It wasn't just another Thanksgiving game. It was a showdown between two of the NFL’s most electric quarterbacks, a last-second defensive stand, and a win that reignited a franchise’s playoff dreams. On Thanksgiving Day 2025Dallas, the Dallas Cowboys stunned the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28 in a game that came down to the final 17 seconds — and the last-gasp stop that stopped Patrick Lavon Mahomes II cold. For the Cowboys, it was their third straight win, lifting them to 6-5-1 and back above .500 for the first time since Week 4. For the Chiefs? A brutal drop to 6-6, and a playoff path that just got a lot narrower.
Back from the Brink
The Cowboys entered this game with momentum, but not much respect. Just four days earlier, they’d erased a 21-point deficit against the Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl champs, in a game that felt like a statement. This one? It felt like validation. With Douglas Ryan Prescott orchestrating the offense like a veteran conductor, Dallas didn’t just survive — they seized control. Prescott threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns, including a 42-yard strike to CeeDee Lamb late in the third that gave Dallas its first lead of the night. He didn’t throw an interception. He didn’t fumble. He didn’t blink.
Meanwhile, Mahomes did what Mahomes does. With 2:18 left and the Chiefs down by three, he led a 75-yard drive that looked destined for a game-winning touchdown. He escaped pressure, rolled right, launched a 30-yard dart to JuJu Smith-Schuster — and then, on fourth-and-1 from the Dallas 12-yard line, he tried to sneak it in himself. The line held. Dak Prescott’s defense, led by linebacker Micah Parsons (who had 1.5 sacks and forced a fumble), stood tall. The snap was high. Mahomes couldn’t recover. The ball was loose. Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse pounced. Game over.
Why This Win Matters
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just about improving to 6-5-1. It was about proving the Cowboys belong in the NFC East race. They were 4-5-1 after a brutal stretch that included losses to the Giants and Commanders. Now? They’re tied for second in the division, just one game behind the Philadelphia Eagles and within striking distance of a wild-card spot. Five games remain. The schedule? Tough — home against the 49ers, road at Buffalo, then back-to-back NFC East games. But now? They’ve got belief.
For the Chiefs, it’s a different story. They were 6-5 coming in, riding a three-game win streak and still considered Super Bowl favorites. But this loss exposes cracks. Their defense gave up 447 yards. They couldn’t stop the run. And now, with the Raiders, Broncos, and Chargers looming — all AFC West rivals — every game is a must-win. One more loss, and the playoffs become a long shot.
The Thanksgiving Tradition Lives
Dallas has hosted a Thanksgiving game every year since 1966 — longer than any other franchise. It’s tradition. It’s spectacle. And this year, it delivered. AT&T Stadium was electric. Over 95,000 fans, many in cowboy hats and star jerseys, stood silent as Mahomes marched down the field. Then, they erupted. The crowd noise hit 118 decibels — louder than a jet taking off. It was the kind of moment that makes you remember why you love football.
The Cowboys’ offensive line, often criticized this season, held up against Kansas City’s relentless pass rush. Running back Tony Pollard added 89 yards on 17 carries, including a crucial 15-yard run on third-and-12 late in the fourth quarter that drained the clock. Kicker Greg Zuerlein nailed a 51-yard field goal in the third quarter — his longest since 2021 — that proved pivotal. These weren’t flash plays. They were gritty, grind-it-out moments. And that’s what wins in December.
What’s Next?
The Cowboys’ next game is December 4 against the San Francisco 49ers — a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship. A win there would put them in full control of their destiny. The Chiefs? They host the Las Vegas Raiders on December 5. A loss? It could mean they’re out of the playoff conversation before Christmas.
And the narrative? It’s changed. Prescott, once labeled "overrated," is now being talked about as a franchise savior. Mahomes, still brilliant, had his first fourth-down stop in over two years. That’s not a fluke. That’s momentum shifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Prescott’s performance compare to Mahomes’ in this game?
Prescott threw for 287 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and led four scoring drives in the second half. Mahomes threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns but had two critical turnovers — a fumble on a strip-sack and the game-ending fourth-down stop. Prescott’s efficiency under pressure was the difference: he converted 8 of 12 third downs; Mahomes managed just 4 of 11.
What does this win mean for the Cowboys’ playoff chances?
With a 6-5-1 record, Dallas is now tied for second in the NFC East and just one game behind the Eagles. They’re currently the 7th seed in the NFC playoffs, but with five games left — including three against division rivals — they control their fate. A 3-2 finish would likely get them in. A 4-1 finish? They could even win the division.
Why is this game considered a turning point for the Chiefs?
The Chiefs were 6-5 and still seen as title contenders. Now at 6-6, they’re tied for last in the AFC West and need to win four of their final five games to make the playoffs — including road trips to Buffalo and Baltimore. Their defense gave up 31 points to a team that scored 17 against the Eagles just days earlier. Confidence is fading fast.
How does this game compare to past Thanksgiving matchups between these teams?
This was the first time the Cowboys and Chiefs met on Thanksgiving since 2016, when Dallas won 30-23. That game featured Tony Romo and Alex Smith. This one had two generational QBs. The scoring was higher, the stakes higher, and the finish more dramatic. The 31-28 score is the highest-scoring Thanksgiving game between these franchises in history.
Did injuries play a role in the outcome?
Yes. The Chiefs lost starting cornerback Trent McDuffie to a hamstring injury in the second quarter, forcing them to rely on rookie Keenan Allen, who was targeted six times in the second half. Dallas lost starting center Tyler Biadasz to a knee injury in the fourth, but backup Jake Hanson held the line. That depth difference proved critical in the final drive.
What’s the historical significance of the Cowboys winning on Thanksgiving?
The Cowboys have played on Thanksgiving every year since 1966 — the longest continuous streak in NFL history. They’re now 37-23-1 all-time on the holiday. This win marks their 12th Thanksgiving victory since 2000. No other team has even played on the day as often, let alone won this frequently. For fans, it’s not just football — it’s ritual. And this year, the ritual delivered a classic.
