As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for a marquee Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys, the path to victory is anything but generic. Understanding the 5 keys to Chiefs beating the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day will be crucial for the team. The Cowboys bring one of the league’s most potent offenses but pair it with a defense that’s been their Achilles’ heel throughout 2025. Andy Reid’s Chiefs are fresh off a gritty win that kept their postseason hopes alive, and this week’s game sets the tone for their playoff push.
- Exploit Dallas’ Defensive Soft Spots
Few teams have struggled as much defensively as Dallas, who sit near the bottom of the league in points and yards allowed per game. Their pass rush has faltered, producing just one sack per game and allowing clean pockets far too often. Kansas City’s offensive line doesn’t need to dominate—just neutralize Dallas’s underperforming edge rushers and let Patrick Mahomes work. Look for Andy Reid to target Dallas’ vulnerable secondary, especially on quick routes to Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce, and to hit deep against inconsistent safety play. - Commit to a Balanced Attack
The Chiefs have been at their best when leaning into the run, as shown in last week’s win with 30 carries and over 100 rushing yards. Dallas’s defensive tackles are competent, but the linebackers and safeties behind them have been exposed repeatedly—especially by misdirection and outside zone runs. An early run-pass balance should gash Dallas between the tackles and open up downfield shots off play-action. - Disrupt Dallas’ Offensive Rhythm
The Cowboys field a top-5 offense led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens. However, when forced into longer drives—without big plays—they’re more prone to mistakes. Spagnuolo’s unit must mix coverage looks and, more importantly, disguise blitzes to make Prescott uncomfortable. Third-down defense is critical: Dallas converts at a high rate, but Kansas City can seize control if they win those high-leverage snaps. - Win Situational Football (Red Zone, Third Down, Takeaways)
While the Cowboys are efficient in the red zone, their offense bogs down when pressured inside the 20. The Chiefs’ defense has thrived on late-game stands, including stopping the league’s best offense on four straight possessions last week. On the other side, Mahomes and company must turn red zone opportunities into touchdowns—Dallas allows nearly 30 points per game, but red zone execution is the difference between a close contest and a comfortable win. - Set the Tone with Mindset and Urgency
This isn’t just another game: It’s a nationally televised Thanksgiving showcase that could define the Chiefs’ season. After a tumultuous stretch, Andy Reid emphasized the team’s resilience and mindset as a differentiator. Veterans must lead, mistakes must be minimized, and every snap should be played with postseason urgency—a lesson Kansas City showed in their overtime triumph against the Colts.
With laser-focused adjustments and the right mentality, the Chiefs have a tailor-made opportunity to take advantage of the Cowboys’ defensive deficiencies and build momentum for the remainder of the season.