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NFL schedule makers set up four intriguing Thanksgiving games

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Packers Micah Parsons

For once, the NFL schedule makers got it right.

All three Thanksgiving Day NFL games have playoff implications, and the third annual Black Friday game has the most of them all.

It should be a really fun two days for NFL fans, starting Thursday, 1 p.m. Here’s a look at all four NFL games and what they mean to the playoff races.

Green Bay (7-3-1) at Detroit (7-4), 1 p.m. Fox

First some stats, the Lions come into the game with a 37-45-2 record on Thanksgiving and a 7-18 record since 2000. They broke a three-game losing streak with a win over Chicago last Thanksgiving.

If the Packers can pull off the mild upset (Detroit is 2 1/2-point favorites) they could be in first place in the NFC North by the end of the day, Friday. If the Packers lose, they could be out of the NFC playoff picture going into week 14.

As it stands now, the Lions are the NFC’s No. 8 seed and only seven teams make the playoffs so a Lions loss could be crushing. A win, however, would move them past the Packers in the playoff race.

Green Bay beat the Lions at Lambeau Field in the season opener, 27-13, and are looking for their first sweep of the Lions since 2020.

This is the third consecutive year the Packers will play on Thanksgiving. They beat the Lions two years ago, 29-22, and beat Miami in the night game last year, 30-17. Quarterback Jordan Love put up passer ratings of 125.5 and 129.2 respectively in both games.

Kansas City (6-5) at Dallas (5-5-1), 4:30, CBS

The nine-time defending AFC West champions and three-time defending AFC champions would not be in the playoffs if they began this week.

Fortunately for the Chiefs, there are six games left to get right. And it starts Thanksgiving Day. A loss here and the Chiefs would fall almost entirely out of the AFC West picture with Denver at 9-2. They would also fall further behind Buffalo (7-4), Los Angeles (7-4) and Jacksonville (7-4) for a wild-card spot. KC also loses the tie-breaker to all three of those teams.

Dallas has new life and confidence after its miraculous 21-point comeback to stun the Eagles last week. The Cowboys are also a much better team at home this season as witnessed by their win over Philly and a tie with Green Bay. A win here and that confidence continues. A loss and the season is all but over.

Cincinnati (3-8) at Baltimore (6-5), 8:20, NBC

Here’s what you need to know. Lamar Jackson is banged up again for the Ravens. He’ll likely play, but he’s not completely healthy and Joe Burrow has been activated for the Bengals.

The game means little to Cincinnati, except that it may want to play spoiler and show what it might have been if Burrow had stayed healthy all season.

For Baltimore a sixth straight win would keep it on top of the AFC North after its 1-5 start to the season. A loss and there’s a chance Pittsburgh could move back ahead of them if the Steelers can beat Buffalo at home, Sunday.

Chicago (8-3) at Philadelphia (8-3), Friday at 3, Prime

This is a really interesting game.

Ben Johnson has done a nice job in his first year as Bears head coach and Friday we’ll find out just how real the Bears are. Of their eight wins, seven are against teams with a losing record and the eighth came against Pittsburgh with a backup quarterback.

If the Bears can beat the Eagles, or even keep it a close game, maybe they are a factor in the NFC. If they lose and lose in blowout fashion then maybe they’re just better than a bunch of bad teams.

Philly is coming off one of their worst losses in years when they blew a 21-0 lead to the Cowboys last week. The Eagles are back home, which may, or may not, be a good thing. A poor start in this one and the fans will become very restless.

An Eagles win and they will remain the NFC’s No. 2 seed and just a game back of the Rams for the No. 1 seed. A loss and there will be more questions than answers around the teams.





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Tampa Bay Downs special: Let ’em Run live from Florida

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Tune în Wednesday for a special show from Tampa Bay Downs

Let ‘em Run Special Wednesday Podcast LIVE from Tampa Bay Downs

Midweek racing brings fresh opportunity, sharper opinions, and real-time insight from the track. This Wednesday, Let ‘em Run takes the show on the road with live analysis straight from Tampa Bay Downs. With strong angles, value-driven plays, and boots on the ground, this special edition delivers the kind of edge horseplayers look for during the week.

Be sure to tune in on Wednesday at 12:30 PM EST for our special “Boots on the Ground” segment. John Kostin will be live from Tampa Bay Downs and joined by guest handicapper Wadie Khalaf. Together, they will break down the card with a sharp focus on the Late P5 and key spot plays, including the always-popular Bro’s BRISnet Play of the Day. You can catch the show live on Sports Talk Media Network, along with multiple streaming apps and social channels. Let’s take a closer look at a few races that stand out.

Tampa Bay Downs | Wednesday 1/21/26

Race 2 | 12:20 PM EST

This race offers a strong opinion with limited value, but there is still a way to make it pay. The #5 Uncashed sits at 2-1 on the morning line and owns a +10 BRISnet Prime Power advantage over the rest of the field. That edge pushes the projected win percentage to around 55%. He also profiles as the lone “E” type in the race, which strengthens the pace advantage. Trainer numbers support the play as well, with a 31% win rate when sending out runners who won last time out.

Since the price will likely drop, the value shifts to a double play. The suggested approach is a $50 double using 5 with 9 and 10 in Race 3. The outside posts win often in that race, and the odds should offer a better return.

Race 8 | 3:55 PM EST

This race sets up nicely for another BRISnet-based angle and should provide a fairer price at post time. The #1 Paynter’s Prodigy sits at 3-1 and checks several important boxes. He is an “E” type, owns the highest last-race speed figure, and also tops the field in early TimeformUS Pace.

The only other true speed appears to be #12 Chico Charlie at 6-1, but that runner draws a tough, ground-losing outside post. The price on the #1 may drift up, as jockey Wesley Ho remains capable but does not draw heavy public support. That scenario could create solid betting value.

All three of us will share insights and opinions on the full Late P5 during the live podcast. Be sure to tune in. Bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses equal serious fun, and as always, Let ‘em Run.





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Dalton Smith: Britain has a new world champion

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Dalton Smith became world champion

A Statement Night in Brooklyn for Dalton Smith

On January 10, 2026, Dalton Smith announced himself on the world stage with a stunning knockout victory over Subriel Matias to claim the WBC Junior Welterweight World Championship. Fighting in Brooklyn, New York, Smith delivered a fearless performance in his United States debut and dismantled one of the division’s most feared punchers.

Smith stopped the Puerto Rican powerhouse in the fifth round with a brutal sequence of chopping right hands. The finish capped a fight that evolved from a sharp, technical opening into an all-out war, with both men trading heavy shots. When the moment arrived, Smith imposed his will and closed the show against the 33-year-old champion.

Built for the Big Stage

Smith entered the fight with a growing reputation for knockout power, fast hands, and a proven chin. Against Matias, he matched intensity and confidence from the opening bell. As the rounds wore on, Smith controlled the exchanges and turned pressure into opportunity, becoming the first fighter to knock Matias out.

Matias arrived with a reputation as a destroyer, but Smith refused to retreat. He stood his ground, answered fire with fire, and changed the trajectory of the junior welterweight division.

Roots in Sheffield

Born February 8, 1997, in Sheffield, England, Smith grew up in a sports-driven household. Football came first, but boxing quickly took hold. His father, Grant Smith, and grandfather, Brian Smith, introduced him to the Steel City Gym around 2003, setting the foundation for his career.

Smith thrived as an amateur. He collected national titles, earned a medal at the 2014 European Youth Championships, and captured the ABA title in 2018. Those accomplishments marked him as one of Britain’s elite prospects.

The Professional Rise

Smith turned professional in 2019 after signing with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. He debuted in Nottingham against Luka Leskovic and earned a points win. Momentum followed fast. Seven straight victories, many by knockout, pushed him into the national spotlight.

In 2021, Smith captured the English title with a sixth-round stoppage of Lee Appleyard. He followed that by winning the WBC International Silver super lightweight title in 2022, forcing Ray Moylette’s corner to halt the fight in round ten. Eight months later, Smith claimed the British title with a devastating sixth-round finish against Sam O’Maison.

From Contender to Champion

Victories over Sam Maxwell and former WBC Silver champion Jose Zepeda elevated Smith into elite company. In 2025, wins over Walid Ouizza and Mathieu Germain sealed his world title opportunity.

Smith entered the Matias fight undefeated at 19-0 with 14 knockouts. Matias stood at 23-2 with 22 knockouts. The collision delivered fireworks, and Smith emerged as the last man standing.

With the win, Dalton Smith became the fifth active British world champion, joining a growing list of elite names and signaling the arrival of a new force at 140 pounds.





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USMNT Watch: Wright, Agyemang & Weah shine in Europe with crucial goals

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Marseille’s US forward #22 Timothy Weah celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between SCO Angers and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at the Stade Raymond-Kopa in Angers, central Framce, on January 17, 2026. (Photo by JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP)

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) players continued to impress across Europe this weekend, finding the scoresheet in some of the continent’s most competitive leagues.

Goals from France’s Ligue 1, England’s Championship, and the German Bundesliga highlighted another strong round of performances abroad.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching and set to be hosted on home soil, this surge in form couldn’t come at a better time as American players better prepared and more competitive than ever before.

Sports Talk ranks the best performers who found the scoresheet across Europe.

Patrick Agyemang

The former Charlotte forward scored a crucial goal in the English Championship to power Derby County to a 1-0 win against Preston North End.

The 25-year-old who has been in fine form since he moved to England last July, broke the deadlock for the Rams with his header in the 82nd minute.

The effort was Agyemang’s seventh Championship goal of the season on his 23rd outing.

Haji Wright

Wright was the second American to light up the Championship over the weekend…

He came off the bench to grab the match-winning goal for Coventry City that ended his goal drought since October in their 2-1 defeat of Leicester City.

Introduced by Frank Lampard in the 67th minute, the 27-year-old continue with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s cross to secure three points for Coventry in the 85th minute.

His last goal was against Sheffield Wednesday on October 4 and he has now bagged nine goals in 23 league games this term.

Haji Wright of Coventry City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and Coventry City at The Den on October 01, 2025 in London, England.

Timothy Weah

The versatile winger was among the goals as Olympique Marseille ran rampant in the French Ligue 1 with a 5-2 triumph against Angers.

Weah finished off a brilliant team movement with his header in the 40th minute to give Marseille a 4-0 lead at halftime.

The Juventus loanee has been a key figure in De Zerbi’s defensive set-up this season and his versatility on the flanks has seen him score two goals and provide an assist in 15 Ligue 1 matches this season.

James Sands

The New York City loanee opened his Bundesliga goal account in St. Pauli’s 3-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund.

With St. Pauli trailing 2-0, Sands tried to inspire a comeback with his goal in the 62nd minute but it was not enough as Dortmund grabbed a late winner in the stoppage time.

The American defender played from start to finish in the game that was his 16th appearance in the German top division this season.

Brenden Aaronson & Antonee Robinson

Aaronson and Robinson faced off in the Premier League as Leeds United hosted Fulham at Elland Road.

The game ended in favour in Aaronson as Leeds secured a hard-fought 1-0 for thier first league win of the new year.

Aaronson and Robinson played the entire 90 minutes but the former was replaced in stoppage time.





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