Arlington, TX – In a “playoff atmosphere” Thanksgiving Day clash that lived up to the hype, the Dallas Cowboys outlasted the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28 at AT&T Stadium, securing their third consecutive win and boosting their playoff hopes. The game was a homecoming for Texas-native Patrick Mahomes and his first Thanksgiving appearance, but it was Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ performance that stole the spotlight.

The Cowboys, improving to 6-5-1 on the season, leaned in a balanced run/pass offensive attack. Meanwhile, the Chiefs dropped to 6-6, slipping further in the crowded AFC playoff race as penalties and missed opportunities proved costly once again.

Game Recap

The matchup started with fireworks, as the Chiefs snagged a turnover and both offenses scored early. Mahomes threw for four touchdowns but it still wasn’t enough in the end. Dallas’ defense stepped up in critical moments, forcing key stops and capitalizing on Kansas City’s self-inflicted errors, including several drive-killing penalties.

Prescott led the charge for the Cowboys, completing a stellar performance with 320 passing yards and multiple scores. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was a menace, hauling in 3rd down catches that kept drives alive and energizing the home crowd.

Kansas City, down 10 in the 4th, mounted a late rally to cut it to 3 but a final clock-killing drive fueled by a balanced run/pass offense sealed the 31-28 victory for Dallas. The Cowboys’ looked like a complete team, with contributions from offense, defense, and special teams.

The Chiefs’ defense struggled to contain the Cowboys’ balanced attack, while their own offense was hampered by flags – a theme that has plagued them this season.

Standout Performances

• Dak Prescott (QB, Cowboys): Prescott’s was in command, going 27/39 for 320 yards and 2 scores.
• Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs): Despite the loss, Mahomes put up 4 passing TDs and 261 yards.
• CeeDee Lamb (WR, Cowboys): Lamb’s “redemption game” after multiple drops last week did not disappoint. Lamb had 7 catches for 112 yards and a score.
• Cowboys Run Game: The Cowboys leaned on Javonte Williams and Malik Davis for 26 carries and 137 yards.
• Jadaveon Clowney (DE Cowboy): Clowney recorded 6 tackles (5 solo) and 2 QB sacks.

Moving Forward

For the Cowboys, this victory keeps them in the NFC playoff hunt, sending a message to the NFL by beating last season’s Super Bowl teams in back to back games. The win also extends Dallas’ Thanksgiving win streak to 3 games, now 34-22-1 overall.

On the Chiefs’ side, questions are being raised about their ability to defend their AFC title. With mounting losses, Kansas City must address penalty issues and secondary weaknesses to turn things around, if there’s time to do that at all. Mahomes remains optimistic, stating in his post-game presser that the team has the talent to rebound.

As the NFL season heads into its final stretch, both teams have their hands full trying to get into the playoffs. The Cowboys head to Detroit next Thursday, while the Chiefs host the Houston Texans next Sunday.

“The Cowboy Regg” – Co-Host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast. – Co-editor at “We Like Sportz”Follow “Cowboy Regg” on X @ Irish_Cowboy88