Chiefs vs. Cowboys: Dak Prescott leads Dallas to Thanksgiving victory as Kansas City's challenges resurface

By Jack Baer

Fri, November 28, 2025

Final Score: KC 28 DAL 31

The 2025 NFL season has been a rollercoaster for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Thursday's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys highlighted the team's ongoing inconsistency. With Dak Prescott throwing for 320 yards, the Cowboys edged out the defending AFC champions 31-28 at AT&T Stadium, earning their third consecutive win and improving to 6-5-1, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Kansas City falls to 6-6 and faces an uphill battle to make the postseason.

This clash was critical for both squads, but Dallas' offensive execution proved decisive.

Prescott Leads the Way

Dak Prescott completed 27 of 39 passes for 329 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. His wide receivers, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, overpowered a depleted Chiefs secondary. Lamb recorded 112 yards and a touchdown, while Pickens added 88 yards, including a 39-yard highlight play over All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie in the red zone, showcasing a perfect combination of speed and agility.

Chiefs Start Strong, Then Stall

Kansas City opened the game with momentum from their previous comeback win against Indianapolis, quickly putting up 14 points. Prescott began with an interception under pressure, but the Cowboys' defense then controlled the game, limiting the Chiefs big plays for almost two quarters. A fourth-quarter resurgence by Kansas City narrowed the gap but ultimately fell short.

Decisive Fourth Quarter

Starting the final quarter trailing 21-20, Prescott orchestrated an 11-play, 68-yard touchdown drive. Pickens 39-yard catch-and-run, including a remarkable hurdle over McDuffie, set up a 3-yard touchdown pass to running back Javonte Williams. Prescott then connected with Pickens for a successful two-point conversion.

Dallas extended their lead with a field goal following a forced Chiefs punt, leaving over five minutes on the clock. Despite Patrick Mahomes effortsthrowing four touchdowns with Rashee Rice catching two for 92 yardsKansas City could not overcome the Cowboys timely offense.

Key Plays and Stats

• Lamb and Pickens dominated the Chiefs' secondary, giving Dallas consistent big-play opportunities.
• Chiefs struggled with penalties, contributing to their inability to regain control late in the game.
• Mahomes showed flashes of brilliance, including a deep connection to Xavier Worthy to sustain drives, but Dallas defense and offensive clock control prevailed.
• The Cowboys fumbled in the red zone, but Kevontae Turpin recovered, preventing a Chiefs scoring opportunity.

Implications

The Cowboys victory means they have defeated both recent Super Bowl LIX participants in the past four days, enhancing their NFC playoff chances. Kansas City, meanwhile, risks missing the postseason for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, needing to win out and hope for favorable tiebreakers.

Scoring Summary by Quarter

Dallas performance on Thanksgiving highlighted their offensive depth, while Kansas City continues to grapple with inconsistencies. Prescotts leadership and key plays from Lamb and Pickens were the difference-makers in this thrilling contest.

Analysis: Chiefs' Struggles Continue as Cowboys Show Offensive Prowess

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season is quickly spiraling towards a precarious conclusion. Thursday’s 31-28 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium further highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued the Chiefs throughout the year. Despite a strong start, Kansas City couldn’t maintain momentum, and once again, the Chiefs' secondary was exposed, allowing Dak Prescott and his receivers to dominate.

Dallas’ offense, led by Prescott’s 329 passing yards and key plays from CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, made the difference. The Chiefs’ defense couldn’t stop the big plays, and penalties stifled any chance of a late-game comeback. The Cowboys, on the other hand, executed with precision, controlling the game when it mattered most. This win keeps Dallas’ playoff hopes alive, while Kansas City’s future remains uncertain, now sitting at 6-6.

For Kansas City, the road to the playoffs is growing steeper. Patrick Mahomes showed flashes of brilliance, but without consistency on both sides of the ball, the Chiefs face an uphill battle to make the postseason for the seventh consecutive year. The season now hinges on whether the Chiefs can find stability, avoid mistakes, and capitalize on remaining opportunities.

Sources:

• Chiefs vs. Cowboys: Dak Prescott lifts Dallas to Thanksgiving win, while Kansas City's struggles return