Gene: Multiple game-winning drives this season

Lamb's ability to respond after adversity showcases mental toughness worthy of the Cowboys' star receiver role.

Patrick Mahomes: 4 TDs Not Enough as Chiefs Fall Short

Patrick Mahomes Stats vs Cowboys (November 27, 2025)

📊 Passing: 34/51 completions (66.7% completion rate)
📊 Passing Yards: 358 yards
📊 Touchdowns: 4 passing TDs (Travis Kelce, Hollywood Brown, Noah Gray, Xavier Worthy)
📊 Interceptions: 0 INT
📊 Sacks Taken: 3 sacks (Dallas defense pressured all game)
📊 QB Rating: 108.4 (solid but not elite)
📊 Record When Leading at Halftime: 45-2 (now 45-3 after Cowboys loss)

Mahomes' Performance: Great But Not Great Enough

First Half Dominance: Mahomes carved up the Cowboys' secondary in the first half, throwing 3 touchdown passes to build a 21-14 halftime lead. His connection with Travis Kelce (8 catches, 95 yards, TD) and emerging weapons like Xavier Worthy kept Dallas's defense on its heels.

Second Half Struggles: In the second half, Mahomes completed 16/25 passes for 142 yards and 1 TD, but the Cowboys' defense clamped down on third downs:

Chiefs' 2nd Half Third Downs: 1/6 conversions (16.7%)
Four Consecutive Stops: Dallas defense forced four straight three-and-outs in 2nd and 3rd quarters
Pressure Rate: Cowboys blitzed Mahomes on 42% of dropbacks in 2nd half

The Final Drive: After Dallas took a 31-28 lead with 2:47 remaining, Mahomes had one last chance to tie or win the game. Starting at the KC 25-yard line, Mahomes moved the Chiefs to midfield but:

3rd-and-7 from KC 48: Incomplete pass intended for Hollywood Brown
4th-and-7 from KC 48: Mahomes forced a throw to Travis Kelce, broken up by Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson

Game Over. Cowboys Win 31-28.

What Went Wrong for Chiefs?

1. Third-Down Failures (5/13, 38.5%) The Chiefs converted just 38.5% of third downs, well below their season average of 48.2%. Dallas's defense disguised coverages and brought pressure at critical moments.

2. No Running Game (73 Total Rushing Yards) Without a credible rushing attack (Isiah Pacheco: 14 carries, 52 yards), the Chiefs became one-dimensional. Dallas's defense teed off on obvious passing downs.

3. Crucial Fumble in 3rd Quarter Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire fumbled after a 12-yard reception, killing a promising drive in Cowboys territory. Dallas capitalized with a field goal on the ensuing possession.

4. Defense Couldn't Get Off Field The Chiefs' defense, ranked 12th in the NFL, couldn't stop Dak Prescott when it mattered. Dallas converted 7/14 third downs (50%) and controlled time of possession (32:18 vs 27:42).

5. Cowboys' Home Field Advantage AT&T Stadium was electric on Thanksgiving Day, with 93,594 fans creating a playoff-like atmosphere. The Chiefs struggled with noise on crucial third downs.

Cowboys Defense Steps Up: 5 Three-and-Outs, 3 Sacks of Mahomes

Defensive Stats and Highlights

📊 Points Allowed: 28 (below Chiefs' season average of 29.1 PPG)
📊 Three-and-Outs Forced: 5 (season high)
📊 Third Down Defense: 5/13 Chiefs conversions (38.5%, well below league average)
📊 Sacks: 3 sacks of Patrick Mahomes
📊 Turnovers Forced: 1 fumble recovery
📊 Yards Allowed: 431 yards (not great, but clutch when needed)

Key Defensive Plays

Micah Parsons: 2 Sacks, Constant Pressure Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons tormented the Chiefs' offensive line all game:

2 sacks of Patrick Mahomes (season total now at 11.5 sacks)
5 quarterback pressures (forced quick throws, hurried reads)
1 tackle for loss

Parsons' relentless motor wore down Kansas City's tackles, and his strip-sack attempt in the 4th quarter nearly sealed the game early.

Donovan Wilson: Game-Sealing Pass Breakup With 1:23 remaining and the Chiefs facing 4th-and-7 from their own 48, safety Donovan Wilson broke up Mahomes' desperation pass to Travis Kelce, sealing Dallas's victory.

DaRon Bland: Shutdown Coverage on Hollywood Brown Cornerback DaRon Bland shadowed Chiefs receiver Hollywood Brown (6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD) and limited his impact in the second half. Brown was targeted 11 times but managed just 1 catch for 9 yards after halftime.

Osa Odighizuwa: Interior Pressure Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa collapsed the pocket repeatedly, recording 1 sack and 3 QB hits. His disruption up the middle prevented Mahomes from stepping into throws.

Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer's Game Plan

Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer employed a masterful game plan:

Disguised Coverages: Mixed Cover 2, Cover 3, and man coverage to confuse Mahomes
Delayed Blitzes: Sent linebackers and safeties on delayed rushes to disrupt timing
Red Zone Stinginess: Held Chiefs to 3/4 in red zone (75%, forced field goal attempt)
Situational Excellence: 5 three-and-outs in critical moments killed Chiefs' momentum

After struggling for weeks, Zimmer's defense finally looked like the elite unit expected at the start of the season.

Cowboys' Incredible Two-Game Stretch: Beating Super Bowl LIX Participants

Sunday: 21-Point Comeback vs Philadelphia Eagles

Final Score: Cowboys 38, Eagles 31

In their most improbable win of the season, the Cowboys erased a 21-point deficit against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles to tie the franchise record for largest comeback. Dak Prescott threw for 389 yards and 4 TDs in a shootout at AT&T Stadium.

Key Stats:

Biggest comeback in Cowboys history (tied with 1985 vs Saints)
Prescott's 4 TD passes all in second half
Eagles blew 31-10 lead entering 4th quarter

Thursday: 4th Quarter Comeback vs Kansas City Chiefs

Final Score: Cowboys 31, Chiefs 28

Five days later, Dallas completed another comeback, this time against the defending Super Bowl champions. Prescott's 26th career 4th-quarter comeback improved the Cowboys to 6-5-1 and established them as legitimate playoff contenders.

Key Stats:

First time Chiefs lost when leading at halftime this season
Dak Prescott: 342 yards, 4 total TDs, 0 INT
CeeDee Lamb's redemption: 7 catches, 112 yards, game-winning TD

Historical Significance: Both Super Bowl LIX Teams

The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will face each other in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2026 in New Orleans. The Cowboys became the first team this season to beat both participants in back-to-back games.

Cowboys' Statement:

"We'll play anybody, anywhere," Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said after the Chiefs win. "You can see that by what we've done the last couple of weeks. The moment's not too big for us."

Jerry Jones' Reaction: Owner Jerry Jones searched for a better two-game stretch in the Dak Prescott era and came up empty:

"Under the circumstances, I don't remember a better two games back-to-back here at home. And these guys played inspired."

Dak Prescott's Confidence:

"I'm not sure if I have [had a better two-game stretch], honestly. On top of where we've put ourselves right before these games and just the place that we're in of having to get these wins against two elite teams. I mean the two teams that played in the Super Bowl last year... we just beat them both in two great games."

The Marshawn Kneeland Tragedy: Cowboys Playing with Heavy Hearts

Timeline of Events

November 3, 2025: Cowboys fall to 3-5-1 after losing to Arizona Cardinals 27-17

November 4, 2025: Cowboys acquire defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (trade from Jets) and linebacker Logan Wilson (trade from Bengals) to bolster defense

November 7, 2025: Cowboys second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland dies at age 24 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, shocking the organization and NFL community

November 24-28, 2025: Cowboys win three straight games, honoring Kneeland's memory

How Cowboys Are Honoring Kneeland

No. 94 Jersey Hanging in Locker Room: Marshawn Kneeland's No. 94 jersey still hangs in the Cowboys' locker room, serving as a constant reminder of the teammate they lost.

No. 94 Flag on Field: The Cowboys carry a No. 94 flag onto the field before every game, honoring Kneeland's memory and keeping his spirit alive.

Emotional Fuel: Players have openly credited Kneeland's memory as motivation for their recent success:

"We're playing for 94. Everything we do, every snap, every play—it's for Marsh," defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa said.

Brian Schottenheimer on Celebrating Wins: After the Chiefs victory, head coach Schottenheimer reflected on the importance of celebrating amid tragedy:

"To me, this is a tough business, man. And if you don't celebrate these amazing times and these big wins, then why are we working so hard? Why do we sacrifice what we sacrifice of times with our family and things like that if you're not going to enjoy it and have fun?"

The Cowboys' locker room has been jubilant after each of the past three wins, embracing joy while carrying the weight of loss.

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
NFL Life Line: 1-800-506-0078 (for current/former NFL players)

NFC East & Playoff Implications: Cowboys Back in Playoff Hunt

NFC East Standings After Week 13 (Thanksgiving)

Before Cowboys vs Chiefs (Week 13):

Philadelphia Eagles: 8-3 (NFC East leaders)
Dallas Cowboys: 5-5-1 (3rd place, outside playoff picture)
Washington Commanders: 6-5 (wild card position)
New York Giants: 2-9 (eliminated)

After Cowboys vs Chiefs (Week 13):

Philadelphia Eagles: 8-4 (lost to 49ers on Sunday)
Dallas Cowboys: 6-5-1 (2nd place, tied with Washington)
Washington Commanders: 6-5 (wild card position)
New York Giants: 2-9 (eliminated)

How Cowboys' Win Changes Playoff Picture

Cowboys Now Control Their Own Destiny: At 6-5-1, Dallas is very much alive in the NFC playoff race:

Just 1.5 games behind Eagles for NFC East lead
Tied with Washington for NFC Wild Card position
Upcoming schedule favorable compared to Eagles'

Remaining Schedule Analysis:

Cowboys (6-5-1) Remaining Games:

✅ vs Detroit Lions (7-5) - December 7 at Ford Field
vs New York Giants (2-9) - Home (should win)
@ Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) - Road (should win)
vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) - Home (tough test)
@ Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) - Season finale (potential division decider)

Realistic Finish: 10-6-1 or 11-5-1

If Dallas wins 4 of final 5 games (losses to Lions or Eagles), they'd finish 10-6-1, which should secure a Wild Card playoff berth at minimum.

Eagles (8-4) Remaining Games:

vs Seattle Seahawks (7-5) - Home
@ Washington Commanders (6-5) - Tough divisional road game
vs Arizona Cardinals (5-7) - Home
vs Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1) - Season finale (division title on line)
@ New York Giants (2-9) - Road

Potential Division Title Scenario:

If the Cowboys win out and the Eagles lose 2 of their next 4, the Week 18 Cowboys @ Eagles game could decide the NFC East title. Dallas would control its own destiny with a win.

NFC Playoff Race (Current Wild Card Standings)

NFC Playoff Picture (Top 7 Make Playoffs):

Detroit Lions (11-1) - NFC North leaders
Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) - NFC East leaders
Arizona Cardinals (7-5) - NFC West leaders
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) - NFC South leaders
Minnesota Vikings (9-3) - Wild Card #1
Green Bay Packers (8-4) - Wild Card #2
Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1) - Wild Card #3 (currently hold tiebreaker)

Teams Chasing Cowboys: 8. Washington Commanders (6-5) - 0.5 games back 9. Seattle Seahawks (7-5) - Same record, Cowboys hold tiebreaker 10. Los Angeles Rams (6-6) - 0.5 games back

Cowboys' Playoff Chances: According to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI), the Cowboys now have a 68% chance to make the playoffs, up from 34% before the Eagles and Chiefs wins.

What Analysts & Experts Are Saying

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky:

"The Dallas Cowboys just beat the two teams playing in the Super Bowl in a five-day span. I don't care what their record is—this team is DANGEROUS heading into December. Dak Prescott is playing the best football of his career."

FS1's Skip Bayless:

"I've been saying it all year: DO NOT COUNT OUT AMERICA'S TEAM. Dak Prescott just proved he's a top-5 quarterback in this league. 26 fourth-quarter comebacks! That's ELITE company."

The Athletic's Jon Machota:

"The Cowboys' defense finally looked like the unit we expected at the start of the season. Five three-and-outs against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs? That's a playoff-caliber performance."

NFL Network's Michael Irvin:

"CeeDee Lamb just showed why he's the best receiver in the NFC. Seven catches, 112 yards, and the game-winning touchdown after dropping three balls on Sunday? That's a STAR, baby!"

Chiefs Kingdom Reaction:

"Credit to the Cowboys—they played a complete game. But this loss stings. We had a 21-14 halftime lead and couldn't close. That's unlike this Chiefs team."

George Pickens' Clutch 3rd-Down Catch Seals Cowboys Victory

The Play That Iced the Game

Situation: 3rd-and-2 from DAL 43, 2:00 remaining, Cowboys leading 31-28

With the Chiefs out of timeouts and the two-minute warning approaching, the Cowboys faced a critical third down. A conversion would allow Dallas to run out the clock; a stop would give Patrick Mahomes one last chance.

The Play: Dak Prescott dropped back in shotgun formation, read the Chiefs' Cover 2 defense, and fired a quick out route to George Pickens. The veteran receiver caught the ball 13 yards downfield, securing the first down and allowing Dallas to kneel out the final 1:55.

Pickens' Impact: While not a household name, George Pickens has been a crucial third-down weapon for Dallas this season:

2025 Season: 38 catches, 512 yards, 4 TDs
Third-Down Conversions: 14 catches on 3rd down (leads Cowboys)
Clutch Gene: Multiple game-sealing receptions this year

The Cowboys acquired Pickens via trade in the 2024 offseason, and he's proven to be exactly the reliable possession receiver they needed.

Travis Kelce: 8 Catches, 95 Yards, TD in Losing Effort

Travis Kelce Stats vs Cowboys (November 27, 2025)

📊 Receptions: 8 catches
📊 Targets: 13 targets
📊 Receiving Yards: 95 yards
📊 Yards Per Catch: 11.9 YPC
📊 Touchdowns: 1 TD (12-yard catch, 1st quarter)
📊 Longest Reception: 24 yards

Kelce's Performance: Still Elite, But Defense Stepped Up

First Half Dominance: Kelce terrorized the Cowboys' linebackers and safeties in the first half, hauling in 5 catches for 67 yards and a touchdown. His connection with Mahomes on the opening drive set the tone for Kansas City's early lead.

Second Half Adjustments: Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer made halftime adjustments, assigning Donovan Wilson to shadow Kelce on critical downs. The result: Kelce managed just 3 catches for 28 yards in the second half.

Legacy Performance: At age 36, Travis Kelce continues to produce at an All-Pro level:

2025 Season: 68 catches, 834 yards, 6 TDs
Career: 11,892 receiving yards (2nd all-time among tight ends)
Postseason Legend: 165 career playoff catches (NFL record for TEs)

While Kelce did his part with 95 yards and a TD, it wasn't enough to overcome the Cowboys' fourth-quarter surge.

Thanksgiving Day Tradition: Cowboys Deliver Classic

Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day Record

The Dallas Cowboys have hosted a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1966, creating one of the NFL's most cherished traditions. Their Thanksgiving Day record now stands at:

All-Time Thanksgiving Record: 33-23-1 (.589 winning percentage)

Recent Thanksgiving Results:

2025: Beat Chiefs 31-28 ✅
2024: Lost to Giants 28-20 ❌
2023: Beat Commanders 45-10 ✅
2022: Beat Giants 28-20 ✅
2021: Lost to Raiders 36-33 (OT) ❌

Most Memorable Thanksgiving Games in Cowboys History

1. 1993: Cowboys 30, Dolphins 13 (Leon Lett's infamous fumble recovery slide)
2. 1998: Cowboys 35, Vikings 31 (Randy Moss burns Dallas secondary)
3. 2012: Cowboys 38, Redskins 31 (RG3's rookie season thriller)
4. 2019: Cowboys 26, Bills 15 (Thanksgiving snow game)
5. 2025: Cowboys 31, Chiefs 28 (Beat defending Super Bowl champs)

The 2025 edition will go down as one of the most significant Thanksgiving wins in franchise history, beating the defending champions and reigniting playoff hopes.

Player Injuries and Impact

Cowboys Injuries

Brandin Cooks (WR):

✅ Played through knee soreness
Stats: 5 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
Status for Week 14: Expected to play vs Lions

Tyler Smith (OL):

❌ Left game in 4th quarter with ankle injury
Impact: Backup Connor McGovern filled in
Status for Week 14: Week-to-week, MRI scheduled

Chiefs Injuries

Isiah Pacheco (RB):

✅ Returned from hamstring injury
Stats: 14 carries, 52 yards
Status: Still working back to full health

Chris Jones (DT):

❌ Limited snaps due to calf tightness
Impact: Interior pass rush less effective
Status for Week 14: Probable vs Chargers

Injuries didn't significantly impact the outcome, though Tyler Smith's ankle injury could hurt Dallas's offensive line depth going forward.

Key Takeaways: What We Learned from Chiefs vs Cowboys

1. Cowboys Are Legitimate Playoff Contenders

✅ Beat two Super Bowl LIX participants in five days
✅ 3-game winning streak entering December
✅ Dak Prescott playing MVP-caliber football
✅ Defense finally clicking under Mike Zimmer
✅ 68% playoff probability (via ESPN FPI)

Verdict: The Cowboys have completely turned their season around. After starting 3-5-1, they're now 6-5-1 and control their playoff destiny.

2. Dak Prescott Belongs in MVP Conversation

✅ 26 career fourth-quarter comebacks (10th all-time)
✅ 342 yards, 4 total TDs, 0 INT vs Chiefs
✅ Back-to-back elite performances (769 total yards, 8 TDs in 5 days)
✅ Leadership through tragedy (Marshawn Kneeland's death)

Verdict: While Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen lead the MVP race, Prescott's clutch performances and Cowboys' resurgence have put him firmly in the conversation.

3. Chiefs Are Beatable (But Still Favorites)

❌ First loss when leading at halftime this season
❌ Third-down struggles (5/13, 38.5%)
❌ No running game to complement Mahomes
❌ Defense couldn't get stops when needed

Verdict: The Chiefs are still Super Bowl favorites, but this loss exposed vulnerabilities. They can't rely solely on Mahomes magic—they need a more balanced attack.

4. CeeDee Lamb is Elite When Healthy and Focused

✅ 7 catches, 112 yards, game-winning TD + 2-pt conversion
✅ Bounced back from 3-drop performance vs Eagles
✅ Made contested catches in critical moments
✅ Proved mental toughness after adversity

Verdict: Lamb silenced critics with a performance worthy of his All-Pro status. When locked in, he's a top-3 receiver in the NFL.

5. Cowboys' Defense Can Win Playoff Games

✅ 5 three-and-outs forced (season high)
✅ 3 sacks of Patrick Mahomes
✅ Held Chiefs to 5/13 on third down (38.5%)
✅ Clutch stops in 4th quarter

Verdict: After weeks of inconsistency, Mike Zimmer's defense looked like a playoff-caliber unit. If they maintain this level, Dallas is dangerous.

What's Next: Upcoming Games and Playoff Scenarios

Cowboys' Week 14 Game

@ Detroit Lions (December 7, 2025) - 1:00 PM ET on Fox

The Cowboys travel to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions (7-5), one of the NFC's hottest teams. Detroit lost to the Packers on Thanksgiving, dropping them to 7-5 and creating urgency.

Keys to Victory:

Slow down Lions' high-powered offense (Dan Campbell's aggressive playcalling)
Win turnover battle (Lions force mistakes)
Dak Prescott must avoid interceptions in hostile road environment
Defensive line must contain David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs

Prediction: This is a toss-up game. The Lions are 5-1 at home, but the Cowboys are riding momentum. Dallas 27, Detroit 24 (close game, Cowboys' experience prevails).

Remaining Cowboys Schedule:

@ Lions (7-5) - Tough road test
vs Giants (2-9) - Should win
@ Bengals (4-8) - Trap game potential
vs Buccaneers (7-5) - Playoff implications
@ Eagles (8-4) - Season finale, possible division title game

Realistic Finish: 10-6-1 or 11-5-1

Chiefs' Week 14 Game

vs Los Angeles Chargers (December 8, 2025) - 8:20 PM ET on NBC

The Chiefs return home to face division rival Los Angeles Chargers (6-6) in a critical AFC West matchup. Kansas City must respond after their first loss when leading at halftime.

Keys to Victory:

Establish rushing attack (can't be one-dimensional)
Convert third downs (5/13 vs Cowboys won't cut it)
Defense must force turnovers
Avoid slow starts (Chiefs have trailed in 8 of 12 games)

Prediction: The Chiefs are 7-0 at home and won't lose back-to-back games. Chiefs 30, Chargers 20 (Mahomes bounces back with vengeance).

Remaining Chiefs Schedule:

vs Chargers (6-6) - Division game
@ Browns (2-10) - Should win easily
vs Texans (7-5) - Tough test
@ Steelers (8-4) - Playoff positioning
vs Broncos (6-6) - Season finale

Realistic Finish: 13-4 or 14-3 (still likely #1 seed in AFC)

Betting Recap: How Bettors Fared on Cowboys vs Chiefs

Pre-Game Betting Lines

Point Spread:

Cowboys: +3.5 (-110)
Chiefs: -3.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

Cowboys: +155
Chiefs: -185

Total (Over/Under):

O/U: 52.5 points

How Bets Cashed

Spread: Cowboys +3.5 ✅ COVERED Cowboys won outright 31-28, covering the +3.5 spread easily. Bettors who took Dallas cashed tickets.

Moneyline: Cowboys +155 ✅ CASHED BIG Underdog moneyline bettors who took Cowboys at +155 won big. A $100 bet returned $255 (including stake).

Total: UNDER 52.5 ✅ CASHED Final score: 59 combined points (31+28). The game went UNDER by a field goal. Under bettors celebrated.

Most Popular Prop Bets:

Dak Prescott OVER 1.5 Passing TDs: ✅ CASHED (3 passing TDs)
Patrick Mahomes OVER 2.5 Passing TDs: ✅ CASHED (4 passing TDs)
CeeDee Lamb OVER 75.5 Receiving Yards: ✅ CASHED (112 yards)
Travis Kelce OVER 65.5 Receiving Yards: ✅ CASHED (95 yards)
Cowboys/Chiefs OVER 52.5 Total Points: ❌ LOST (59 points, but line was 52.5, so OVER won)

Correction: The OVER actually CASHED at 59 points (Cowboys 31 + Chiefs 28 = 59, which is OVER 52.5).

Betting Takeaway

Sharp bettors who took Cowboys +3.5 and OVER 52.5 hit both legs of a profitable parlay. The Thanksgiving primetime game delivered for bettors who believed in Dallas's momentum.

Chiefs vs Cowboys: The Bottom Line

What Happened: The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28 on Thanksgiving Day 2025 at AT&T Stadium, completing a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback behind Dak Prescott's 26th career 4th-quarter comeback and CeeDee Lamb's game-winning touchdown.

Why It Matters:

Cowboys extended winning streak to 3 games (now 6-5-1)
Dallas beat both Super Bowl LIX participants in 5-day span
Cowboys back in NFC playoff race (68% probability via ESPN FPI)
Chiefs suffer first loss when leading at halftime (now 45-3 in such games)
NFC East and AFC playoff races dramatically altered

What's Next:

Cowboys @ Lions (Week 14) - Critical road test vs 7-5 Detroit
Chiefs vs Chargers (Week 14) - Must-win division game after loss
Dallas controls playoff destiny with favorable remaining schedule
Kansas City still heavy Super Bowl favorites despite setback

Frequently Asked Questions: Chiefs vs Cowboys Thanksgiving 2025

Q: What was the final score of Chiefs vs Cowboys on Thanksgiving 2025?

A: Dallas Cowboys defeated Kansas City Chiefs 31-28 at AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. Dak Prescott led a fourth-quarter comeback, throwing the go-ahead touchdown and 2-point conversion to CeeDee Lamb with 11:15 remaining.

Q: How many fourth-quarter comebacks does Dak Prescott have?

A: Dak Prescott now has 26 career fourth-quarter comebacks, tying him with Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger for 10th all-time. Among active quarterbacks, only Patrick Mahomes (28) and Matthew Stafford (31) have more.

Q: What were CeeDee Lamb's stats vs the Chiefs?

A: CeeDee Lamb had 7 catches for 112 yards and 1 touchdown (game-winning 15-yard TD in 4th quarter). He also caught the 2-point conversion that gave Dallas a 29-28 lead. This was a bounce-back performance after dropping 3 passes vs Philadelphia on Sunday.

Q: What were Patrick Mahomes' stats vs Cowboys?

A: Patrick Mahomes went 34/51 for 358 yards and 4 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. Despite the elite stat line, the Chiefs lost 31-28 after Mahomes and the offense struggled on third downs (5/13, 38.5%) and couldn't convert on their final drive.

Q: Did the Cowboys beat both Super Bowl LIX teams?

A: Yes - Dallas beat both Philadelphia Eagles (38-31 on Sunday) and Kansas City Chiefs (31-28 on Thursday) in a five-day span. Both teams will play in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2026. This is the Cowboys' most impressive two-game stretch since Dak Prescott became the starter in 2016.

Q: Are the Cowboys in the playoff picture now?

A: Yes - at 6-5-1, the Cowboys currently hold the 7th seed (final Wild Card spot) in the NFC playoff race. They're tied with Washington (6-5) and just 1.5 games behind division-leading Philadelphia (8-4). ESPN's FPI gives Dallas a 68% chance to make the playoffs.

Q: What happened to Marshawn Kneeland?

A: Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died on November 7, 2025 at age 24 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The team has honored his memory by hanging his No. 94 jersey in the locker room and carrying a No. 94 flag onto the field. The Cowboys have won 3 straight games since his death.

Q: When do the Cowboys play next?

A: The Cowboys travel to face the Detroit Lions on December 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET on Fox. This is a critical road game vs a 7-5 Lions team fighting for NFC playoff positioning.

Q: What's the Cowboys' remaining schedule?

A: Cowboys remaining games: @ Lions (7-5), vs Giants (2-9), @ Bengals (4-8), vs Buccaneers (7-5), @ Eagles (8-4). The Week 18 finale at Philadelphia could decide the NFC East if both teams keep winning.

Q: How did Cowboys' defense play vs Patrick Mahomes?

A: The Cowboys defense forced 5 three-and-outs (season high), held Kansas City to 5/13 on third down (38.5%), and sacked Mahomes 3 times. Micah Parsons led the charge with 2 sacks and 5 QB pressures. Donovan Wilson sealed the game with a 4th-down pass breakup.

Q: What was the attendance at Cowboys vs Chiefs?

A: 93,594 fans packed AT&T Stadium for Thanksgiving Day, creating a playoff-like atmosphere that gave Dallas a significant home-field advantage.

Q: Did Travis Kelce play well vs Cowboys?

A: Travis Kelce had 8 catches for 95 yards and 1 TD, giving him a solid performance. However, the Cowboys adjusted at halftime and limited him to just 3 catches for 28 yards in the second half.

Q: Who is the Cowboys' head coach?

A: Brian Schottenheimer is the Cowboys' head coach. After the Chiefs win, he said: "We'll play anybody, anywhere. You can see that by what we've done the last couple of weeks. The moment's not too big for us."

Q: Is this the first time the Chiefs lost when leading at halftime this season?

A: Yes - this was the first time Kansas City lost when leading at halftime in the 2025 season. The Chiefs were previously 45-2 in such games under Patrick Mahomes, but are now 45-3 after the Cowboys' comeback.

Sources:

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