Prescott’s Cowboys Defeat Mahomes’ Chiefs 31-28 in Thanksgiving Thriller/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Dallas Cowboys earned a critical 31-28 Thanksgiving Day win over the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Dak Prescott’s steady performance and a key fourth-quarter drive. Patrick Mahomes dazzled with two fourth-down touchdown passes, but couldn’t rally late. Dallas improves to 6-5-1, keeping playoff hopes alive in a tightly contested NFC race.
Cowboys Beat Chiefs in Thanksgiving Showdown Quick Looks
- Dak Prescott throws two touchdowns as Cowboys edge Chiefs 31-28
- Malik Davis breaks off 43-yard TD run to spark Dallas offense
- Mahomes completes two fourth-down touchdown passes in comeback attempt
- CeeDee Lamb totals 112 yards, rebounds from earlier drop issues
- Cowboys win third straight, now 3-0 since tragedy during bye week
- Chiefs fall to .500 (6-6) after penalty-filled performance
- Kansas City flagged 10 times for 119 yards
- Dallas closes out win with key George Pickens first down
- Mahomes finishes with 261 yards and four touchdown passes
- Both teams remain in tight playoff chases in respective conferences
Deep Look: Cowboys Overcome Mahomes’ Fourth-Down Heroics in 31-28 Thanksgiving Victory
ARLINGTON, Texas — Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys extended their win streak to three games and reignited their playoff push on Thursday night, taking down the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28 in a back-and-forth Thanksgiving clash that featured Patrick Mahomes’ signature fourth-down brilliance — but not enough to steal the win.
The Cowboys (6-5-1) built a 10-point lead in the second half and held off a furious Chiefs rally to grab a key victory, just four days after toppling defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia. With two wins in less than a week over last season’s Super Bowl teams, Dallas proved it’s still in the playoff hunt.
“Two organizations that know how to win — and we just beat them both,” said Prescott, who threw for two touchdowns and sealed the game with a crucial late-game drive.
A Poised Performance from Prescott
Prescott completed 21 of 32 passes for 244 yards, leading the offense with composure and precision. He spread the ball efficiently, hit CeeDee Lamb for 112 yards on seven catches, and found George Pickens for a 13-yard first down at the two-minute warning to ice the game.
“I’m proud of how we executed,” Prescott said. “We didn’t let Mahomes back on the field at the end. That’s how you close games.”
Malik Davis Breaks Loose
One of the game’s biggest plays came from backup running back Malik Davis, who broke a 43-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to give Dallas its first lead. Though Davis had just three carries, his explosive scoring run tilted momentum in Dallas’ favor.
Lead back Javonte Williams also added a 3-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth, giving Dallas a 28-21 lead. Pickens’ two-point conversion catch provided extra cushion — just enough to hold off Mahomes’ final push.
Mahomes’ Magic Can’t Save Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, playing his first NFL game at AT&T Stadium — where he starred in college with Texas Tech — was spectacular at times. He threw for 261 yards and four touchdowns, two of which came on fourth-down plays that kept Kansas City alive.
He connected with Travis Kelce on a 2-yard fourth-down touchdown, then found Rashee Rice on fourth-and-3 for another score early in the fourth. Later, Mahomes eluded a near-sack from Quinnen Williams, kept his balance, and launched a 42-yard strike to Xavier Worthy, setting up a 10-yard TD to Hollywood Brown with 3:27 left.
But the Cowboys defense, aided by two late pass interference calls on the Chiefs, kept Mahomes off the field the rest of the way.
“They played better over four quarters,” Mahomes said. “We had our moments, but they were more consistent.”
Chiefs Undone by Penalties
The Chiefs (6-6) struggled with discipline all game. Ten penalties for 119 yards, including five for pass interference and another for defensive holding, repeatedly extended Dallas drives.
“Bottom line is we’re having too many penalties,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid. “No excuses. We’re going to clean it up.”
Cowboys Playing Inspired Football
The Cowboys have now won three straight since the death of 24-year-old defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide during the team’s bye week. Players and coaches have cited emotional resilience and unity as driving forces in the team’s current surge.
“We’re doing this together,” Lamb said. “These last few weeks have been emotional, but we’ve stuck together.”
Stats and Notables
- Rashee Rice had eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns
- Lamb bounced back from a drop-filled game against Philly with 112 yards
- Dallas dominated the final possession, burning the clock with key first downs
- Mahomes was sacked three times, twice by Jadeveon Clowney
- Chiefs’ offensive line was depleted by injuries, impacting pass protection
Injury Report
Chiefs:
- RG Trey Smith was inactive (ankle)
- RT Jawaan Taylor left with an elbow injury
- LT Josh Simmons exited with a wrist injury
- S Bryan Cook injured his ankle in the first half
Cowboys:
- CB Caelen Carson was inactive (foot)
- CB DaRon Bland left in the second half with a foot injury
What’s Next
- Chiefs: Host the Houston Texans on Dec. 7 (prime time)
- Cowboys: Visit the Detroit Lions next Thursday night
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