Prescott's Cowboys Stun Mahomes' Chiefs 31-28 on Thanksgiving, Knocking Them Out of Playoff Picture
On Thanksgiving night, the 2025 NFL Thanksgiving gameAT&T Stadium became the stage for one of the most shocking turnarounds of the season. The Dallas Cowboys, led by Dak Prescott, clawed back from a 14-point deficit to beat the three-time defending AFC champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-28. The final whistle blew at 9:47 pm UTC, and suddenly, the narrative shifted: the Chiefs, once untouchable, now sit at 6-6 — outside the playoff picture for the first time since their dynasty began.
How the Game Unfolded
The Chiefs came out firing. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes carved up Dallas’ defense in the first quarter, throwing two touchdown passes to Travis Kelce and Justin Watson. Kansas City led 14-0 after 15 minutes, and fans at AT&T Stadium — many wearing Chiefs gear — were already planning their post-game celebrations.
But then, silence.
The Chiefs scored zero points in the second and third quarters. Meanwhile, Prescott methodically moved the Cowboys down the field. A 42-yard touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb cut the lead to 14-7. Then, a trick-play field goal by kicker Jake Elliott — yes, he lined up as a receiver, then handed off to a running back who kicked it — made it 17-14 at halftime. The crowd erupted. The Chiefs looked stunned.
By the fourth, it was a war. Dallas added a field goal to go up 20-14. Mahomes answered with a 12-play, 78-yard drive capped by a 2-yard scramble. 21-20 Chiefs. But Prescott, cool as ice, led a 10-play, 82-yard drive, finishing with a 1-yard plunge by Tony Pollard. 27-21 Cowboys.
With 2:17 left, Mahomes drove Kansas City to the Dallas 18-yard line. Fourth-and-2. One play to tie. One play to keep their season alive. He rolled right, fired to the end zone — intercepted by cornerback Dameon Pierce. The Cowboys ran out the clock. Final: 31-28.
The Chiefs’ Collapse: More Than Just a Loss
This wasn’t just a bad night. It was a systemic unraveling.
The Chiefs are now 1-5 on the road. Their offense, ranked second in passing yards (269.8 per game), looked disjointed. Mahomes threw two picks — his most in a single game since Week 3. Their defense, once dominant, allowed 21 points in the second half. And the injuries? They’re piling up. Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, their best pass rusher, has been out since the preseason with a hamstring tear. Without him, the Chiefs’ edge pressure has vanished.
StatMuse data through November 24 shows Kansas City’s point differential is a modest +73 — barely above average. They’ve won five home games, but lost five on the road. That’s not a championship team. That’s a team in crisis.
And the AFC West standings don’t lie. The Denver Broncos (9-2) lead by three games. The Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) are right behind. The Chiefs? Third. And with five games left, they need to win four, while hoping both Denver and LA lose at least twice. It’s mathematically possible. Realistically? It’s a miracle.
Prescott’s Cowboys: Still Underdogs, But Alive
Don’t mistake this win for a playoff guarantee. The Cowboys are 6-5-1. They trail the Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) by two games in the NFC East. Their schedule includes games against the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Commanders — all tough.
But here’s the thing: Prescott is playing like a man with something to prove. He’s thrown for 2,841 yards and 20 touchdowns this season with just five picks. His leadership has steadied a team that was 2-4-1 in October. And now, they’ve beaten the defending champs on national television. That kind of win changes the culture.
“We knew if we stayed calm, they’d make a mistake,” Prescott said postgame. “They always do when they think they’ve got it locked.”
What This Means for the AFC Playoffs
The Chiefs’ loss opens the door wider for others. The Cincinnati Bengals (7-5) and Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) are now in better position for wild-card spots. The Tennessee Titans (7-4) and Houston Texans (6-6) are lurking.
Andy Reid, in his 13th season with Kansas City, has never missed the playoffs in his tenure. But this year? The streak is in jeopardy. His offense is still elite — Mahomes is still Mahomes. But without a reliable defense or consistent run game, even genius coaching can’t overcome the gaps.
“We’re not out of it,” Reid said after the game. “But we’ve got to play like we’re fighting for our lives. And right now, we are.”
The Road Ahead
The Chiefs’ final five games: at Minnesota (4-7), vs. Las Vegas (2-9), at Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), vs. Denver (9-2), and at Las Vegas again. They need to win at least four. That means beating the Chargers and Broncos — both teams they’ve lost to this year. And they have to do it on the road.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys face a brutal stretch too. But they’ve shown resilience. Prescott has the poise. The defense is improving. And now, they’ve beaten the team that’s won the last three AFC titles.
This isn’t just a Thanksgiving upset. It’s a seismic shift in the AFC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Kansas City Chiefs still make the playoffs?
Yes, but it’s extremely unlikely. With a 6-6 record and five games left, they need to win at least four, including victories over the 9-2 Denver Broncos and 7-4 Los Angeles Chargers. They also need both teams to lose multiple games. Even if they go 4-1, they’d still need tiebreakers to overtake the Chargers or Bengals for a wild card — a scenario with less than a 12% probability based on current win projections.
Why did the Chiefs’ offense stall in the second and third quarters?
Dallas’ defensive coordinator, Mike Nolan, switched to a zone-heavy scheme, limiting Mahomes’ quick throws and forcing him to hold the ball longer. The Chiefs’ offensive line, already missing key backups due to injuries, couldn’t sustain blocks. Mahomes was pressured on 41% of his dropbacks in those quarters — his highest rate since Week 1. They also failed to convert two third downs in the red zone.
How does this loss affect Andy Reid’s legacy?
Not significantly — yet. Reid has never missed the playoffs in 13 seasons with Kansas City, and his overall record (207-95-1) is among the best in NFL history. But if the Chiefs miss the postseason for the first time since 2012, it will raise questions about roster construction, especially with Mahomes’ peak years winding down. This loss may be the wake-up call the front office needed.
Is Dak Prescott now a legitimate MVP candidate?
He’s in the conversation. After this win, Prescott’s passer rating is 103.4, with 20 TDs and only 5 INTs. He’s led the Cowboys to four straight wins, including victories over the Eagles and now the Chiefs. While MVP voters favor players on top teams, his leadership and efficiency under pressure have made him a dark horse candidate — especially if Dallas makes the playoffs.
What’s the significance of the Chiefs’ 1-5 road record?
It’s historic. No team that’s won three straight Super Bowls has ever posted a 1-5 away record in the same season. Even during their 2023 run, they went 6-2 on the road. This season’s struggles suggest deeper issues — poor travel management, lack of defensive depth, and an over-reliance on Mahomes to carry the team in hostile environments. It’s a vulnerability no champion should have.
What’s next for the Dallas Cowboys?
They face the Buffalo Bills (8-4) next week, then the 49ers (10-2) in Week 15. A win against Buffalo would put them at 7-5-1 and within one game of the Eagles. If they can win two of their next three, they’ll be in strong position for a wild-card spot. But their offensive line remains a concern — they’ve allowed 23 sacks in the last six games. That’s a recipe for disaster against elite defenses.
