The Week 13 showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium is one of the headline games of the 2025 NFL season. Played on Thanksgiving Day, this is a high-stakes matchup between two teams fighting for playoff positioning: the Chiefs hovering in the AFC wildcard race and the Cowboys battling in a crowded NFC field. With star power on both sidelines and the national spotlight locked in, this game has all the ingredients of a classic Thanksgiving clash.
Kickoff Time, Location and How To Watch
- Kickoff: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- 2:30 p.m. ET
Stadium: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Home of the Dallas Cowboys, nicknamed “Jerry World”
Approximate capacity of 80,000 with a retractable roof and a giant center-hung LED board
Broadcast (USA): Live on CBS, streaming available via Paramount+
International / Vietnam viewing:
- Accessible through official NFL streaming services such as NFL Game Pass or other international sports platforms carrying NFL rights
Halftime Show:
- Featuring Post Malone, a long-time Cowboys fan, performing as part of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff show
Although the game is indoors and not impacted by wind or precipitation, the outside temperature is projected to be a mild 62°F (around 16 – 17°C). With the roof likely closed, conditions should be ideal for both offenses.
Recent Form and Team Overview
Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 6-5 overall, 1-4 on the road
Head Coach: Andy Reid
The Chiefs are chasing a 12th straight playoff appearance and come into Week 13 on the back of a dramatic 23-20 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts. That victory helped stop a worrying slide and reminded everyone that Patrick Mahomes is still one of the most dangerous closers in football.
- Strengths:
- One of the best scoring defenses in the league, especially in the red zone
A proven big-game quarterback in Mahomes, who can create off-script and on the move
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent offense on the road
Slow starts and occasional struggles in the red zone and on third down
Recent results (last five games):
- W vs Colts 23-20 (OT)
L at Broncos 19-22
L at Bills 21-28
W vs Commanders 28-7
W vs Raiders 31-0
Dallas Cowboys
- Record: 5-5-1 overall, 3-1-1 at home
Head Coach: Mike McCarthy
The Cowboys are trending upward at the right time. Since acquiring star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, their run defense has toughened up, and the team has strung together key wins including a 24-21 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and a 33-16 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Strengths:
- A high-powered offense capable of putting up points in bunches
An improving defense, especially against the run in the last couple of weeks
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistency when playing from behind
Pass protection questions if the offensive line is not at full strength
Recent results (last five games):
- W vs Eagles 24-21
W at Raiders 33-16
L vs Cardinals 17-27
L at Broncos 24-44
W vs Commanders 44-22
Key Injury Updates
Injury statuses can shift as game day approaches, but these are the notable situations based on the latest reports.
Chiefs Notable Injuries
- TE Noah Gray (concussion) – Did not practice, questionable to play
G Trey Smith (ankle) – Did not practice, likely out, weakening interior protection
LB Leo Chenal (knee) – Limited participant
WR Rashee Rice (hamstring) – Limited but trending up
WR Xavier Worthy (ankle) – Limited early in the week, expected to go
QB Patrick Mahomes (groin) – Full participant, expected to play without major limitations
RB Isiah Pacheco (knee) – Full participant, ready to lead the ground game
Trey Smith’s status is particularly concerning for Kansas City, as losing a starting guard against a deep Cowboys front could lead to more pressure on Mahomes.
Cowboys Notable Injuries
- OT Tyler Guyton (ankle) – Did not practice, could be out, which would hurt pass protection on the right side
DT Osa Odighizuwa (elbow) – Did not practice, depth concern inside despite Williams’ presence
WR George Pickens (knee) – Did not practice, major worry given his role as a true No. 1 target
WR KaVontae Turpin (shoulder) – Did not practice, impacts special teams and gadget plays
DE Jadeveon Clowney (neck) – Limited, but likely to play
DE Dante Fowler Jr. (shoulder) – Limited
S Malik Hooker (toe) – Limited
S Donovan Wilson (neck) – Limited
CB Daron Bland (wrist) – Full participant, expected to start
If George Pickens cannot go or is limited, the Cowboys passing attack loses its most explosive downfield element and will lean more heavily on CeeDee Lamb and the tight ends.
Betting Line and Game Script Expectations
Odds may vary by sportsbook, but the rough market consensus before kickoff:
- Spread: Chiefs favored by around 3 – 4.5 points
Moneyline:
- Chiefs around -170 to -190
Cowboys around +140 to +160
Total (Over/Under): Approximately 51.5 – 52.5 points
Trends to note:
- Chiefs games have leaned toward the under, largely due to their strong defense and occasionally sputtering offense.
Cowboys at home can turn games into track meets, but their improved defense and the strength of Kansas City’s unit could pull this contest toward a tighter, more controlled scoreline.
Many analysts expect a close game, possibly decided by one score, with the Chiefs’ playoff experience balanced against the Cowboys’ home-field edge on a holiday they traditionally own.
Storylines To Watch
- Mahomes’ Texas Homecoming
Patrick Mahomes returns to his home state and starts at AT&T Stadium in a regular season NFL game for the first time. Facing the Cowboys on Thanksgiving amplifies the pressure and the spotlight. Expect plenty of talk about his Texas roots and how he handles the noise inside “Jerry World.”
Battle of NFL “Dynasties”
- Chiefs: The new powerhouse of the last half-decade, with multiple Super Bowl appearances.
Cowboys: The iconic brand from the 1990s glory years, still carrying the “America’s Team” label.
In a prime national window, this feels less like a standard Week 13 game and more like a showcase of NFL past vs present.
History in Dallas
The Cowboys are undefeated at home against the Chiefs in their franchise history. Add that to their strong overall Thanksgiving record, and Dallas enters with a psychological edge, even if the betting line slightly favors Kansas City.
Thanksgiving Spectacle
With Post Malone’s halftime show and The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff wrapped around a marquee matchup, this game doubles as both a football event and a cultural moment of the holiday.
Players To Watch
Kansas City Chiefs
- QB Patrick Mahomes: Everything in the Chiefs offense starts with him. How he navigates pressure from Quinnen Williams and the edge rush, especially behind a banged-up interior line, will shape the game.
TE Travis Kelce: Mahomes’ most trusted target on third downs and in the red zone, making him a matchup nightmare for Cowboys linebackers and safeties.
RB Isiah Pacheco: His physical running style can slow down the pass rush and keep the Cowboys honest, opening more play-action opportunities.
Dallas Cowboys
- QB Dak Prescott: Playing at a high statistical level this season, Prescott will be tested by a fast, disciplined Chiefs defense that disguises coverages well.
WR CeeDee Lamb: The go-to receiver, especially if Pickens is limited. Lamb’s ability to win from the slot and outside is crucial on key downs.
WR George Pickens: If healthy, he provides the vertical threat that can punish any blown coverage and swing momentum.
DT Quinnen Williams: The anchor of the Cowboys defensive interior. If he dominates inside, it could collapse the pocket and force Mahomes off his spots all night.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving showdown between the Chiefs and the Cowboys has everything you want in a prime-time NFL game: playoff implications, superstar quarterbacks, an iconic stadium, and a holiday stage with a massive national audience.
For Chiefs fans, this is about keeping the playoff streak alive and proving the Mahomes-Reid era can still grind out big wins on the road. For Cowboys fans, it is a chance to announce that Dallas is truly back in the NFC picture with a statement win over the league’s modern dynasty.
No matter which side you are on, Chiefs vs Cowboys on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium is a game you will not want to miss.
