ARLINGTON, Texas — Turkey and football weren't the only things on theThanksgivingmenu at Jerry World.
Desperation was served as a full course.
You can argue over dessert as to whether the most desperate team won or lost.
Officially, though,the Dallas Cowboys toppled the Kansas City Chiefs,31-28, in a thriller at AT&T Stadium.
How desperate were they?
TheCowboys(6-5-1) needed this one to keep hope alive for the potential of a mad dash to the playoffs. Okay, fellas. Now go win at Detroit. Then just run the table.
TheChiefscan tell you all about the playoffs. It's just looking more and more likely that they won't even be in the big dance this time around. With a third loss in four games, Kansas City is 6-6.
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
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Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Even with the magnificent Patrick Mahomes.
Sure, it sounds crazy. Since he became the Chiefs starter in 2018, Mahomes has never not taken his team to at least an appearance in the AFC championship game.
Now that streak, on top of Kansas City's run of nine consecutive AFC West titles, seemingly hinges on a miracle.
Mahomes, returning to his home state of Texas, sure had the look of a man with a bag full of miracles as he willed the Chiefs with one magical play after another – and threw for four touchdowns.
On a 3-yard touchdown pass to Rashee Rice early in the fourth quarter, he rolled left out of the pocket and under heavy duress zipped a throw across his body into the end zone. Rice leaped to snag it for a score that put the Chiefs ahead, 21-20, with the conversion.
Late in the fourth quarter, Mahomes – missing three of his offensive line starters -- stepped out of a would-be shoestring sack by Quinnen Williams, then stumbled as he fled the pocket. He made Donovan Ezeirukaku whiff on a would-be sack, too. Then he heaved a deep pass to connect with Xavier Worthy for a 42-yard completion. It set up a 10-yard TD throw to Marquise "Hollywood" Brown that cut Dallas' margin to a field goal. Mahomes finished with 261 yards to go with his four scores.
But it wasn't enough.
Dak Prescott passed for a combined 200 yards to his star set of receivers – CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens – to juice an explosive offense. Unheralded backup running back Mike Davis raced to a 43-yard touchdown.
And a much-maligned Cowboys defense played, well, desperate. It harassed Mahomes just enough.
And that's how desperation won and lost.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Cowboys get big win vs. Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day