(Photo: Paramount Plus)

Special Preview- NFL, Week 13 

Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys

Chiefs (6-5):

What a game that was in Week 11. If you ask me, they saved their season—because if they had fallen short against the Indianapolis Colts, we’d probably be talking about their playoff chances being slim. Let’s admit it: they haven’t been what we’ve grown accustomed to seeing since 2018, and they’ve had a tough time finding themselves. I’d say the win against Indy was their gutsiest because they were down by 11 points at one stage, yet fought back and found their way into the game. Two things impressed me. First, they were able to establish a more consistent running game with Kareem Hunt. The passing attack was kept in check for most of the game, but they were able to pound the rock and extend drives. Second, their defense rose to the occasion and shut down Jonathan Taylor. What I saw in Week 12 was full championship pedigree on display, and they deserved every bit of that win. Sometimes you just need one game to jump-start your season, and that could’ve been it. This Thursday, they head to JerryWorld for some Thanksgiving football.

Cowboys (5-5-1):

They’ve been a rather strange team this year, to say the least, but honestly, they haven’t been too bad. There have been moments when they’ve looked solid all around and other times when they haven’t looked their best. Tragically, the suicide of Marshawn Kneeland hit this team hard, and when something like that happens, it’s difficult to simply snap back into football mode. I give them all the credit in the world for their effort against the Las Vegas Raiders—just stepping onto the field after losing Marshawn was a victory in itself. Shifting to Sunday’s matchup with the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles: this game appeared to be all but over. The Eagles were up by 21 points while pitching a shutout. At this point, we should all realize that football games are never over no matter what the scoreboard says. The Cowboys fought back, erased a 21-point deficit, and shocked the Eagles in Week 12. Wins like that can boost confidence moving forward. As they do every Thanksgiving, the Cowboys will host their annual holiday game, this time against the reigning AFC champions.

Chiefs X-Factor: Xavier Worthy

Look at the difference when he’s out of the lineup compared to when he’s in it—you can see the impact he makes. This Cowboys defense likes to play aggressively and jump routes, which allows Xavier to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally with motion. That gives Mahomes the windows he needs to get him the ball. Dallas will likely focus attention on Kelce and Rice, leaving Worthy with more opportunities.

Cowboys X-Factor: DaRon Bland

Bland has been one of the Cowboys’ more consistent defenders on what has otherwise been a struggling defense. He plays with strong ball-hawking instincts, which is exactly what you need against a Mahomes-led offense. Kansas City thrives on timing routes to Rice and Kelce and explosive throws to Worthy downfield. DaRon can read breaks, jump routes, and turn mistakes into points.

Final Thoughts:

There’s nothing like holiday football, and I’m always honored to preview these Thanksgiving Day games. In Week 12, both teams had to mount comebacks—and both were victorious. Still, Kansas City and Dallas remain on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. For the Chiefs, can they keep their momentum going in the running game? They’re a much better offense when they can run the ball. I would attack the Cowboys secondary with pre-snap motion and target the middle of the field. Use crossers, tight end seams, and jet motion to create mismatches. For the Cowboys, it starts with disrupting Mahomes’ timing. You can’t let him settle in. Next, contain Rice on short and intermediate routes—he’s their chain mover. Finally, keep Xavier Worthy in front of you as much as possible. Don’t allow him to take the top off the coverage. The moment he touches the ball, get him down. Don’t allow any yards after the catch. I see this one coming down to the fourth quarter.

Prediction:

Chiefs 27, Cowboys 23