Dallas Cowboys look to stifle Chiefs and bolster Chargers’ playoff aspirations on Thanksgiving
The air is crisp, and the holiday spirit is palpable as the Dallas Cowboys prepare for their iconic Thanksgiving Day game, marking the 58th time they’ve graced the football field on this cherished holiday. In stark contrast, the Los Angeles Chargers have only suited up five times on Thanksgiving, showcasing the deep roots the Cowboys have in this annual tradition.
As the 7-4 Chargers take a breather on Thursday, they are gearing up to welcome back star rookie running back Omarion Hampton for their Sunday matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the Cowboys have a crucial opportunity to aid their AFC West rivals by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Texas. With the Chargers currently trailing the Denver Broncos in the division standings, a Cowboys victory could prove pivotal as the Chargers strive for a Wild Card spot as the season progresses.
A Thanksgiving Legacy
While the Cowboys have established a Thanksgiving football legacy over nearly six decades, the Chargers have rarely participated in the festivities. Historically, the Bolts have logged a 3-1-1 record on Thanksgiving, with most of their games played during their San Diego days in the old AFL. Their last Thanksgiving appearance came in 2017, a momentous occasion where they ended a 47-year absence from the holiday stage by taking down the Cowboys in convincing fashion.
In that memorable clash, the Chargers, then struggling with a 4-6 record, triumphed over the 5-5 Cowboys. Quarterback Philip Rivers, a 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist, dazzled fans with a stellar performance, tossing for 434 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie sensation Keenan Allen, who has since become a household name among Chargers fans, caught 11 passes for 172 yards, including a decisive 42-yard touchdown that sealed the game.
Looking Ahead
Despite Rivers earning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award that season and the Chargers finishing strong with a 6-1 run, they ultimately fell short of the playoffs, concluding the season with a 9-7 record. This year, however, the Chargers are poised to face the struggling 2-win Raiders on Sunday at 1 p.m. at SoFi Stadium, a game they hope will bolster their playoff hopes as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
As the Cowboys and Chiefs prepare to clash, the stakes are high not just for the teams on the field, but for the Chargers, who are watching closely in hopes of a Thanksgiving miracle.
