The Kansas City Chiefs have been playing in what feels like must-win games since Week 3 of the 2025 campaign. Beginning the season 0-2, clawing back, falling under .500 again, clawing back, falling to .500, and now just above .500, it's been a rollercoaster of a season through 11 games for Kansas City. Going into Week 13 against the Dallas Cowboys, taking them on on the road, and holding a 6-5 record, just proves that this is yet another must-win scenario for the reigning AFC champions. The Cowboys are in a must-win scenario themselves, and should the Chiefs get the win, their season has hope. Analyst's Thoughts:According to Mike Florio and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, speaking on this Thanksgiving Day clash between Kansas City and Dallas, Florio believes it has an elimination game feel to it. Both franchises need the win, and whoever loses, the path to the playoffs got a whole lot bumpier. "It kind of feels like an elimination game, doesn't it? It kind of feels like whoever loses this game is screwed and may have to run the table to have a shot," Florio said on Wednesday.Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker (7) leaves the field after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images"I would worry about you falling to 6-6, and the next team that's number seven in the AFC standings is 7-4. They got a two-game cushion. It's the Buffalo Bills who have the tiebreaker against you. Yeah, that's a little scary. It is must-win," Simms said. Several teams sit ahead of Kansas City and hold tie breakers over the franchise, meaning that a loss wouldn't necessarily end their playoff hopes, but it would make getting there very difficult. Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) greets fans after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesSince Patrick Mahomes has become the Chiefs' starting quarterback, the thought of missing the playoffs hasn't been very realistic until right now. "The Chiefs, I'll say it's not do or die, but it's damn close to it. So, that adds to the whole intrigue and awesomeness of this matchup. You're right with the America's team versus the trying to be the world's team and Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes."The Battle Against DallasNov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesThe Chiefs have played poorly away from Arrowhead this season, which doesn't bode well for them going into such a big game. But the Cowboys have seen their fair share of struggles when playing at home. The Cowboys are 3-1-1 when playing at home this season, and while they enter Week 13 coming off a huge win against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Eagles could afford a loss. The Chiefs can't. This should be a battle that many remember, as both franchises' seasons are on the line. Stay up to date on your beloved Kansas City Chiefs when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW.Chiefs Kingdom, OnSI welcomes you to the Internet’s No. 1 destination for in-depth info, always free; the best way to get it is to follow @KCChiefsOnSI, @ZakSGilbert and @Domminchella on X (Twitter). And join the conversation by visiting our Facebook page (here).