Patrick Mahomes faces harsh reality of playoff hopes after Chiefs loss
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The Kansas City Chiefs’ 31-28 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day could prove costly.
The loss dropped the defending AFC champions to 6-6 and was a blow to the team’s chances of making the playoffs. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the team has to win and hope it’s enough to get back to the playoffs.
“Now you have to win every game, and I hope that’s enough,” Mahomes said after the game in his press conference.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) takes a break during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 27, 2025. (Gareth Patterson/AP Photo)
“We’re going to play a lot of good football teams in the future. If we’re going to make the playoffs, we’re going to have to win them all. That’s got to be the mentality when we go into (the training facility) when we come back.”
The Chiefs’ upcoming schedule is challenging. Their next game is against the Houston Texans, who have the second-best defense in the NFL in points per game (16.5; the Los Angeles Rams have the best scoring defense at 16.3 points per game). The Texans are 6-5 and next week’s matchup will be pivotal in the wild card race.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes speaks during a press conference after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 27, 2025. (Gareth Patterson/AP Photo)
They will then play against the Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders. The Chargers (7-4) and Broncos (9-2) are ahead of the Chiefs in the AFC West.
“We can beat anyone, but we’ve shown we can lose to anyone,” Mahomes said.
“We have to be more consistent.”
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Mahomes played well in the loss to the Cowboys, as he completed 23 of 34 passes for 261 yards while throwing four touchdowns and no interceptions, while adding 30 yards rushing, but it wasn’t enough.
The Chiefs last missed the playoffs in 2014. They will need to warm up down the stretch if they hope to play meaningful football once again in January.
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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for News Digital.