It is basically the law of the land at this point. You eat turkey, you argue with your uncle about politics, and you watch the Dallas Cowboys play on Thanksgiving. This tradition is so deeply rooted in the American psyche that most of us don't even check the calendar—we just know that when that late-afternoon lull hits after the first round of stuffing, the silver helmets will be on the TV.
But who exactly is standing on the other sideline?
If you're asking about the most recent matchup that everyone is still buzzing about, the Dallas Cowboys played the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. It wasn't just another game; it was a total ratings juggernaut. We're talking about a record-shattering 57.2 million people tuning in to see Dak Prescott go toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes. Honestly, the hype lived up to the reality, with Dallas pulling off a gritty 31-28 win at AT&T Stadium.
The 2026 Thanksgiving Outlook
Looking ahead to the next holiday, the NFL usually keeps us waiting until the official schedule release in May. However, we already know the rhythm. The 2026 Thanksgiving game will take place on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
While the specific opponent for 2026 hasn't been "officially" penciled in by the league's broadcast partners yet, the rotation gives us some very strong clues. Typically, the NFL loves a divisional rivalry for this slot. Think back to 2024 when they feasted on the New York Giants (a 27-20 victory). Or the years they've hosted the Washington Commanders.
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For 2026, the Cowboys are slated to play their usual NFC East rivals at home, along with teams from the NFC West and the AFC East. That means there is a non-zero chance we see a high-profile matchup against someone like the San Francisco 49ers or even the Buffalo Bills. Imagine the ratings for a Cowboys-49ers Turkey Day clash. It would be absolute chaos in the best way possible.
Why do the Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving anyway?
It’s a fair question. Why does one team get the prime-time spotlight every single year while others have to wait decades for a turn?
It all started back in 1966. Tex Schramm, the Cowboys' legendary general manager, was looking for a way to get more national exposure for a team that was still trying to find its footing. He decided to host a Thanksgiving game, and it was an instant smash hit. Over 80,000 fans showed up to the Cotton Bowl. The NFL saw the dollar signs and the rest is history.
Since then, Dallas has only missed two Thanksgiving games (1975 and 1977), when the league tried to give the St. Louis Cardinals a shot at the tradition. It didn't stick. Fans wanted the Cowboys, and they got them back permanently in 1978.
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Breaking Down the Recent Thanksgiving History
If you’re trying to win a bar bet or just look smart at the dinner table, here is the recent track record. Dallas has been on a bit of a tear lately during the holiday.
- 2025: Beat the Kansas City Chiefs (31-28). This was the Mahomes "homecoming" game that everyone predicted would be a shootout.
- 2024: Beat the New York Giants (27-20). Rico Dowdle finally broke the 100-yard rushing drought in this one.
- 2023: Destroyed the Washington Commanders (45-10). This was the game where DaRon Bland set the NFL record for pick-sixes in a single season.
- 2022: Beat the New York Giants (28-20).
Basically, if you’ve been betting against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving lately, your wallet is probably hurting. They've won four straight holiday games heading into the 2026 season.
The Ratings Machine
There’s a reason CBS and FOX fight over this game like kids over the last piece of pie. The 2025 game against the Chiefs peaked at over 61 million viewers. To put that in perspective, that is more people than the entire population of Spain watching a single regular-season football game.
People love to hate the Cowboys, and people love to love them. Either way, they watch.
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What to expect for the 2026 game
When the schedule drops in May 2026, look for the 4:30 PM ET slot. That is the "Dallas Slot." In 2026, it is FOX’s turn to broadcast the late afternoon game from Arlington.
The atmosphere at AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving is different. It’s less like a standard game and more like a massive gala. You’ve got the Salvation Army Red Kettle kickoff, usually featuring a massive halftime performance (we saw Jack White and Post Malone handle the honors in 2025).
If you are planning to go, start saving now. Secondary market tickets for the Thanksgiving game are notorious for being the most expensive regular-season seats in the league.
Actionable Tips for Fans
- Mark the Date: November 26, 2026. Put it in your phone now so you don't accidentally book a flight during kickoff.
- Watch the Schedule Release: Keep your eyes peeled in mid-May 2026. This is when the NFL confirms the opponent.
- Plan Your Meal: If you're hosting, the Cowboys usually kick off right as the main course is served. Plan for a "halftime buffet" to avoid missing any big plays.
- Check the Jersey: Dallas almost always wears their "Color Rush" or their classic white jerseys with the royal blue stars for this game. It's a vibe.
The Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving isn't just a game; it's a piece of Americana. Whether they are playing a powerhouse like the Chiefs or a struggling divisional rival, the world will be watching. And honestly, it wouldn't feel like the holidays without it.