It is a tradition as thick as lumpy gravy. Every year, right as you’re reaching for that second helping of stuffing, the silver helmets of the Dallas Cowboys flicker onto the TV screen. It doesn't matter if the team is 10-0 or struggling to stay at .500; they are the centerpiece of the holiday.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how one team basically owns a Thursday in November. If you’re checking the schedule for the next big holiday clash, you aren't alone. Millions of fans—and just as many "haters" waiting for a fumble—do the exact same thing.
Who do the Cowboys play on Thanksgiving this year?
For the 2025 season, the NFL decided to go big. Really big. The Dallas Cowboys played the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025.
This wasn't just another game. It was a heavyweight fight at AT&T Stadium. You had Dak Prescott leading the home team against Patrick Mahomes, the Texas native who grew up just a short drive away in Tyler. The hype was through the roof. It actually ended up being a classic, with Dallas edging out a 31-28 win.
Post Malone even handled the halftime show.
Looking ahead to 2026? The NFL hasn't officially dropped the full schedule yet—they usually hold that hostage until May—but we know the drill. Dallas will be home. They will kick off in the late afternoon slot. And they will likely face a massive brand name because the networks (CBS and FOX) fight over these ratings like the last piece of pumpkin pie.
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The 2025 Thanksgiving Scoreboard
- Matchup: Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys
- Result: Cowboys won 31-28
- Kickoff Time: 4:30 PM ET
- Network: CBS / Paramount+
- Halftime Show: Post Malone
Why does Dallas always get a home game?
You’ve probably heard someone grumbling about "unfair advantages." Why does Dallas get to stay home every year while other teams have to travel and eat a dry turkey sandwich on a plane?
It all started with a guy named Tex Schramm.
In 1966, the Cowboys were a struggling expansion franchise. They needed fans. They needed eyeballs. Schramm, the team's general manager, saw that the Detroit Lions had been playing on Thanksgiving since the 30s and thought, "Hey, we can do that too."
The NFL was actually worried. They thought nobody would show up. They even guaranteed the Cowboys a certain amount of ticket revenue just in case the stadium was empty. Instead, over 80,000 people crammed into the Cotton Bowl to watch Dallas beat the Cleveland Browns.
The league tried to give the game away twice. In 1975 and 1977, they let the St. Louis Cardinals host it instead. It was a total flop. People wanted the Cowboys. Eventually, the NFL realized the Dallas tradition was too profitable to mess with, and they’ve been a fixture ever since.
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Recent History: Who have the Cowboys played lately?
If you feel like you’ve seen the New York Giants on your TV every Thanksgiving lately, you’re not crazy. The NFL loves divisional matchups for the holiday because the stakes are higher.
In 2024, the Cowboys beat the Giants 27-20. It was a game defined by a DeMarvion Overshown pick-six and a whole lot of sacks on Drew Lock. Before that, in 2023, they absolutely dismantled the Washington Commanders 45-10.
There’s a pattern here. The league rotates between NFC East rivals and "prestige" cross-conference matchups.
A Quick Look Back
- 2025: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (W, 31-28)
- 2024: vs. New York Giants (W, 27-20)
- 2023: vs. Washington Commanders (W, 45-10)
- 2022: vs. New York Giants (W, 28-20)
- 2021: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (L, 33-36 in OT)
That Raiders game in 2021 still stings for a lot of fans. It was a penalty-filled mess that ended in overtime. It just goes to show that even when the Cowboys are favored, the "Thanksgiving Curse" or just the pressure of 40 million people watching can make things weird.
What to expect for the 2026 Thanksgiving game
While the opponent is still a mystery, the logistics are set in stone. The NFL uses a specific formula to determine who plays whom.
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Based on the 2026 rotation, we can guess that the opponent will be one of the teams on their home schedule. Historically, if they played an AFC powerhouse like the Chiefs in 2025, they might swing back to a divisional rival like the Eagles or Commanders in 2026.
Pro Tip: If you're planning to attend, book your hotel in Arlington early. Like, now. Prices triple the second the schedule drops in May.
The "Must-Haves" for a Cowboys Thanksgiving
- The Salvation Army Red Kettle: The halftime show always kicks off the holiday giving season. Seeing a player jump into the giant red kettle after a touchdown is basically a requirement at this point.
- The Late Afternoon Slot: Dallas always plays the second game of the tripleheader. It usually starts around 3:30 PM local time (4:30 PM ET).
- The Turkey Leg: If you win, you eat. Watching a 300-pound lineman gnaw on a massive turkey leg during the post-game interview is peak entertainment.
Why the ratings are so high
There is something about the Cowboys' brand that makes people watch. You either love them or you want to see them lose in embarrassing fashion. There is no middle ground.
In 2025, the game against the Chiefs actually broke records, drawing over 57 million viewers. It was the most-watched regular-season game ever. When you combine the massive Chiefs Kingdom fanbase with the global reach of the Cowboys, you get a TV monster.
It’s the one day a year where football is more than just a sport; it’s the background noise to every American household.
Your Thanksgiving Game Plan
If you’re hosting this year or just trying to make sure you don't miss kickoff, keep these steps in mind:
- Check the Network: Dallas games alternate between CBS and FOX. In 2025 it was CBS; 2026 will likely be FOX.
- Sync the Food: Aim to have the main meal served during the first half of the Detroit game (the early one). That way, you’re settled on the couch with a plate for the Cowboys' kickoff.
- Expect Drama: These games are rarely blowouts. Since 2000, Dallas has a winning record on the holiday, but they’ve also had some of the most heartbreaking losses in franchise history on this day (looking at you, Leon Lett).
The Cowboys on Thanksgiving isn't just a game; it's a piece of culture. Whether you're wearing a jersey or just there for the Post Malone performance, it's the one constant in an ever-changing NFL schedule.