The Kansas City Chiefs’ NFL playoff hopes are under serious threat after a heart-stopping 31-28 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day.

The Chiefs, led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, returned to Mahomes’ home state of Texas hoping to secure a key victory, but the Dallas Cowboys produced a dominant and disciplined performance to edge out Kansas City. Despite Mahomes throwing four touchdown passes, the Chiefs fell short, leaving their playoff chances hanging by a thread with a 6-6 record. If the season continues on this trajectory, they may need to win all five of their remaining games just to secure a postseason berth.

Cowboys Clinch Thrilling Thanksgiving Win

The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as “America’s Team,” have hosted Thanksgiving games since 1966 and once again delivered a classic performance. After trailing 14-17 at halftime, the Cowboys regrouped to take control in the fourth quarter. Kansas City initially took a 21-20 lead, but quarterback Dak Prescott calmly orchestrated scoring drives, adding 11 points over the next two possessions. A late Chiefs rally fell short, handing Dallas the win and marking a third consecutive victory for the team.

This victory was notable not only for its timing but also because Dallas had defeated both of last season’s Super Bowl teams—Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs—within just five days, highlighting their rise as strong contenders in the NFC.

Implications for the NFL Playoff Race

The loss leaves the Chiefs trailing AFC West rivals, with the Denver Broncos holding a 9-2 record and the Los Angeles Chargers at 7-4. Meanwhile, the Cowboys sit second in the NFC East behind the Eagles (8-3), keeping their own playoff hopes alive with five regular-season games remaining.

For Kansas City, the stakes are high. Mahomes has led the Chiefs to five Super Bowls in the past six years, winning three championships, but the prospect of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014 is now a looming possibility.

Green Bay Packers Maintain Pressure in NFC North

In other NFL action on Thanksgiving, the Green Bay Packers continued their push for the playoffs by defeating the Detroit Lions 31-24. Quarterback Jordan Love threw for 234 yards and a season-high four touchdowns, while wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks scored twice to secure the Packers’ third consecutive win.

The Lions, who have hosted Thanksgiving games since 1934, now stand at 7-5, while the Packers improve to 8-3-1, keeping up the pressure on NFC North leaders Chicago Bears (8-3) as the division race intensifies.

Bengals End Losing Streak Behind Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals also made headlines with a 32-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, halting a four-game losing streak. Star quarterback Joe Burrow returned from nine weeks out due to toe surgery, passing for 261 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receivers Tanner Hudson and Andrei Iosivas added key scores, while kicker Evan McPherson contributed a career-high six field goals.

Baltimore’s five-game winning streak came to an end as Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell scored rushing touchdowns for the Ravens. The Bengals now sit third in the AFC North, while the Ravens remain second, setting up a critical stretch run in the coming weeks.

Key Takeaways from Thanksgiving NFL Action

• Chiefs vs Cowboys: Kansas City faces a must-win situation for the remaining five games to secure a playoff berth.
• Dallas Cowboys: With their third straight win, Dallas keeps NFC East contention alive.
• Packers vs Lions: Green Bay maintains pressure on division leaders Chicago Bears.
• Bengals vs Ravens: Joe Burrow’s return sparks Cincinnati back to winning form.

Thanksgiving 2025 proved to be an unforgettable day in the NFL, with playoff implications for multiple teams now intensifying as the season heads toward its final stretch.