Thanksgiving Day NFL Recap: Cowboys Stun Chiefs, Packers Edge Lions, and Burrow Leads Bengals to Victory

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Thanksgiving Day delivered a feast of football drama, upsets, and defining moments across the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys toppled the Kansas City Chiefs in a thrilling 31-28 victory, the Green Bay Packers survived a slugfest with the Detroit Lions, and Joe Burrow’s return powered the Cincinnati Bengals to a much-needed win over the Baltimore Ravens. Here’s how each game unfolded—and what it means for the playoff race.

Cowboys Show Grit, Topple Chiefs in Statement Win

The Dallas Cowboys capped off their holiday with a gutsy win over the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs, prevailing 31-28. Head coach Brian Shottenheimer praised his squad’s resilience, especially after a tough, emotional win against Philadelphia just days earlier.

“Short weeks aren’t easy… but emotional game against Philadelphia, right? Then you have to come back and really without hardly any practice this week to be able to go and do what we did today, I think is a testament to the young men in that locker room,” Shottenheimer said postgame.

The Cowboys have now beaten both teams from last year’s Super Bowl within a four-day span, a feat that underscores their rising confidence and chemistry. Shottenheimer emphasized that the team isn’t getting complacent, with more challenges ahead and a playoff spot still far from guaranteed.

“We know we’ve got a big one coming again next week and all this really does for us is just give us more confidence knowing that we can go play with whoever.”

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Defense Shine

Analyst Damen Woody broke down the keys to victory on SportsCenter, highlighting Dak Prescott’s spectacular performance. Prescott made plays from the pocket and under pressure, connecting with receivers like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. The Cowboys’ defense, after a shaky start, locked in and disrupted Patrick Mahomes throughout the second half.

“Dak Prescott was absolutely spectacular in this game… and the defense really pressured Patrick Mahomes,” Woody said.

Dallas has now scored 30-plus points at home four times this season—a stark contrast to last year. The Cowboys are peaking at the right time.

Chiefs’ Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

For Kansas City, the loss is a gut punch. With a tough schedule ahead—Texans, Chargers, and Broncos, all at home—the Chiefs are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era.

“I think they have run out of time. I think the kingdom has fallen for this season,” Woody declared. “They’re just not making those plays that we’ve been accustomed to seeing from the Kansas City Chiefs in those close games.”

The Chiefs allowed a season-high nine third-down conversions, their second most since 2019. If they don’t turn things around fast, the dynasty could be in peril.

Packers Outlast Lions in a Thanksgiving Slugfest

The Green Bay Packers edged out the Detroit Lions, 31-24, in a physical, playoff-like atmosphere. Head coach Matt LaFleur celebrated with his team in the locker room, praising their effort and toughness.

“That is how you compete. That was playoff football. It took all 60 minutes, all three phases,” LaFleur told his players.

Quarterback Jordan Love delivered clutch throws down the stretch, earning a season-best 95 QBR. The Packers’ receivers, long plagued by drops, stepped up when it mattered most.

“I thought he was spectacular… his receivers did an outstanding job of catching the football,” Woody analyzed. “Whether it was Christian Watson or Romeo Doubs, those guys were absolutely on point today.”

The win keeps Green Bay in the thick of the NFC North race, while the Lions—last year’s division champs—suffer a setback in their quest for a playoff return.

Bears vs. Eagles Preview: NFC Heavyweights Clash

Looking ahead to Friday, the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles, both 8-3, prepare for a marquee NFC showdown. The Bears’ defense leads the league in takeaways, but they’ll face an Eagles offense that rarely turns the ball over.

“People want to see… when it comes to the Bears, is it fool’s gold? Can they actually play the Philadelphia Eagles straight up?” Woody questioned.

With Caleb Williams playing well and the Bears running game clicking, a win would put Chicago on the map as a true contender. For the Eagles, it’s a chance to prove their offense can rise to the occasion.

Burrow’s Return Sparks Bengals, Ravens Stumble

Joe Burrow made his long-awaited return for the Cincinnati Bengals, leading them to a crucial win over the Baltimore Ravens and snapping a four-game losing streak. Burrow, sidelined for nine games with a leg injury, looked sharp and mobile, throwing for 261 yards and two touchdowns.

“I saw a guy that was moving around pretty well… He pretty much looked like the old Joe Burrow, which is kind of scary if we’re thinking about the Cincinnati Bengals coming down the stretch,” Woody observed.

The Bengals are now 3-0 with Burrow starting this season, but just 1-8 with anyone else. Their playoff hopes are slim, but not extinct. They face the Buffalo Bills next week, followed by a rematch with the Ravens.

Ravens’ Offense Falters

Baltimore’s five turnovers doomed their chances, snapping a five-game win streak and dropping them to second place in the AFC North behind the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lamar Jackson’s mobility was limited, and the Ravens’ running game sputtered.

“You’re not going to win any game, you know, turn the ball over five times,” Woody said. “There’s some concerning signs, particularly on the offensive side… Lamar Jackson [isn’t] running as well as he used to.”

If the Ravens don’t fix their offensive woes, they risk missing the playoffs altogether.

Bengals’ Playoff Odds: A Long Shot, But Burrow Inspires

Despite the win, Cincinnati’s margin for error is razor-thin. Their defense, ranked worst in the NFL, can’t be counted on for five turnovers every week. But Burrow’s leadership and determination give the team hope.

“It just speaks to the character of Joe Burrow… There’s some guys who could have easily folded up and said, you know what, this season is lost. I’m not playing. But Joe Burrow just showing like, look, man, I love playing this game. We’re getting paid to play a kid’s game. And I’m sure his teammates respect him for doing that.”

Thanksgiving Takeaways: Playoff Races Heat Up

As the dust settles on Thanksgiving, the NFL playoff picture remains as unpredictable as ever. The Cowboys have proven they can beat the best, the Packers are surging, and the Bengals cling to hope with Burrow back under center. Meanwhile, the Chiefs and Ravens face tough questions and must regroup quickly.

Stay tuned for more NFL coverage as the playoff races intensify and the league’s biggest stars rise—or stumble—under the holiday spotlight.