The NFL continues to build anticipation for the 2025 season with another major schedule announcement. CBS revealed Wednesday morning that the Dallas Cowboys will host the Kansas City Chiefs for their traditional Thanksgiving Day home game on Nov. 27, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET.
Holiday football traditions take shape for 2025
This marquee matchup represents the second announced game for both franchises ahead of the complete 2025 NFL schedule release. The holiday contest pairs two of the league’s most prominent teams in what promises to be a showcase game during the traditional Thanksgiving football lineup.
The scheduling announcement follows earlier news that the Cowboys will travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL regular-season opener on Sept. 4. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have secured another holiday game, as they will host the Denver Broncos on Christmas night.
These three holiday games highlight the NFL’s continued emphasis on scheduling high-profile matchups during festive periods when viewership traditionally peaks. The Thanksgiving and Christmas games have become staples of the NFL calendar, drawing massive audiences during holiday celebrations.
Recent history between the franchises
The previous meeting between Dallas and Kansas City occurred in November 2021, resulting in a 19-9 victory for the Chiefs. That contest featured Kansas City effectively shutting down quarterback Dak Prescott and a Dallas offense that entered the game ranked first in the league in offensive production.
This history adds compelling context to the upcoming Thanksgiving matchup, as the Cowboys will seek redemption while the Chiefs look to continue their success against Dallas. The game represents an opportunity for Prescott and the Cowboys offense to demonstrate improvement against an elite opponent.
Football fans can expect detailed analysis of positional matchups and strategic approaches as the game draws closer. Particular attention will likely focus on how the Dallas offensive line contends with Kansas City defensive pressure and whether the Cowboys can effectively limit the Chiefs explosive offensive capabilities.
Complete schedule announcement imminent
Football enthusiasts anxiously awaiting the full 2025 NFL schedule will soon have their curiosity satisfied. The complete schedule will be announced Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, with a special release program airing on ESPN2.
This comprehensive schedule reveal will provide clarity on divisional matchups, primetime games, and the complete layout of the 2025 season. Teams and fans alike will begin planning travel arrangements and analyzing the competitive landscape once all 272 regular season games are officially announced.
The strategic placement of games throughout the 18-week season represents a significant logistical achievement for the NFL, balancing competitive fairness, travel considerations, and broadcast partner preferences. The final schedule typically generates immediate reaction regarding which teams received favorable or challenging arrangements.
Industry analysts will assess the distribution of primetime games across networks and identify which teams received the most national television exposure. These assignments often reflect both team performance expectations and market size considerations that drive viewership metrics.
The NFL has increasingly leveraged schedule releases as major content opportunities, transforming what was once a simple administrative announcement into a highly anticipated media event that generates substantial fan engagement across digital and broadcast platforms.
