Thanksgiving Matchup Against Cowboys Awaits the Kansas City Chiefs

Thanksgiving in the NFL is more than just a game—it’s a tradition, a chance for teams to write their names into a legacy of holiday showdowns that date back decades. For the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, that tradition will take center stage as they prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys in a primetime Thanksgiving matchup at AT&T Stadium. Thanksgiving Matchup Against Cowboys Awaits the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just another regular-season game; it’s a high-stakes clash between two of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, played on one of the league’s biggest stages. With both teams in the thick of playoff races, this Thanksgiving showdown won’t just be about turkey and touchdowns—it will be about proving who belongs among the NFL’s elite.

Thanksgiving Matchup Against Cowboys Awaits the Kansas City Chiefs carries extra weight for the Chiefs, who are looking to bounce back from a narrow Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos that tightened the AFC West race. Entering Thanksgiving, the Chiefs sit at 9-3, one game behind the Broncos for first place in the division, and a win over the Cowboys would not only boost their playoff seeding but also reignite momentum after their first loss in a month. “Thanksgiving games are different—they’re bigger, they’re louder, and they mean more,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “This isn’t just about getting a win; it’s about showing we can compete with the best teams in the NFL, no matter the stage. The Cowboys are a great franchise, and this game will be a test for us.” For the Chiefs, the matchup is also a chance to avenge a 2022 Thanksgiving loss to the Cowboys, when Dallas won 28-24 in Kansas City. “We remember that game,” said Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “They came into our house and beat us on Thanksgiving. Now we get to go into theirs, and we’re ready to return the favor.”

Thanksgiving Matchup Against Cowboys Awaits the Kansas City Chiefs will feature one of the NFL’s most compelling on-field battles: the Chiefs’ high-powered offense against the Cowboys’ stingy defense. Led by Mahomes, the Chiefs rank 4th in the NFL in total yards (380 per game) and 3rd in points scored (29 per game), with a passing attack that features tight end Travis Kelce (75 catches, 850 yards, 6 touchdowns) and wide receiver Tyreek Hill Jr. (55 catches, 900 yards, 8 touchdowns). But they’ll face a Cowboys defense that ranks 5th in points allowed (18 per game) and 2nd in sacks (36), led by defensive end Micah Parsons (12 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (4 interceptions). “This is a matchup of strengths,” said Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. “Their defense is fast, physical, and they can get to the quarterback. We have to be sharp—no mistakes, no turnovers, and we have to protect Pat. If we do that, we can move the ball.” The Cowboys, meanwhile, are eager to slow down Mahomes, who has thrown for over 300 yards in three of his last four games. “Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league, but he’s not unbeatable,” said Parsons. “We have a plan to pressure him, make him uncomfortable, and force him into bad decisions. This is our house, and we’re not letting him take over on Thanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving Matchup Against Cowboys Awaits the Kansas City Chiefs is also a test of the team’s resilience, especially after Kelce’s recent hamstring injury. Kelce, who missed practice earlier in the week, is listed as questionable for the game, and his absence would be a major blow to the Chiefs’ offense. But the Chiefs have depth at tight end, with Noah Gray (25 catches, 280 yards) and Blake Bell (15 catches, 170 yards) ready to step in if needed. “Travis is our leader, and we want him out there, but we’ve prepared for every scenario,” said Reid. “Noah and Blake have been working hard, and they’re ready to contribute if called upon. This team isn’t about one player—it’s about everyone stepping up when we need them.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ ability to adapt without Kelce will be critical against the Cowboys, who will likely shift their defensive focus to Hill Jr. if Kelce is sidelined. “If Travis isn’t playing, they’ll double-team me more,” said Hill Jr. “But that opens up opportunities for our other receivers. We have weapons all over the field, and we’re not going to let one injury slow us down.”

Thanksgiving Matchup Against Cowboys Awaits the Kansas City Chiefs will also be a showcase for the team’s young defensive stars, who have emerged as key playmakers this season. Rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie (3 interceptions, 8 pass breakups) and second-year linebacker Nick Bolton (110 tackles, 3 sacks) have helped the Chiefs’ defense improve from 15th in points allowed in 2024 to 8th in 2025. Their task on Thanksgiving will be to slow down the Cowboys’ offense, which features running back Ezekiel Elliott (800 yards, 7 touchdowns) and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (65 catches, 800 yards, 5 touchdowns). “The Cowboys have a great offense—Elliott can run the ball, Lamb can catch it, and they have a quarterback in Dak Prescott who can make plays,” said Bolton. “We have to be disciplined, stay in our gaps, and not let them get into a rhythm. This is a big game for our defense, and we’re ready to show what we can do.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense has been clutch in close games this season, forcing 21 turnovers—good for 4th in the NFL—and their ability to create takeaways on Thanksgiving could be the difference between winning and losing.

Thanksgiving Matchup Against Cowboys Awaits the Kansas City Chiefs is ultimately about more than football—it’s about honoring tradition, competing on a national stage, and giving fans a game to remember. For the Chiefs, a win would not only keep their AFC West title hopes alive but also solidify their status as a Super Bowl contender. For Mahomes, it’s a chance to add another memorable performance to his already legendary career, joining the likes of Troy Aikman and Brett Favre as quarterbacks who have shined on Thanksgiving. “Thanksgiving games are special because they bring people together,” said Mahomes. “Your family, your friends, everyone is watching. You want to put on a show, but more importantly, you want to win. This game means a lot to us, and we’re going to leave everything on the field.” As the Chiefs prepare to head to Dallas, the excitement is palpable—for players, coaches, and fans alike. In the end, Thanksgiving Matchup Against Cowboys Awaits the Kansas City Chiefs is a reminder of why football is such an integral part of Thanksgiving: it’s a celebration of competition, camaraderie, and the joy of watching two great teams battle it out on one of the year’s biggest days.