Grading Netflix's NFL debut, plus a great day of Christmas basketball

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Good morning! Savor those leftovers today.

We’re Going Streaming: Netflix and the NFL do Christmas

After Netflix agreed to pay $150 million to broadcast 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 to the great matchups. Why? Well, after last month’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson technical debacle, it was clear: Christmas Day with the NFL would be a BIG test. Also … Beyoncé. 😮

We have reviews. But first, the games:

In the early game, the Chiefs pulled a plot twist. It’s fitting that this season’s Hallmark Channel hit is based on the Chiefs (no, really). Think about it: Every plot is basically the same. A bit of drama, and the Chiefs win close — 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 road drubbing of the Steelers was a curveball. A runaway road win?! Wait … she ran off with a Hells Angel?

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

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

— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2024

Then, the Ravens destroyed Houston. Plot of a Sharknado writers’ room follow-up? Nah. Just a bad NFL game. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry ran wild, Jackson is now the all-time QB rushing leader (at 27!) and the Ravens are in line for the No. 3 seed. Also: The 31-2 win was not a Scorigami.

Fresh NFL playoff projections here.

So, about that stream:

It started … rough. As Richard Deitsch notes in his review, “Viewers could not hear studio host Kay Adams’ voice during her intro for the first 20 seconds or so of the broadcast.” Um, guys. (Watch.)

It got better! The game broadcast itself was outsourced to CBS, so casual viewers didn’t suffer. But as Deitsch notes, “The multitude of outsourced talent made for a choppy experience.” Either way, Netflix passed the don’t-crash-during-Beyoncé test. (Her show-stealing halftime gig should upload here soon.)

Fellow media ace Andrew Marchand offered The Pulse a grade:

“Netflix earns a B. It’s the NFL and Netflix, so even though there was concern that the duo would struggle with the stream, there is no grading on a curve. Ultimately, it worked, and the picture was pristine. Netflix also got the play-by-players correct — with Ian and Noah Eagle — that anchored its coverage all day.”

Read more: An up-and-down day for Netflix, while for the Steelers, it was just down.

News to Know

A mostly great day of basketball

Yep, today’s whole news section doubles as the NBA recap. That’s Christmas for ya.

The slate delivered, starting with a special outing 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 pulled off a last-second win over the Warriors. Steph Curry hit eight 3s, but it wasn’t enough to overcome … Austin Reaves. As for the Disney alt broadcasts, we can’t forget Minnie Mouse’s stunner in the dunk contest!

The day wasn’t without some bummer moments, though:

• Luka Dončić exited the Mavericks’ loss to the Timberwolves with a calf strain and is expected to undergo further testing today.
• Anthony Davis left that Lakers game with an ankle sprain, but reportedly said he’ll be fine to play Saturday against the Kings.

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

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Merry GIFmas: A beautiful baseball vision

Still a few more GIFts to go in our secret-Santa game. Let’s hit it:

Wish No. 5: Levi Weaver, The Windup

📝 One gift I want from baseball this year: I really need an AL playoff bracket that features the Rays and Yankees facing off in the ALDS, with the Rays advancing to take on the A’s in an all-minor-league-stadium ALCS. Meanwhile, I need a Padres/Brewers NLCS, with one of them advancing to take on the Rays, ensuring another first-time World Series winner.

The response from Phil Hay of The Athletic FC:

Sorry, mate. You’re going to 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’s between two teams on divergent paths. Early in the season, we thought the Wildcats were Playoff contenders. Rutgers had a nice year and is trending upward. Again, I want unexpected mayhem.

📺 NFL: Seahawks at Bears
8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video
Seattle needs wins in its last two games for postseason purposes. Chicago just wants a win to salvage a sliver of joy from a miserable year. Desperation breeds good football.

Get tickets to games here.

Try today’s Connections: Sports Edition beta.

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Pulse Picks

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

Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins opened up about emerging from a “fog” as he grappled with his father’s declining health and death earlier this year. Some things are bigger than basketball.

And another from Marcus Thompson II: An ode to Rickey Henderson, who was unashamed of his brilliance. Don’t miss it.

The Bucks, basking in the post-NBA Cup glow, look like a whole new team, as Eric Nehm writes. They might be my pick in the Eastern Conference right now.

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

Most-read on the website yesterday: Our live blog covering the Chiefs’ win over the Steelers.

(Top photo: Barry Reeger / Imagn Images)