Reviewing Netflix’s NFL debut and having a great basketball Christmas

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Good morning! Enjoy the leftovers today.

We’re going streaming: Netflix and the NFL are celebrating Christmas

After Netflix agreed to pay $150 million to air two NFL games on Christmas – that’s $50 million more than producing a season of Game of Thrones. for two games — Attention turned to the production itself, not just the great matchups. Why? Well, after last month’s technical debacle between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, it was clear that Christmas Day was going to be a BIG test for the NFL. Also…Beyoncé. 😮

We have reviews. But first the games:

Early in the game, the Chiefs executed a plot twist. It’s fitting that this season’s Hallmark Channel hit is based on the Chiefs (no, really). Think about it: every action is basically the same. A little drama and the Chiefs win narrowly – literally every week. The widowed elementary school sweethearts end up in the same small town and the magic of Christmas wins. So this 29-10 Steelers away loss was a curiosity. An outlier Street win?! Wait…she ran off with a Hells Angel?

But love is love, and it’s still the Chiefs. The win brings them to 15-1, they have the No. 1 seed and Patrick Mahomes is casually throwing 45-foot laterals.

This guy is on another level.#KCvsPIT To @Netflix pic.twitter.com/xpn3sJAY5H

– NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2024

Then the Ravens destroyed Houston. Plot of a Sharknado writers room sequel series? No. Just a bad NFL game. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry were wildJackson is now the all-time QB rushing leader (at 27!) and the Ravens are ranked 3rd. Also: The 31:2 victory was no Scorigami.

Current NFL playoff predictions here.

So, about this stream:

It started…hard. Richard Deitsch notes in his review: “For the first 20 seconds of the show, viewers couldn’t hear studio host Kay Adams’ voice during her intro.” Um, folks. (Regard.)

Things got better! The broadcast of the game itself was outsourced to CBS, so casual viewers did not suffer. But as Deitsch notes, “The sheer volume of outsourced talent made for a bumpy experience.” In any case, Netflix passed the Beyoncé test of not crashing. (Her stunning halftime performance should be uploaded here soon.)

Media colleague Andrew Marchand gave The Pulse a grade:

“Netflix gets a B. It’s the NFL and Netflix. Although there were concerns that the duo would have problems with the stream, there is no rating on a curve. Ultimately it worked and the image was flawless. Netflix also got the play-by-players right with Ian and Noah Eagle anchoring the coverage throughout the day.”

Read more: It was a day full of ups and downs for Netflix, while it was all downhill for the Steelers.

Interesting facts

A mostly great day of basketball

Yes, today’s entire news section doubles as an NBA recap. This is Christmas for you.

The list delivered everything, starting with a special appearance from Victor Wembanyama. The 2023 No. 1 pick dropped 42 points, 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocks in the Spurs’ 117-114 loss to the Knicks.

In the evening block, the Lakers managed a last-second victory over the Warriors. Steph Curry hit eight 3s, but it wasn’t enough to defeat…Austin Reaves. When it comes to Disney alternative broadcasts, we can’t forget Minnie Mouse’s breathtaking dunk contest!

However, the day was not without some sad moments:

• Luka Doncic came through the Mavericks’ loss to the Timberwolves with a calf strain and is expected to undergo further testing today.
• Anthony Davis left the Lakers game with a sprained ankle but reportedly said he would be able to play against the Kings on Saturday.

Even yesterday, Klay Thompson passed Reggie Miller on the all-time 3-pointers list.

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Happy GIFmas: A beautiful baseball vision

There are still a few gifts missing for our Secret Santa Christmas game. Let’s strike:

Wish #5: Levi Weaver, The Windup

📝 One gift I want from baseball this year: I really need an AL playoff round that pits the Rays and Yankees against each other in the ALDS, with the Rays playing in an all-minor league ALCS stadium A’s compete. In the meantime, I need a Padres/Brewers NLCS with one of them taking on the Rays to secure another first-time World Series winner.

The response from Phil Hay of The Athletic FC:

Sorry, buddy. You will be disappointed.

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Jason Mowry and Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Watch and play

📺 CFB: Rutgers vs. Kansas State
5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
This is the “Rate Bowl” and it takes place between two teams on different paths. Going into the season, we thought the Wildcats were playoff contenders. Rutgers has had a nice year and the trend is upward. Again, I want unexpected chaos.

📺 NFL: Seahawks at Bears
8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video
Seattle needs wins in its final two games to make the postseason. Chicago just wants a win to salvage some joy from a miserable year. Good football comes from desperation.

Get tickets for games Here.

Try today’s Connections: Sports Edition beta.

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Pulse picks

The NHL trade deadline is still months away, but the talk – and the action – continues nonetheless. Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston have predicted where the sport’s biggest trade targets will end up after March 7th.

Warrior forward Andrew Wiggins spoke about how he came out of the “fog” as he struggled with his father’s deteriorating health and death earlier this year. Some things are bigger than basketball.

And another one from Marcus Thompson II: An Ode to Rickey Hendersonwho was not ashamed of his brilliance. Don’t miss it.

The dollarbasking in the post-NBA Cup glory look like a whole new team, as Eric Nehm writes. They could be my pick in the Eastern Conference right now.

Most clicked on in the newsletter yesterday: Nick Baumgardner’s latest top 10 mock draft.

Most read on the site yesterday: Our live blog from the Chiefs’ win over the Steelers.

(Top photo: Barry Reeger / Imagn Images)