EDITOR’S NOTE
Happy Thanksgiving Eve.For the second year in a row, I’ll be waking up (far too) early and lacing up for a 5K. (Sted Sarandos, will you be out there?) Yes, I’m talking about the turkey trot — the event that’s somehow made Thanksgiving one of the most popular days of the year to hit the pavement. I’m not trying to break any records, just helping raise money for charity and getting my steps in before the grand feast. (The participation medal doesn’t hurt either.) If you can’t fathom why anyone would pay to run on their day off, you’re not alone — see The New Yorker’s headline: “The Turkey Trot Is for Wimps.” Anyway, here’s hoping this race doesn’t set me too far behind — I’m in charge of the side dish this year. Now, let’s get to the sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
Pass the Pie and the Remote
Thanksgiving really leans into tradition: turkey, football — and your uncle who turns into an NFL commentator the second the game is on. When the table talk dries up like an overcooked bird, three NFL showdowns will be waiting for you. Here’s the game plan:
The matchups: The Lions vs. Packers kick off as the 1 pm ET appetizer, and the Cowboys vs. Chiefs bring main-course energy at 4:30 pm ET. Then, the Bengals vs. Ravens close things out at 8:20 pm ET just in time for you to decide on that extra slice of pie. Oh, and every game is chaotically on a different channel.
Blood, sweat, and bets: Expect plenty of rivalry energy and upset potential. While this isn’t the Super Bowl, these teams are fighting for playoff contention. Will the Chiefs boost their chances of making an appearance? Will the Packers clinch another victory over the Lions this season? And will your fantasy lineup finally deliver a (much-needed) win?
The halftime shows: Each showdown has its own mini–Super Bowl moment. Jack White, Lil Jon (Yeaaaahhhhhh!?!?), Post Malone, and (per holiday tradition, most likely) the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are all hitting the stage. Consider it the perfect breather from the table debate you didn’t want to be part of anyway.
Eyes on the suites and sidelines: Everyone’s on Taylor Swift alert — because one holiday tunnel fit could break the internet. QB Joe Burrow’s likely back on the field (crystals crossed), and the usual WAG/celeb-cameo roulette means the sideline people-watching should hit like that postmeal walk.
It’s safe to say at least one matchup will likely ruin someone’s holiday — unless the family drama beats the games to it. Whatever happens, we call it the perfect combo of carbs, chaos, and enough football to distract from your aunt asking when you’re settling down.
Related: The NFL Is Also Crashing the Black Friday Queue (Forbes)
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
🏎️ Beyoncé gave us not one, but two F1 looks that stopped us in our tracks. That’s what we call setting the pace.
💬 Kylie Kelce didn’t mince words about the WAG title — and proposed this idea instead. We haven’t stopped clapping.
🌲Victoria Beckham showed off her perfect Christmas tree, but David immediately dropped a viral “be honest” cameo you need to see.
🏀 Written in the draft-lottery stars: Are Paige Bueckers and her girlfriend, Azzi Fudd, about to play together in the WNBA?
🏈 QB Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld are clearly still in the honeymoon phase, judging by this moment in the stands.
⚽ Trinity Rodman’s red-carpet snack? She is so relatable for this.
Timeout...
We need to talk about Gotham FC's NWSL Championship win…
Gotham FC entered the playoffs as the last seed and spent its run proving that label meant nothing. In the final, the team took down second-seed Washington Spirit 1–0, thanks to key plays — including from defender Emily Sonnett, who literally threw her entire body to stop a likely goal. Midfielder Rose Lavelle buried the winner in the 80th minute and later celebrated her first NWSL title in true GOAT fashion (we can only hope she reprised one of her greatest karaoke moments to cap it off). Speaking of celebrations, forward Midge Purce gifted the internet with this iconic pose again. That’s a wrap.
Related: And the 2025 NWSL Championship MVP Is… (YouTube)
Put Us in, Coach
Well Played headed to the West Coast for the NWSL Championship and to record a live podcast episode. Watch Blake, Caroline, and guest host Sarah Spain discuss:
The pregame drama that lit up the internet.
An on-the-field moment that has us saying “men could never.”
The ultimate movie-quote matchup. Can you name them all, brethren?
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
If you want to promote muscle growth and recovery — while boosting memory and focus — try these lemon-lime creatine chews. They’ll help you feel recovered, restored, and ready for more.
We asked two editors to try this celebrity-founded, acne-focused skincare brand and report back. The results may surprise you.
Drop everything. We just found the coziest sweater to gift every tennis fan on our list. Yes, including ourselves.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
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