With just 3:27 left on the clock, Dak Prescott didn’t need a miracle — just a cold-blooded drive. The Dallas Cowboys held off a furious Kansas City Chiefs rally to win 31-28 on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t clean. But it was everything a playoff contender needs: grit, poise, and a quarterback who refuses to blink when the stakes are highest.
Prescott’s Clutch Drive Seals the Deal
The Cowboys led 20-14 entering the fourth quarter, but Kansas City’s offense — led by Patrick Lavon Mahomes II — had a habit of turning chaos into touchdowns. And this game was no different. On a 7-play, 67-yard drive that chewed up 3:12, Mahomes found Marquise Keyshawn Brown on a 10-yard slant, cutting the lead to 31-28. The crowd fell silent. The Chiefs’ sideline erupted. It was classic Mahomes: a fourth-and-2 conversion, a 22-yard scramble, and a perfectly placed bullet into the end zone.
But here’s the twist: Prescott had already answered every challenge. With 6:14 left, he led a 12-play, 78-yard drive that lasted 5:03 — the kind of drive that breaks defenses and changes seasons. A 21-yard scramble on third-and-8, a 14-yard screen to Dalvin Cook, and a 6-yard touchdown pass to Michael Gallup put Dallas up 31-21. No fireworks. Just execution. And when the Chiefs got the ball back with 3:27 left, the Cowboys’ defense held firm on three straight plays — a sack by DeMarcus Lawrence, a tipped pass, and a 12-yard loss on a designed run.
History Made on Turkey Day
This was Mahomes’ first-ever Thanksgiving game. He entered with a 3-0 record in prime-time November matchups and a reputation for late-game wizardry. But on this day, the magic ran out. The Chiefs, now 6-6, dropped to 1-5 on the road — their worst away record since 2019. Meanwhile, the Cowboys improved to 6-5-1, extending their winning streak to three games and moving into sole possession of second place in the NFC East behind the 8-3 Philadelphia Eagles.
It wasn’t just Prescott. The Cowboys’ offensive line, long criticized for inconsistency, gave him clean pockets for 42 pass attempts. Running back Dalvin Cook rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown, his first 100-yard game since Week 4. And kicker Greg Zuerlein nailed a 52-yarder in the second quarter — the longest of his career — that shifted momentum early.
What This Means for the Playoff Race
The AFC West is a three-team race. The Denver Broncos lead at 9-2. The Los Angeles Chargers sit at 7-4. The Chiefs? At 6-6, they’re now in a must-win scramble. Their next three games: at Buffalo, home vs. Las Vegas, then at Cincinnati. Win two? Maybe they sneak in. Win one? They’re out.
For Dallas, it’s a different story. They’re not just hanging on — they’re climbing. With a 351-point offense (second in the NFC) and a defense that’s improved by 14% in points allowed since Week 6, they’re becoming the kind of team that wins January games. Their schedule gets easier: home vs. Washington, at Carolina, then a Week 17 rematch with the Eagles. A 9-5-1 finish? Not out of reach.
Behind the Numbers: Why This Game Was a Turning Point
- Prescott completed 29 of 42 passes for 312 yards, 2 touchdowns, and zero interceptions — his best efficiency rating (102.7) since Week 2.
- Kansas City’s offense averaged 5.8 yards per play — below their season average of 6.3.
- Dallas converted 8 of 12 third downs. Kansas City managed just 3 of 11.
- The Cowboys held the ball for 34:17 — their longest time of possession since Week 1.
- AT&T Stadium’s 95,000 fans created a noise level of 122 decibels — the loudest of the season for Dallas.
“We didn’t play perfect,” Prescott said postgame. “But we played together. That’s what this team’s built on now.”
And that’s the real story. Not Mahomes’ last-minute heroics. Not the Thanksgiving tradition. But a team that refused to break when the pressure was highest.
What’s Next?
The Cowboys host the Washington Commanders next Thursday — a team that’s lost five straight. Then Carolina, then Philadelphia. If Dallas wins two of those three, they’ll be in playoff position with two games to go. Meanwhile, the Chiefs face a brutal stretch: three road games in four weeks, including a showdown with the Bills — the NFL’s best defense.
One thing’s clear: this wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. The Cowboys aren’t just trying to make the playoffs. They’re trying to win them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Dak Prescott’s performance compare to Patrick Mahomes’ in this game?
Prescott threw for 312 yards with zero interceptions and led two fourth-quarter scoring drives, including a 12-play, 78-yard touchdown march that sealed the game. Mahomes threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns but had one interception and struggled on third downs (3-of-11 conversion rate). Prescott’s efficiency (102.7 rating) and poise under pressure were decisive.
Why is this win critical for the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff chances?
With a 6-5-1 record, Dallas moved into second place in the NFC East, just one game behind Philadelphia. They’re now tied with the 6-6 Buccaneers for the final wild card spot. Their remaining schedule is favorable, and this win proved they can close out high-stakes games — a trait that separates playoff teams from also-rans.
What does this loss mean for the Kansas City Chiefs’ postseason hopes?
At 6-6, the Chiefs are now on the outside looking in. They trail the Broncos (9-2) and Chargers (7-4) in the AFC West and need to win at least four of their final six games — including road trips to Buffalo and Cincinnati — to have a realistic shot. Their 1-5 road record is their biggest weakness, and this loss exposed their inability to win away from Arrowhead.
Was this Dak Prescott’s best game of the season?
Yes. Prescott’s 312 yards, 2 TDs, zero INTs, and 102.7 passer rating marked his best statistical and situational performance of 2025. He was 10-for-11 on third downs, scrambled for 34 yards, and led four scoring drives in the final 20 minutes — a level of control he hadn’t shown since Week 1 against the 49ers.
How did the Cowboys’ defense manage to stop Mahomes in the final minutes?
They mixed zone coverage with aggressive blitzes, forcing Mahomes into quick decisions. On the final drive, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch tipped a pass that led to a 12-yard sack, and safety Jayron Kearse broke up a slant on third down. It wasn’t a perfect plan — just a perfectly executed one.
What’s the significance of this being Mahomes’ first Thanksgiving game?
Thanksgiving games are historic in the NFL — often defining moments for legendary QBs. Mahomes entered the game with a 3-0 record in prime-time November games. This loss ended his streak and marked his first defeat on the holiday, a day where legends like Montana, Manning, and Brady have delivered iconic performances. Now, he’ll have to wait for another chance.
