GAME PREVIEW: Cowboys vs Chiefs Week 13 - Thanksgiving Showdown At AT&T Stadium, And This Time It Is Personal For Dallas

The Week 13 clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs is not just another primetime NFL game. It is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving Day football in 2025, played on the biggest possible stage for Cowboys fans: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Both teams are fighting to stay in the playoff race, with the Chiefs sitting 10th in the AFC and the Cowboys 10th in the NFC. For Dallas fans, this is the perfect chance to knock off the recent dynasty of the AFC right in Jerry World and send a statement to the entire league.

Game Time, Location And How To Watch

• Kickoff: Thursday, November 27, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET

• USA: Live on CBS, streaming on Paramount+

Halftime will be a full entertainment show of its own. Post Malone, a long time Cowboys fan, will perform as part of the Red Kettle Kickoff for The Salvation Army. If Dallas is leading at halftime, the stadium atmosphere will be absolutely electric.

Recent Form And Team Identity

Kansas City Chiefs

• Record: 6–5 overall, 1–4 on the road

The Chiefs are coming off a dramatic 23–20 overtime win over the Colts, powered by Patrick Mahomes in crunch time. However, this is not the same explosive Kansas City offense that dominated the league in past Super Bowl runs.

In 2025, they lean heavily on a top tier defense that ranks near the top of the NFL in points allowed. Their offense has been up and down, especially away from Arrowhead, which opens a window of opportunity for the Cowboys if they can make Mahomes uncomfortable early.

Dallas Cowboys

• Record: 5–5–1 overall, 3–1–1 at home

The Cowboys enter this game trending upward. The offense has already scored 320 points this season, and the defense is starting to catch up after the addition of Quinnen Williams.

At AT&T Stadium, Dallas plays with a different energy. For Cowboys fans, this is exactly the type of opponent and the type of stage you want: a chance to knock down the reigning power of the AFC and prove that this team belongs in the playoff conversation again.

Injury Report: Offensive Weapons In The Spotlight

Injuries could play a massive role in how this game unfolds on both sides of the ball.

Chiefs Injury Highlights:

• TE Noah Gray: DNP (concussion)

The most concerning name for Kansas City is Trey Smith. If he cannot go or is clearly limited, the interior of the Chiefs offensive line could be exposed by the Cowboys defensive front. A limited Rashee Rice would also hurt Mahomes in the passing game.

Cowboys Injury Highlights:

• OT Tyler Guyton: DNP (ankle)

For Cowboys fans, the biggest concerns are:

• George Pickens: The breakout wide receiver who already has over 1,000 receiving yards this season. If he cannot play, more pressure falls on CeeDee Lamb and the rest of the receiving unit.

On the positive side, Daron Bland being full participant is huge. His presence in the secondary gives Dallas more flexibility in coverage against Rice, Worthy and the rest of Mahomes targets.

Betting Odds And Predictions

Sportsbooks currently lean slightly toward the Chiefs because of Mahomes and their track record in big games.

• Spread: Chiefs around -4.5 or Cowboys +3.5 depending on the book

Several analysts are picking a close Cowboys win at home, with score predictions like 27–24 Dallas. The logic behind that angle includes:

• Dak Prescott generally plays his best ball at home

From a Cowboys fan perspective, this is the perfect spot to believe in a statement win. National audience, Thanksgiving energy, and a vulnerable Chiefs offense on the road.

Key Matchups To Watch

Dak Prescott vs Patrick Mahomes

This is one of the premier quarterback matchups possible in the NFL right now.

• Mahomes is the standard for playoff excellence and clutch moments.

For Dallas to win, Dak must:

• Protect the football and avoid forced throws

Cowboys Receivers vs Chiefs Secondary

If George Pickens is healthy enough to play, Dallas can line up two legitimate number one type threats:

• George Pickens as the explosive, contested catch deep threat

If Pickens is out, Chiefs can roll more coverage toward Lamb and dare Dak to trust Brandin Cooks, tight ends and backs out of the backfield. How the Cowboys adjust here will be a critical storyline.

Quinnen Williams And The Dallas Front vs Chiefs Offensive Line

The blueprint to slowing Mahomes has not changed:

• Collapse the pocket from the inside

Quinnen Williams is exactly the type of interior force who can wreck drives. If he and, health permitting, Osa Odighizuwa can win consistently against a banged up Chiefs interior, Mahomes will be under constant stress. That is how Dallas can steal extra possessions or force Kansas City into field goals instead of touchdowns.

History, Narrative And Off Field Buzz

• The Cowboys are 5–0 at home against the Chiefs all time.

On X and across social media, the game is being hyped as:

"The battle of America’s teams"

One side is the traditional America’s Team, the Cowboys. The other is the modern NFL empire led by Mahomes and Andy Reid.

What This Game Means For Cowboys Fans

This matchup is more than just another line in the schedule. For Cowboys fans, a win here would mean:

• Beating Mahomes and the Chiefs on a national holiday game

For Dallas to get it done, the formula looks like this:

1. Win the turnover battle and keep Dak clean.

If the Cowboys pull off a Thanksgiving win over the Chiefs at AT&T Stadium, it will not just be another regular season victory. It will feel like a statement:

The Dallas Cowboys are not just a brand. They are back to being a real threat in the chase for a championship.