Chiefs vs. Cowboys today: kickoff time, injury updates, odds, and how the matchup stacks up

It’s the Thanksgiving afternoon showcase: Chiefs vs. Cowboys from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, a marquee cross-conference test with playoff stakes for both sides. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. CT in the national window.

The basics: time, place, stakes

• When: Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 — 4:30 p.m. ET

• Where: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)

• Records: Chiefs 6–5, Cowboys 5–5–1

• Line/total (this morning): Chiefs favored by ~3.5; over/under around 53.5
  Both teams are chasing traction: Kansas City looking to stack wins after an overtime escape, Dallas aiming to turn last week’s rally into momentum against an AFC heavyweight.

Inactives and late statuses you need to know

Chiefs

• RB Isiah Pacheco — ACTIVE, back from an MCL sprain to headline the backfield.

• G Trey Smith — OUT (ankle), a major loss on the interior.

• TE Noah Gray — OUT (concussion).

• Depth notes: rotational DB and CB pieces shuffled; special-teams configurations adjust accordingly.

Cowboys

• LT Tyler Guyton — OUT (ankle). Expect a replacement at left tackle and added chips to help in pass pro.

• CB Caelen Carson — OUT (hamstring), tightening outside-corner depth.

• WR Jalen Tolbert — ACTIVE, boosting three-wide flexibility.

Why this swings on trenches and explosives

1. Interior protection for Mahomes
   Without Trey Smith, the Chiefs must piece together interior answers against Dallas’ interior rush games. Watch for slide protections, quicker RPO-style throws, and running back help to keep the pocket clean.

2. Cowboys’ edge vs. backup LT
   With the home side down its starting left tackle, expect chips, condensed splits, and play-action to slow wide rush lanes. If the edge loses contain on scramble drills, second-reaction plays become back-breaking.

3. Explosive-play battle
   Kansas City’s vertical threats can stress single-high looks, while Dallas’ shot menu off play-action tests corner depth with Carson sidelined. First team to land two explosive gains (20+ air yards or YAC-driven chunk plays) likely wins the efficiency race.

4. Red-zone sequencing
   The Chiefs’ red-zone identity leans on misdirection and tight-end leverage; with Gray out, condensed formations and motion become even more important. Dallas counters with length at the catch point—fade/slot fade windows will be contested.

Game plan clues to watch early

• Chiefs’ first two drives: Is the run game built around Pacheco’s downhill tone, or a perimeter screen series to function as “runs”? If they’re in second-and-six often, the script is working.

• Cowboys’ first third-and-medium: Who helps the backup LT—TE chip, RB scan, or sprint-out to negate the rush? That call tells you how confident they are in the edge matchup.

• Motion/tells: Expect heavy pre-snap motion from both sides to diagnose coverage and steal leverage; watch nickel defenders traveling with slots as the man/zone indicator.

Numbers that matter

• EPA on first down: The team that wins early downs will protect its QB and the play sheet; both offenses skew dramatically better ahead of the sticks.

• Explosive differential: Aim for +1 or better; it correlates tightly with wins in high-total games.

• Red-zone TD rate: Field goals won’t cut it in this total range; 4s into 7s decide it.

Fantasy and props quick hits (Thanksgiving edition)

• Isiah Pacheco regains RB2 value with touchdown equity even if snap count is managed; look for screens to supplement carries.

• Chiefs WRs: boom-bust profiles remain; the matchup invites a couple of deep shots—consider alt lines for a speed option.

• Cowboys WR2/slot: uptick if KC tilts coverage toward the WR1; red-zone targets could swing a tight fantasy day.

• Tight ends: With Gray out, ancillary TE usage may condense—monitor early personnel groupings for live bets.

Halftime entertainment note

The holiday game features a high-profile live halftime performance tied to the stadium’s annual Thanksgiving tradition—expect a full staging window in the longer mid-game break.

Prediction (lean, not gospel)

If Kansas City protects the interior well enough to keep timing intact, the road team’s explosives plus a healthier run game with Pacheco tilt the script late. Dallas’ path is clear: win edges on defense, steal a possession with a takeaway, and finish red-zone trips.
Lean: Chiefs by a field goal in a one-score finish.

Chiefs vs. Cowboys arrives with star power and real stakes. Health nudges are mixed—Pacheco back helps the champs; the Cowboys’ injuries test protection and corner depth. Set your table around 4:30 p.m. ET, and expect a fast start, a big-show halftime, and crunch-time drives to settle it.