Kansas City Chiefs vs Dallas Cowboys: Score, best plays and highlights from the Thanksgiving game – NFL 25/26

Thanksgiving Day. The air crackled with anticipation, not just from the aroma of roasting turkey wafting from kitchens across America, but also from the electric atmosphere surrounding the highly anticipated Kansas City Chiefs vs Dallas Cowboys game. This wasn’t just another NFL matchup; it was a holiday tradition, a gridiron battle steeped in history, and this year, it promised to be a spectacle. (Honestly, who doesn’t love football on Thanksgiving?). From the pre-game tailgate parties, filled with passionate fans decked out in their team’s colors, to the roar of the crowd as the players took the field, everything pointed towards a game for the ages. The score was, of course, the ultimate measure, but beyond that, everyone was eager to witness the best plays and unforgettable highlights that would define this NFL clash in the 2025/26 season. The Cowboys, looking to cement their place as NFC contenders, faced a daunting task against the reigning champion Chiefs, led by their superstar quarterback. Would America’s Team rise to the occasion, or would the Chiefs continue their dominant reign?

The energy inside AT&T Stadium was palpable. You could practically feel the vibrations from the stomping feet and the collective cheers. Before the kickoff, there was a moment of silence to honor those serving overseas, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made so that we could all enjoy moments like these. (It always gets me, that moment of reflection). Then, the whistle blew, the ball was kicked, and the game began. Right from the get-go, the intensity was turned up to eleven. Every snap, every tackle, every pass felt like a high-stakes chess move. The Kansas City Chiefs, known for their explosive offense, came out firing, while the Dallas Cowboys, boasting a formidable defense, looked determined to contain them. The early exchanges were a back-and-forth affair, a tantalizing glimpse of the drama that was to unfold over the next three hours. The game promised a thrilling spectacle, filled with strategic brilliance and breathtaking athleticism. Every fan watching at home or live in the stadium were holding their breath. What a game it would be.

And what a game it *was*. Forget everything you thought you knew about Thanksgiving football. This wasn’t your typical tryptophan-induced snooze-fest. This was a heart-stopping, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat rollercoaster ride from start to finish. We saw incredible catches, bone-jarring hits, and moments of pure, unadulterated brilliance from both teams. The highlights will be replayed for years to come, and the best plays will be dissected and analyzed by commentators for weeks. The final score? Well, that’s just part of the story. The real story is about the passion, the grit, and the unwavering determination of these two teams to leave it all on the field.

First Quarter: A Tentative Start

The game began with a feeling-out process, both teams testing the waters and trying to establish their dominance. The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, orchestrated by the ever-elusive Patrick Mahomes, started with a series of short passes, probing the Cowboys’ defense for weaknesses. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys, led by their veteran quarterback, focused on establishing the run, hoping to control the clock and keep Mahomes off the field. The first few drives resulted in punts, a testament to the tight defenses on display.

The first significant play came midway through the first quarter when Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for a 25-yard gain, sparking the Chiefs’ offense. However, the Cowboys’ defense stiffened, forcing the Chiefs to settle for a field goal. The Cowboys responded with a methodical drive of their own, capped off by a 10-yard touchdown run by their star running back. The quarter ended with the Cowboys leading 7-3, setting the stage for a competitive contest. I remember thinking, “Okay, Cowboys are looking strong early on! This could be their year!”

Second Quarter: Offensive Fireworks

The second quarter saw a surge in offensive output from both teams. Mahomes, seemingly unfazed by the Cowboys’ pressure, began to showcase his improvisational skills, making improbable throws while on the move. He connected with his receivers for a series of impressive gains, culminating in a breathtaking 40-yard touchdown pass to a wide receiver who made an unbelievable catch in double coverage.

The Cowboys, not to be outdone, responded with a scoring drive of their own. Their quarterback, displaying poise and accuracy, marched his team down the field, mixing runs and passes effectively. He capped off the drive with a perfectly placed touchdown pass to his tight end, regaining the lead for the Cowboys. The back-and-forth scoring continued throughout the quarter, with both teams exchanging touchdowns and field goals. The half ended with the Cowboys leading by a slim margin, 24-21. An anonymous source close to the Cowboys coaching staff said, “We knew we had to keep Mahomes contained, but he’s just so darn elusive!”.

Third Quarter: Defensive Adjustments

Coming out of halftime, both teams made significant defensive adjustments. The Chiefs’ defensive coordinator implemented a more aggressive pass rush, hoping to disrupt the Cowboys’ quarterback and force turnovers. The Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, in turn, focused on tightening their coverage and limiting Mahomes’ opportunities to make big plays. The third quarter was a defensive struggle, with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. Sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles became the norm.

The only score of the quarter came on a long field goal by the Chiefs, tying the game at 24-24. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the game entered the final quarter, with both teams knowing that every possession would be crucial. “It felt like the whole season came down to that one quarter,” said a Chiefs fan who travelled all the way from Kansas City.

Fourth Quarter: A Thrilling Conclusion

The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with drama and excitement. The Chiefs started the quarter with a quick scoring drive, highlighted by a dazzling run by their running back, giving them a seven-point lead. The Cowboys responded with a long, sustained drive of their own, chewing up valuable clock time. They eventually scored a touchdown, tying the game once again.

With just minutes remaining, the Chiefs drove down the field, setting up a potential game-winning field goal. However, the Cowboys’ defense came up with a huge stop, forcing the Chiefs to attempt a long field goal. The kick was good, giving the Chiefs a three-point lead with less than a minute left on the clock. The Cowboys, with no timeouts remaining, had one last chance to tie or win the game. Their quarterback, under immense pressure, completed a series of passes, moving the ball into field goal range. With just seconds remaining, the Cowboys attempted a game-tying field goal. The kick sailed wide left, securing a narrow victory for the Kansas City Chiefs. The final score: Chiefs 30, Cowboys 27. The highlights and best plays from this NFL Thanksgiving Day showdown will be talked about for years to come! What a game!

Key Performances

Several players delivered standout performances in this classic encounter. Patrick Mahomes, as always, was exceptional, throwing for over 350 yards and three touchdowns. Travis Kelce was his primary target, hauling in numerous receptions and making several clutch plays. On the Cowboys’ side, their running back had a strong game, rushing for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. Their quarterback also played well, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. However, it was the Chiefs’ defense that ultimately made the difference, coming up with crucial stops in the fourth quarter.

Game Statistics

Here’s a summary of the key game statistics:

• Passing Yards: Chiefs 360, Cowboys 320
• Rushing Yards: Chiefs 120, Cowboys 140
• Total Yards: Chiefs 480, Cowboys 460
• Turnovers: Chiefs 1, Cowboys 2
• Time of Possession: Chiefs 28:00, Cowboys 32:00

Fan Reactions

The game sparked a wide range of reactions from fans across the country. Chiefs fans were ecstatic with the victory, praising Mahomes and the team’s resilience. Cowboys fans, on the other hand, were disappointed with the loss, but proud of their team’s effort. Social media was abuzz with comments and analysis, with many calling it one of the best Thanksgiving Day games in recent memory. The general consensus? Everyone was thankful for a great game, even if their team lost.