Mahomes Admits Desperation as Cowboys Hurt Chiefs Playoff Hopes

They're 6-6 for the first time in eight years behind their star quarterback. While advancing to the playoffs isn't impossible, it's becoming increasingly difficult for a quarterback who hasn't experienced it in his prime.

Five days ago, the Chiefs won in overtime against the Indianapolis Colts, and Kansas City's record demands a faster pace than Indianapolis.

But against a Cowboys team that's just getting back into form after a poor start to the season?

"They're just as frustrated as us, and they played better than us for four quarters," Mahomes said after the 31-28 loss.

The Chiefs' offense, and especially Mahomes' four-touchdown day, often held together against a Cowboys defense that improved but still had shortcomings, including committing 10 penalties for a season-high 119 penalty yards. The Cowboys' attack on third down was equally effective, with Dallas converting 56.3% (9 of 16) of their third downs, while Kansas City converted 38.5% (5 of 13). For information, through the first 11 weeks of the 2025 season, the Green Bay Packers had the best third-down success rate at 49.3%; the Chiefs' mark would have ranked between the 18th and 19th ranked teams.

Ranked 10th in the AFC playoff picture, the 6-6 Chiefs' chances of advancing to the postseason dropped to 37% with the loss, according to Next Gen Stats. The 6-5-1 Cowboys, ranked ninth in the NFC playoff picture, reached 18% after defeating the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday—and then the Chiefs, who lost last season's Super Bowl and won the previous title—on Thursday.

Can the Chiefs make a comeback?

"We just have to find a way," said edge rusher George Karlaftis. "Our backs are against the wall, so are theirs—or were. Whatever."

In a back-and-forth rally with the Cowboys, the Chiefs ultimately couldn't avoid a penalty.

The Cowboys' opening drive didn't go well. Chiefs linebacker Jordan Hicks surprised the Cowboys with a blitz on third down and 4, but the Cowboys scored on the next three drives, starting with Prescott's CeeDee Lamb-heavy drive, which included three third-and-long conversions for both.

The Chiefs' offense, and especially Mahomes, who had a four-touchdown day, often clashed with the Cowboys' defense, which had improved but still had shortcomings. Returning to his college town, SMU product Rashee Rice led all Chiefs receivers with 92 yards and two scores.

But 10 penalties, a season-high 119 penalty yards, were too many. The Cowboys' attacking efficiency on third down was also similar, with Dallas converting 56.3% (9 of 16) of their third downs, while Kansas City converted 38.5% (5 of 13). The Chiefs' point total would have ranked between the 18th and 19th ranked teams.

Ranked 10th in the AFC playoff picture, the 6-6 Chiefs' chances of advancing to the postseason dropped to 37% with this loss, according to Next Gen Stats. Ranked ninth in the NFC playoff picture, the 6-5-1 Cowboys reached 18% after defeating the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday—and then the Chiefs, who lost last season's Super Bowl and won their last title—on Thursday.

Can the Chiefs bounce back?

"We just have to find a way," said edge rusher George Karlaftis. "Our backs are against the wall, theirs too—or were. Whatever." Chiefs linebacker Jordan Hicks surprised the Cowboys with a blitz on third-and-4. Dak Prescott tried to beat it and instead threw an interception that Chiefs safety Jalen Watson returned 14 yards.

Mahomes needed just two plays to lead a scoring drive that would have put the Chiefs on the board first. But the Cowboys scored on their next three drives, starting with Prescott's CeeDee Lamb-heavy drive, which included three third-and-long conversions on both plays.

Needing a first down to run out the clock, the Cowboys were up by three. Two flags for defensive pass interference and a catch by Pickens sealed the victory.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid questioned the legitimacy of Kansas City's 10 flags.

"I don't always agree with some of the things that are happening," Reid said. "But that's okay. Things happen, and you have to deal with them. So, the simple fact is we're getting too many penalties, and we have to make sure we take care of that.

"No excuses — we'll work on fixing it."

The Chiefs have been plagued by penalties multiple times this season. They've had at least 10 penalties four times — and they've lost all four.

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Injuries to the offensive line didn't help matters either. According to multiple reports, Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons dislocated and fractured his wrist, while right tackle Jawan Taylor was out with an elbow injury. But none of that explains the four defensive pass interference penalties the Chiefs committed in an attempt to slow down Pickens and Lamb.

Reid's explanation?

"They have some physical receivers; big, strong, physical guys," he said. "And that's how they were playing, and in turn, my guys were fighting. And to maintain leverage in that, it's not what I saw, it's what they saw—the officials saw it. That's why they made the calls.

"But you have to be aggressive against those guys. There's no other way to do it."

Despite running out of time, Mahomes still has faith in securing a Super Bowl spot.

Another area where the Chiefs have only one way to do it: making the playoffs.

With the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers ahead of Kansas City in the AFC West, the Chiefs' best chance may be a wild-card bid. But the Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and Pittsburgh Steelers all stand in the Chiefs' way.

Six losses before December make the playoff race difficult—even though the Cowboys' last five losses have come against teams that are currently on track to make the playoffs.

Mahomes hasn't lost faith in the team he led to seven consecutive AFC Championship Games, five Super Bowls, and three Lombardi Trophy wins.