Free livestream options for Chiefs-Cowboys today revealed

Thanksgiving afternoon showdown features playoff hopefuls

The Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys square off this Thanksgiving afternoon in what promises to be one of the holiday’s most compelling matchups. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CT on CBS, giving football fans a mid-afternoon treat as they digest their turkey dinners and settle in for more gridiron action.

Both teams enter this contest with identical winning percentages but traveling very different paths to get here. The game carries significant playoff implications for both franchises as the season enters its crucial stretch heading into December.

How to stream the game without cable

Fans looking to watch today’s Chiefs-Cowboys matchup have multiple options for streaming the game online without a traditional cable subscription. DirecTV Stream is offering a free trial to new subscribers, providing immediate access to CBS and the Thanksgiving game at no initial cost.

Another streaming option comes through Fubo TV, which is currently running a promotion that gives new users a discounted first month. Both services provide access to CBS’s live broadcast, meaning viewers can watch the same coverage that cable subscribers see, complete with commentary and analysis.

These streaming platforms work across multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, computers and smart TVs. The flexibility allows fans to watch from anywhere, whether they’re traveling for the holiday or simply prefer streaming over traditional cable.

Chiefs looking to build momentum

Kansas City brings a 6-5 record into today’s Thanksgiving matchup after escaping with a thrilling 23-20 overtime victory against the Indianapolis Colts in their last outing. That win snapped what had been an inconsistent stretch for a team that entered the season with championship aspirations.

Patrick Mahomes remains the engine that makes the Chiefs offense run. The star quarterback has thrown for 18 touchdowns and accumulated nearly 3,000 passing yards through 11 games this season. His ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver accurate throws downfield continues to make him one of the NFL’s most dangerous quarterbacks.

Mahomes will have his familiar target Travis Kelce available as the tight end continues to be a safety blanket in crucial situations. The connection between the two has produced countless highlight-reel moments over the years, and the Cowboys defense will need to account for Kelce on every snap.

Cowboys riding two-game winning streak

Dallas enters today’s contest with momentum after winning consecutive games to improve their record to 5-5-1. Their most recent victory came against division rival Philadelphia, a 24-21 triumph that showcased the team’s ability to win close games down the stretch.

Dak Prescott has been exceptional for the Cowboys this season, throwing for 23 touchdowns while also approaching the 3,000-yard mark through the air. His five additional touchdown passes compared to Mahomes gives Dallas a slight edge in the quarterback statistics category, though both signal-callers have proven capable of taking over games.

The Cowboys offense has found its rhythm over the past two weeks, which bodes well for a team that struggled with consistency earlier in the season. Prescott’s connection with his receiving corps has improved, and the running game has provided enough balance to keep defenses honest.

Key matchup factors to watch

This game features two of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks going head-to-head on national television during a holiday when football fans are glued to their screens. The quarterback battle between Mahomes and Prescott will likely determine which team leaves with a victory and improved playoff positioning.

Kansas City’s defense will need to generate pressure on Prescott without giving up big plays over the top. The Cowboys have weapons capable of exploiting any defensive lapses, making this a challenging assignment for the Chiefs secondary.

On the flip side, Dallas must find ways to slow down Mahomes and the Kansas City passing attack. The Cowboys defense has shown improvement in recent weeks, but containing a quarterback of Mahomes’s caliber requires near-perfect execution for four quarters.

Playoff implications at stake

With both teams hovering around .500, today’s winner gains valuable ground in the playoff race while the loser faces increased pressure over the final weeks of the regular season. The Chiefs need to start stacking wins to secure their typical playoff positioning, while the Cowboys are fighting to stay relevant in a competitive NFC.

A victory for Kansas City would move them above .500 and provide confidence heading into December. For Dallas, winning on Thanksgiving at home would give them three straight victories and real momentum as they chase a playoff berth.

Traditional Thanksgiving stage

Playing on Thanksgiving has become synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys, who have hosted a holiday game nearly every year since 1966. The tradition brings added pressure and excitement, with the entire nation watching as families gather around televisions following their holiday meals.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, get their own Thanksgiving showcase to demonstrate they remain contenders despite their up-and-down season. National television provides the perfect stage for Mahomes to remind everyone why he’s considered one of the game’s elite talents.

Where and when to tune in

The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. CT on CBS, positioning it perfectly as the afternoon game in the traditional Thanksgiving triple-header. Fans can access the broadcast through cable or satellite providers, or stream it online using DirecTV Stream’s free trial or Fubo TV’s discounted first month for new subscribers.