Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs walked out of Thanksgiving night with more than a loss. Their 31–28 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys pushed them to 6–6, tightened the playoff race, and raised real questions about whether their long run of dominance is finally in danger.
Mahomes played well with four touchdown passes, but the Chiefs fell short in the moments that mattered. Dallas controlled the pace, won the physical battle, and forced Kansas City into late desperation mode.
The loss dropped the Chiefs to third place in the AFC West. They now sit behind the Broncos and Chargers, both of whom currently hold tiebreaker advantages. At 6–6, Kansas City is hovering outside the wild-card bracket with little margin for error.
Their path to the postseason is still open, but it’s no longer in their control. They need to win almost every game remaining and hope several AFC contenders slip up.
Kansas City’s issues have mounted over the weeks. Defensive lapses have cost them leads. Offensive-line injuries continue to disrupt Mahomes’ timing. Close games that once tilted their way are now going the other direction.
The Chiefs have been here before in rough patches, but the difference this time is the strength of the conference around them. The AFC playoff picture is crowded, and the Chiefs are stuck in the middle, not the top.
Can they still make it? Yes, the math isn’t impossible. A 10-win finish would likely secure a wild-card spot. Even nine wins might give them a chance. But Kansas City has no room for another slump. Every loss from here on out chips away at the dynasty. For the first time in the Mahomes era, the postseason is genuinely at risk.
Highlights of the Chiefs Dynasty
Kansas City is called a dynasty for good reason. Their run with Mahomes and Andy Reid reshaped the modern NFL. The team won three Super Bowls in a five-year span and appeared in five. For years, the Chiefs were the team everyone chased.
Mahomes led the transformation. His MVP seasons, playoff comebacks, and Super Bowl performances set the tone. Travis Kelce became the most productive postseason tight end ever and remained Mahomes’ most trusted option through every deep run.
From 2018 to 2024, the Chiefs were constant contenders. They dominated their division, controlled the conference, and made winning look routine. That consistency built the dynasty label. Every season felt like a fresh shot at another Super Bowl.
Whether that era continues or slows after this Thanksgiving setback is the question now. The achievements are undeniable, but the next few weeks will show if Kansas City still has the edge that made them the league’s standard.
Read More:
NFL Star Patrick Mahomes’ Wife Brittany Shows Off Chic All-White Outfit in “Funday Sunday” Post
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
