The 2025 NWSL playoffs have officially arrived.

Quarterfinal action kicks off Friday with a match between the defending champion Orlando Pride and the Seattle Reign FC, five days after the regular season wrapped up on Decision Day on Nov. 2. It took the final day of the regular season to determine the official postseason seeding and matchups.

Racing Louisville FC is set to make its first playoff appearance, while Gotham FC is making its third consecutive. Both teams will have to go through the Kansas City Current, who has dominated all season long.

Here’s five questions heading into the 2025 NWSL postseason:

2025 NWSL PLAYOFFS: Full bracket, schedule

Can anyone catch the Kansas City Current?

The Kansas City Current have been the runaway favorite this season. The Current set NWSL records for the most wins (21), points scored in a single season (65), clean sheets (16), consecutive wins (9), consecutive shutouts (9) and consecutive shutout minutes (869). Kansas City claimed the NWSL Shield faster than any other team in league history, with five matches left.

The Current are the No. 1 overall seed and earned the right to host their quarterfinal match against No. 8 seed Gotham FC at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, where the Current are undefeated (11-0-2).

If that weren’t enough, the Current are led by back-to-back Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga, who finished the regular season with a league-leading 15 goals. Chawinga is the first player to score at least 15 goals and win the Golden Boot in consecutive seasons since Sam Kerr did it for three straight seasons (2017-19).

A NWSL Shield, however, doesn’t equate to a NWSL Championship. Since the league began play in 2013, only three teams have won the shield and championship in the same season, most recently the Pride in 2024.

Will Trinity Rodman play for the Washington Spirit?

Olympic gold medalist Trinity Rodman was limited matches this season because of injuries, and it remains to be seen if she’ll be ready to go for the playoffs.

Rodman appeared in four games before she was sidelined for four months with a chronic back injury that left her ‘in pain all the time,’ she said. Rodman returned to the lineup on Aug. 3. and her presence was instantly felt — she scored a game-winning goal in stoppage time to defeat the Portland Thorns 2-1 in her first game back. However, Rodman suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain in her right knee after attempting a tackle during the Spirit’s 4-0 victory over Monterrey in the Concacaf W Champions Cup on Oct. 15. She hasn’t played since.

There’s no timetable for Rodman’s return, but Spirit head coach Adrián González called the diagnosis the ‘best scenario,’ adding her injury is ‘not as bad as it could be.’

Rodman, who led the Spirit to a NWSL championship in 2021, scored five goals this season.

Will Orlando Pride repeat as champions?

The Orlando Pride are looking to become the third team in NWSL history to repeat as champions, joining now-defunct FC Kansas City (2014-15) and the North Carolina Courage (2018-19). The Pride have momentum on their side and enter the postseason on a five-game unbeaten streak, but Orlando will be without their superstar striker Barbra Banda. Banda was ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a full thickness avulsion of her right adductor longus tendon in August. Banda was named the NWSL Championship MVP last season and had scored eight goals before her injury this year.

Can Gotham FC recreate 2023 magic?

Gotham FC is in pursuit of their second major title of the season after winning the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup in May. Gotham qualified for the playoffs for the third consecutive season, but slipped to the eighth seed in the postseason following a 3-2 loss to the North Carolina Courage on Decision Day. It’s a position they’ve been in before. In 2023, Gotham similarly held the final playoff position before going on a run to win the franchise’s first NWSL title. Will history repeat itself? Gotham has no shortage of star power, including Esther González (13 goals) and Rose Lavelle (five goals). González is dealing with a hip injury so her availability remains to be seen.

Gotham will have to go through the Kansas City Current for the third consecutive season. It won’t be easy. Gotham lost both matchups against the Current this season.

Racing Louisville makes playoff debut: Can they go on a run?

Racing Louisville FC punched its ticket to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history on Decision Day on Nov. 2, the final day of the regular season, with a 1-0 win over Bay FC following Ella Hase’s first career goal. Louisville may have been the final team to enter the playoffs, but they shouldn’t be counted out. The team went undefeated in October and turned in its best season in franchise history with a record 10 wins and 37 points.

Head coach Bev Yanez said Louisville is embracing history, but won’t ‘let the occasion be bigger than the rhythm we have set here.’ Louisville enters the postseason on a five-game unbeaten streak. Forward Emma Sears leads Louisville with 10 goals this season, the fourth most in the league, and is red-hot after scoring her first career hat trick in USWNT’s exhibition match against New Zealand on Oct. 29.

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That’s what should’ve been said before “Thursday Night Football” in Week 10. The Denver Broncos knocked off the Las Vegas Raiders in an old-fashioned slugfest, 10-7, in the Mile High City.

The Broncos improved their record to 8-2 and are riding a seven-game winning streak into Week 11. Rocking their throwback uniforms, Denver opted to turn back the clock to the old-fashioned defensive brand of football.

They made a living with their pass rush, totaling six sacks and logging even more hits on Geno Smith.

If it wasn’t the defenses, it was the punters that also stole headlines on this night. Rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw struggled mightily in the first half for Denver, but his miscues didn’t come back to haunt them. Instead, it was AJ Cole, the better of the two punters, who was the difference.

His blocked punt led to the eventual game-winning field goal, overshadowing what was an excellent game for him.

Both teams showcased some anemic offenses, which might warrant sounding the alarms in Denver. A win’s a win, but Bo Nix and the Broncos are living dangerously – regardless of what their record says.

Here’s how the action unfolded from Denver.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, highlights and more from the Week 10 ‘TNF’ matchup below. All times are Eastern.

Broncos vs. Raiders instant takeaways

The Broncos’ offense is why Denver won’t win the Super Bowl: Winning heals everything, but this offense is a major problem. It wasn’t a one-off and the sample is big enough at this point. They rarely play with a lead and you can’t keep expecting to win in this fashion – not in the modern NFL. They are 8-2, but it’ll be a quick playoff exit if the offense doesn’t turn it around.
Punters matter too: In a world where everyone goes for it on fourth down or kicks field goals from the parking lot, punters often get swept under the rug. AJ Cole and Jeremy Crawshaw had a significant impact on this game. Crawshaw’s shank helped the Raiders score a touchdown. Cole’s blocked punt helped the Broncos take the lead. Punting does matter.
We don’t know who Bo Nix is: Nix played like a rising star in his rookie season. His sophomore season? Not so much. The turnovers are a problem and it looks like a quarterback that isn’t playing on time. We’ll typically see the final product settle somewhere in the middle, but Nix has taken a step back and it’s fair to wonder if he keeps Denver from reaching its potential.
Raiders overrated their own roster: Vegas finished with nine penalties, one interception, one punt blocked, one missed field goal, one touchdown negated by penalty and a partridge in a pear tree. Well, maybe not that last part, but would it surprise you? The Raiders felt they could’ve challenged for a playoff spot in 2025. In the end, it seems they vastly overrated their roster, which is actually more alarming moving forward.
The Geno Smith experiment should be one-and-done: Regression hit Smith like a freight train in 2025. He has been dishing out interceptions like candy on Halloween and struggling overall. Whether that’s a product of the roster or a sign of things to come is anyone’s guess, but the Raiders need to find some youth at quarterback in the offseason.
Vegas should regret the Ashton Jeanty pick: It’s nothing against Jeanty as a player, but the Raiders can’t put him in the best position to succeed. They don’t have an offensive line. They do have a struggling quarterback. They don’t have many capable receiving options. Chip Kelly hasn’t been a miracle worker and the Jeanty pick would’ve been better used on an offensive lineman. The Vegas roster isn’t in a spot to splurge on luxury.

Bo Nix stats vs. Raiders

16-of-28 (57.1% completion rate)
150 passing yards
1 passing touchdown
2 interceptions
54.2 passer rating
5 rushing attempts
-2 rushing yards
0 rushing touchdowns

Courtland Sutton stats vs. Raiders

3 receptions (4 targets)
24 receiving yards
0 receiving touchdowns

Ashton Jeanty stats vs. Broncos

19 rushing attempts
60 rushing yards
1 rushing touchdown
3 receptions (5 targets)
3 receiving yards
0 receiving touchdowns

Brock Bowers stats vs. Broncos

1 reception (3 targets)
31 receiving yards
0 receiving touchdowns

Geno Smith stats vs. Broncos

16-of-26 (61.5% completion rate)
143 passing yards
0 passing touchdowns
1 interception
60.3 passer rating
3 rushing attempts
7 rushing yards
0 rushing touchdowns

Broncos vs. Raiders score: Denver 10, Las Vegas 7

Broncos vs. Raiders highlights

Broncos pick up a few first downs, run out the clock to TNF win

While the offense struggled most of the night, time worked in their favor, as the Broncos managed enough first downs to defeat the rival Raiders. Nix and friends line up in victory formation, kneeling out the clock and improving their record to 8-2.

Daniel Carlson misses 48-yard FG

It almost feels like the NFL changed the rules and declared that the lowest-scoring team wins. Both teams are allergic to points and have no interest in accepting gifts from the other team. True rivals, apparently.

Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal that would’ve tied the game, instead giving Denver the ball with 4:26 to go.

Bo Nix intercepted again

Geno Smith was going into the medical tent again, but Nix tossed another interception thanks to a Troy Franklin drop. Just like that, Smith steered clear of the tent and limped his way back onto the field. Vegas has some good field position. Now we’ll see what they do with it.

Teams continue to trade punts halfway through the fourth quarter

While Smith’s injury has added another layer of intrigue to this game, it continues to be the punters who soak up time in the spotlight. The Raiders punted. The Broncos punted. The Raiders punted again.

We’re down to about eight minutes left in this contest, but neither offense is inspiring any confidence.

Geno Smith injury update

Smith visited the blue medical tent and returned to the game after being evaluated.

The quarterback was injured on a scramble at the beginning of the fourth quarter on ‘Thursday Night Football’ against the Broncos. He was quick to get up, but slowly went back down the turf. He was hit on the knee following a tackle from Nik Bonitto.

Smith did some light jogging on the sidelines after coming out of the tent. He appeared to be working through whatever the ailment is, in an apparent attempt to get back in the game. Vegas was only trailing by three in what was a struggle on offense for both sides. Smith was sacked five times in the first half and has taken plenty of hits.

Pickett came in to replace Smith.

End of third quarter: Broncos lead entering fourth

The quality of play didn’t pick up after halftime, but the Broncos did find a way to break the tie. A blocked punt set them up for that and now they’ll lean on the defense to hold the lead for 15 more minutes.

Broncos vs. Raiders score: Wil Lutz FG gives Denver the lead

With scoring at a premium and the offenses mostly asleep, Denver settles for a 32-yard field goal from Lutz. They take a three-point lead with just five seconds left in the third quarter.

Broncos 10, Raiders 7

Raiders punt blocked, Broncos set up in scoring position

Cole has been magical tonight, but not on that play. The Raiders punter had his latest attempt blocked by JL Skinner, allowing Denver to recover in the red zone. At the very least, a field goal is certainly possible from this spot – even on a night like tonight.

Broncos can’t capitalize on Geno Smith interception

They got a gift and couldn’t take advantage as Crawshaw comes out for yet another punt. This one lands in the end zone and the Raiders offense will go back to work.

Geno Smith intercepted

Dondrea Tillman picks off Smith on the next play after the ball deflects off Jeanty’s face. Denver gets the ball right back, hoping to find some points on this drive.

Wil Lutz misses 59-yard field goal

Denver took 6:46 off the clock and traveled 43 yards in 11 plays. Fittingly, the drive ends with a 59-yard attempt from Lutz, who comes up short. Notably, that try was pushed back because of a designed pass for Courtland Sutton, who took a five-yard loss on the play. 

Raiders punt on their first drive of the second half

In a not-so-surprising twist, the Raiders punt it right back to the Broncos. Cole and Crawshaw might need some additional time in the ice bath after the game. In many ways, this is the “Thursday Night Football” experience that fans have become accustomed to.

Broncos open the second half with a punt

The fifth three-and-out of the night ends with another punt from Crawshaw. The fans in attendance finally saw a punt without incident, prompting a Bronx cheer from the restless crowd. 

How many sacks do the Broncos have?

Denver has five sacks at halftime against the Raiders. Nik Bonitto has a team-high 1.5 sacks and three QB hits. Talanoa Hufanga, Zach Allen and Malcolm Roach have one sack each.

Broncos vs. Raiders score at halftime: All even after 30 minutes

Vegas was the better team in the first half and had nothing to show for it after 30 minutes. The Broncos found their footing late, tying the score with a Troy Franklin touchdown. When given the opportunity to take the lead, both sides squandered opportunities. For the Raiders, it was a big drop. For the Broncos, an untimely interception.

Denver’s pass rush continues to make its mark, however, totaling five sacks in the opening half. They could be the difference maker in a battle between two anemic offenses.

Bo Nix intercepted by Kyu Blu Kelly

The Broncos wanted it all on that long toss from Nix, but came up empty as Kelly came away with his first career interception. The third-year cornerback now gives his team a chance to regain the lead before the half.

Broncos’ fifth sack of the night forces another Raiders punt

The punters are earning their paychecks tonight, as Cole boots away another. Vegas was unable to answer the Denver score, giving the home team an opportunity to take the lead after the two-minute warning.

Who is the Broncos punter?

The Broncos punter is Jeremy Crawshaw. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by Denver with the 216th overall pick.

Crawshaw is an Australian native and played college football for the Florida Gators from 2020 to 2024. He was the only punter to be selected in the 2025 draft.

Broncos vs. Raiders score: Troy Franklin evens it up

Denver finally found some first downs, which led to a touchdown for Franklin. The Broncos put together the five-play, 53-yard scoring drive in just over three minutes to tie the game. With just 2:41 to go in the half, we have a brand new ballgame.

Broncos 7, Raiders 7

Raiders punt after pass interference wipes out TD

On fourth-and-2, Smith found Tre Tucker for a 31-yard touchdown, but an offensive pass interference penalty takes those points off the board. Instead, the AJ Cole show continues as the punter drops one inside the one to pin Denver for the second time tonight.

The trade deadline has already passed, but the Broncos probably wouldn’t mind trading punters before the second half.

Crawshaw shanks another punt for Denver

Vegas got another stop and forced Crawshaw’s third punt of the night. Fortunately for the Raiders, he is the guy they want to see right now. He managed another ugly boot, but managed to get 36 yards out of that punt. The rookie has negative style points through the first quarter-plus. 

Broncos defense forces Raiders punt

Denver was able to get to Geno Smith on third down, forcing another punt from AJ Cole. Bo Nix and the offense go back to work at their own 33.

End of first quarter: Raiders lead after 15 minutes

The Raiders are the team that played an overtime game in Week 9, but they are off to a fast start in the Mile High City. They’ll take a 7-0 lead into the second quarter and look to overcome a Jack Bech holding penalty that wiped out a 32-yard run from Jeanty. 

Denver comes up empty on second drive

The Broncos might be 7-2, but they don’t look like it in the early going. Another three-and-out forces a second punt in as many drives from Jeremy Crawshaw. This punt is much better, however, and a penalty backed up the Raiders even further.

It’s a big drive upcoming for the Denver defense, since they’ve been on the field for almost the entire opening quarter.

Broncos vs. Raiders score: Ashton Jeanty TD puts Vegas on top early

The Raiders take advantage of the field position and jump out to the early lead courtesy of a Jeanty touchdown. It’s the rookie’s sixth touchdown of the season and, more importantly, gives the Raiders something to show for their dominant effort thus far.

Vegas has controlled the clock in the early going, controlling possession for nearly 10 of the game’s first 12 minutes. So far, the visitors don’t look like a team that many thought would be tired.

Raiders 7, Broncos 0

Broncos punt on opening drive

Backed up in their own end, Denver can’t muster up a first down after JK Dobbins was stuffed on third down. An ugly 30-yard punt gifts the Raiders excellent field position on their second drive.

Raiders punt on opening drive

Vegas showed an ability to move the ball on their first series, picking up a pair of first downs before Geno Smith was sacked. It was another tough series for Ashton Jeanty, who continues to find life difficult on the ground.

He finished with three carries for just eight yards. On the bright side, Smith completed all three pass attempts, so perhaps the offense can feel good after that start. It also helps that AJ Cole pinned Denver at their own two, making life increasingly difficult for Bo Nix and co.

Broncos uniforms today

The Broncos are rocking their 1977-inspired throwbacks on “Thursday Night Football.”

Better known as the “Orange Crush” uniforms, they are a fan favorite and look incredible under the bright lights of prime time football. There are no half measures for Denver either. They also included the throwback logo at midfield and painted the end zones to match.

What channel is Broncos vs. Raiders?

TV channel (national): N/A
TV channel (Las Vegas market): ABC 13
TV channel (Denver market): ABC 7

The Week 10 matchup between the Broncos and Raiders will not air on cable, as it’s a streaming-only event. Viewers in the Denver market can tune to ABC 7, while those in Las Vegas can tune to ABC 13.

What time is Broncos vs. Raiders game tonight?

Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET | 5:15 p.m. PT

The Broncos and Raiders will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET, the customary start time for ‘TNF.’ The Raiders travel to Empower Field at Mile High Stadium for the matchup.

Broncos vs. Raiders live stream

Live stream:Amazon Prime Video (national) | Fubo (local)

A national viewing audience will need to turn to Amazon Prime Video for the matchup, the home of ‘Thursday Night Football.’ Al Michaels will be on the call, flanked by Kirk Herbstreit. Kaylee Hartung will provide updates from the sideline.

In-market viewers can turn to Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with a Prime Video subscription

Broncos vs. Raiders prediction

The Broncos are flying a mile high right now: Entering Thursday night on a six-game winning streak has put Denver at the top of the division. While Sean Payton has fostered a reputation for his dominating offenses, the defense has led the way this season, which should give Geno Smith and his league-leading 11 interceptions fits on Thursday night. Logic says the Broncos the win at home in a rout.

Prediction: Broncos 27, Raiders 13

Broncos vs. Raiders live betting odds, moneyline, O/U

Broncos inactives vs. Raiders

Raiders inactives vs. Broncos

AFC West standings: Week 10

Denver Broncos (7-2)
Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)
Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)
Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)

AFC West odds: Week 10

All odds according to BetMGM Sportsbook as of Nov. 6.

Denver Broncos: +125
Kansas City Chiefs: +130
Los Angeles Chargers: +400
Las Vegas Raiders: +50000

Despite a 5-4 record and a third-place spot in the AFC West standings, the Chiefs are barely trailing the 7-2 Broncos in odds to win the division title.

Jakobi Meyers trade details

Jaguars get: WR Jakobi Meyers
Raiders get: Higher of Jaguars’ two fourth-round picks, sixth-round pick

Raiders WR depth chart

Tre Tucker
Tyler Lockett
Jack Bech
Dont’e Thornton Jr.
Alex Bachman

Tucker, a former third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is the new top receiver on the Raiders’ depth chart. Tucker already leads all Las Vegas pass-catchers in receiving yards (427), touchdowns (4), 20+ yard receiving plays (6) and receiving first downs (19).

Lockett is the newest addition to the Raiders’ receivers corps. The 11th-year wideout began the season with the Tennessee Titans and requested – and was granted – his release after Week 7. Lockett had 10 catches for 70 yards in seven games with Tennessee. He signed with Las Vegas before Week 9’s game against the Jaguars and had one target in his Raiders debut on Nov. 2.

Bech and Thornton are the two rookies the Raiders drafted earlier this year – the former in the second round and the latter in the fourth. Thornton has more targets (19) and yards (94) between the two, but Bech has more catches (7). – Jack McKessy

Broncos vs. Raiders injury report

Broncos 2025 schedule

Raiders 2025 schedule

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NFL MVP odds

QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+160)
QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (+350)
QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots (+450)
QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (+500)
QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1600)
QB Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (+2200)
QB Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (+2500)
QB Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (+2500)
QB Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (+2500)
QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (+3000)
QB Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (+3000)
RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (+3000)
QB Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts (+4000)

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in a New York court on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Jones was charged with allegedly profiting off of rigged poker games and providing nonpublic information, including the injury status of notable players such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, to sports bettors.

Jones was a teammate of James from 2005-08 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. James was coached by Jones, who returned to Cleveland as an assistant from 2016-18.

The incident was said to have happened between December 2022 and 2024.

Jones is expected to be back in court for a preliminary conference with other defendants on Nov. 24.

Kenneth Montgomery, Jones’ lawyer, told the judge that the former player ‘may be engaging in plea negotiations.’

He was arrested on Oct. 23, the same day as Rozier and Portland Trailblazers coach Chauncey Billups.

CLEVELAND — One of the greatest rivalries in sports is back.

The U.S. women’s hockey team downed Canada 4-1 on Thursday night in the first of four Rivalry Series games over the next six weeks.

Abbey Murphy had a hat trick as the USA rallied after giving up the first goal. Taylor Heise had tied the game after Sarah Fillier scored, then Heise set up Murphy’s three goals.

The series serves as a tune-up for the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, where the Americans and Canadians will be heavy favorites to play for the gold medal.

‘(It’s a) spicy rivalry,’ Hilary Knight said. ‘It’s a beautiful rivalry. We bring out the best in one another, because there’s just so much pride.’

The United States and Canada have long dominated women’s hockey – on and off the ice. They’ve combined to win every Olympics and world championships, and have played each other in all but two title games. (The U.S. beat Finland for the 2019 world title while Canada beat Sweden for gold at the 2006 Olympics.)

Canada is the reigning Olympic champion while the Americans have won two of the past three world championships, including an overtime thriller earlier this year.

Players from the two teams also were instrumental in the creation of the PWHL, as well as achieving equity within their federations.

‘You put on your nation’s colors and all bets are off. It’s as competitive as it gets,’ Kendall Coyne Schofield said. ‘I think it’s the greatest rivalry in all sports, but I think there’s no denying that the two countries have definitely come together to leave our mark in the sport and to leave the game better than when we found it. And it’s taken all of us to unite and come together.’

USA TODAY provided live updates from the U.S.-Canada game on Thursday night. Here are highlights from the opening game of the series:

USA vs Canada highlights

Final score: USA 4, Canada 1

Abbey Murphy leads the way with a hat trick as the USA wins the first game of the Rivalry Series. Game 2 will be Saturday, Nov. 8, in Buffalo.

Canada pulls goalie

Canada pulls Eve Gascon for an extra skater.

Canada power play

Joy Dunne is in the penalty box for tripping. Dunne was called for the penalty 15:20 into the third period.

Canada power play

Jesse Compher got whistled for delay of game on the faceoff. 

Compher was given a two-minute penalty 8:56 into the final period. She was tapping her stick and reaching in before the puck dropped on the faceoff. It’s the fourth penalty of the night for the U.S. women. 

USA power play

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but it’s a penalty for Canada. 

Caitlin Kraemer was given two minutes for roughing 5:34 into the third period. It’s Canada’s seventh penalty of the night, and the U.S. has made the Canadians pay for being down a player. Abbey Murphy has scored all three of her goals on the power play. Canada kills this one.

USA’s Abbey Murphy scores again

It’s a hat trick for Abbey Murphy. Taylor Heise sets her up again for a 4-1 U.S. lead. Kirsten Simms got the other assist.

USA power play

It’s another power play opportunity for the U.S. women.

Canada’s Renata Fast was given 2 minutes for cross checking 1:08 into the third period. It’s Canada’s sixth penalty of the night.

Third period underway

3-1 USA.

When will we know the Olympic team? 

The Olympic roster is expected to be released in early January, and U.S. coach John Wroblewski will have some decisions to make.  

Olympic rosters have 23 players, seven fewer than the U.S. has for the Rivalry Series. The Americans are expected to take three goaltenders to Milan Cortina, which leaves 20 spots for the Olympic team. Fewer than that, really, given players such as captain Hilary Knight, alternate captains Alex Carpenter and Megan Keller, Olympic gold medalist Kendall Coyne Schofield, and world team veterans Caroline Harvey, Laila Edwards, Taylor Heise and Tessa Janecke are considered locks. 

End of second period: USA 3, Canada 1

The USA has scored three consecutive goals since Canada opened the scoring. Abbey Murphy had two goals in the second period, and the USA is outshooting Canada 22-14 through two periods.

Canada and the United States will each start the third period down a player after Sarah Fillier and Cayla Barnes were called for roughing as time expired in the second. 

USA’s Abbey Murphy adds to lead

Abbey Murphy is on a hot streak. 

Murphy scored her second goal of the night 17:28 into the second period to give the U.S. women a 3-1 lead over Canada. Taylor Heise had the assist, just as she did on Murphy’s first goal. Megan Keller also had an assist.

Skating down the right side, Heise could have taken her own shot. But she that Murphy had a better look at the goal on the other side of the ice. She sent the puck over and Murphy rocketed it past Eve Gascon. Murphy immediately started pointing, as if to say, ‘That’s good! That’s good.’ 

And it was. 

It was Murphy’s second goal of the second period. She had scored on the power play with 9:46 elapsed.

 USA power play

The USA goes right back on the power play as Sarah Fillier is called for interference. Canada kills the penalty.

USA takes the lead

The Americans took advantage of Canada’s bad behavior. 

Abbey Murphy scored a power play goal from her knees 9:46 into the second period to give the Americans a 2-1 lead over Canada in the Rivalry Series. The goal came almost a minute after Chloe Primerano was given a two-minute penalty for interference, giving the Americans a power-play opportunity. 

The Americans were active in front of Canada’s goal and the puck ricocheted over to Murphy. She shot from her knees and Eve Gascon had no chance to stop it. Taylor Heise and Tessa Janecke had assists on the goal. 

Second period underway

Score tied 1-1.

Hockey Canada’s Olympic jersey unveiled

Laila Edwards: Playing before home crowd is ‘surreal’

Laila Edwards, who had an assist in the first period, was interviewed during the first intermission. She called the experience of playing before her home crowd ‘surreal.’

‘I’m dreamt of this growing up,’ she said. ‘To be able to show up for my family and the community that supported me, it’s an honor.’

End of first period: USA 1, Canada 1

Canada’s Sarah Fillier opened the scoring on the power play, but Taylor Heise tied the game 16 seconds later. Shots are 11-9 USA.

The second period will start with one player from each team in the penalty box as Britta Curl-Salemme and Laura Stacey are called for cross-checking with 3.5 seconds left.

USA power play

Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin is called for cross-checking. Canada kills it off.

Canada scores; USA responds quickly

The Americans didn’t let Canada’s lead last long. 

Sarah Fillier got the Canadians on board first, scoring on a power play at 9:27 of the first period after Abbey Murphy was given a penalty for body checking. But the Canadians were barely done celebrating when Taylor Heise evened it up at 9:43, putting the puck above Eve Gascon’s reach. Laila Edwards gets an assist.

The goal was confirmed after a review, drawing a big cheer from the crowd at Rocket Arena.

Canada power play

And the first penalty of the night goes to Abbey Murphy. The American was given two minutes for body checking with 12:02 left in the first period. 

Game underway

The Rivalry Series game between the USA and Canada is underway. Goalie matchup is USA’s Airen Frankel vs. Canada’s Eve Gascon.

What time is US women’s hockey vs. Canada?

The game is at 7 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.

How to watch US women’s hockey vs. Canada

The game will air on the NHL Network.

Laila Edwards gets start

Laila Edwards is getting the start in her hometown.

Edwards, who grew up in the suburb of Cleveland Heights, and Megan Keller are the starting defenders for Thursday night’s Rivalry Series game against Canada. Hilary Knight, Tessa Janecke and Alex Carpenter are forwards on the first line. 

The start was a bit of switch after Edwards played on the second line the last two days of training. 

Edwards also did the ceremonial puck drop before the game started.

Team USA lineup

Team Canada lineup

Laila Edwards home game 

This Rivalry Series opener is a homecoming for Laila Edwards.  

She grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, a 20-minute drive from Rocket Arena, where Thursday night’s game will be played. 

“I don’t even know. I just know it’s going to be a lot,” Edwards said when asked how many family and friends will be at the game.  

Edwards plays at Wisconsin, so she’s gotten to play in her home state when the Badgers have played at Ohio State. But playing in her hometown, with the U.S. women, is going to be something special.  

“I’m so excited to be playing back at home, at the highest level, against our biggest rivals. Doesn’t get any better,” Edwards said. 

Who is playing in US women’s hockey vs. Canada? 

The U.S. team features a mix of veterans and new stars on its 30-player roster. Hilary Knight, arguably the greatest player of all time, has already said Milan Cortina will be her final Winter Games, while Kendall Coyne Schofield is trying to make her fourth Olympic team. 

Among the younger players, Caroline Harvey, who made her Olympic debut in Beijing, has either won best Defenseman Honors or been on the All-Star Team at every world championships since 2022. Taylor Heise (2022) and Laila Edwards (2024) were both MVPs at the world championships. 

Canada’s roster includes 13 players from its gold-medal team in Beijing, led by Sarah Nurse, Marie-Philip Poulin, Natalie Spooner and Sarah Fillier. 

Why is US-Canada women’s hockey rivalry so heated?

Canada and the United States are the dominant teams in the women’s game, and no one else (yet) comes close. 

The teams have played each other in the final at every Olympics and world championships but two, with Canada winning five of the seven Olympic gold medals and 13 of the 24 world titles. But the U.S. women have won two of the last three world championships, including an overtime thriller in Czechia in April. 

Abbey Murphy, Harvey and Heise had goals in regulation for the Americans before Tessa Janecke scored the game-winner on a tap-in. 

Canada leads the Americans in both all-time meetings (108-83-1) and in the Rivalry Series (14-13). But the United States has bragging rights for winning gold in the first Olympic women’s hockey tournament, beating Canada 3-1 at the Nagano Games in 1998. 

What is the Rivalry Series? 

Now in its sixth season, the Rivalry Series features the U.S. and Canadian women’s national teams. This year’s edition consists of four games, two in the United States and two in Canada. 

After Thursday night’s game, the teams will play Saturday in Buffalo, New York. The players will return home for a month — PWHL training camps open next week — before the remaining two games, Dec. 10 and 13 in Edmonton, Alberta. 

Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season begins with the Denver Broncos hosting the Las Vegas Raiders.
The NFL’s first regular-season game in Berlin will feature the Indianapolis Colts and the Atlanta Falcons.
Other key matchups include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers versus the New England Patriots and a Sunday night game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers.

The second half of the 2025 NFL season kicks off Thursday when the Denver Broncos host the Las Vegas Raiders to ring in Week 10. Can’t, uh, wait for that one.

However the penultimate installment of this year’s International Series carries unexpected appeal, the (presently) top-seeded Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons meeting for the league’s first-ever regular-season game in Berlin in what could be recently acquired CB Sauce Gardner’s first game with Indy. Sunday’s lower-key game of the day might actually be a showdown of first-place teams when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come off their bye to welcome the New England Patriots. ‘Sunday Night Football’ will pair the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chargers in Los Angeles.

But the most appealing and high-profile contest of Week 10 seems like Monday night’s matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers from Lambeau Field in another ‘Love Hurts’ fixture that could be an NFC championship game preview. It will be the clubs’ third meeting since the start of the 2024 season, the Pack unable to notch a W in the first two − one in Brazil, the other a playoff loss at Philly.

Here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ panel of NFL experts forecasts the rundown:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)

NFL Week 10 picks, predictions odds

Raiders at Broncos
Falcons at Colts
Bills at Dolphins
Giants at Bears
Saints at Panthers
Browns at Jets
Jaguars at Texans
Patriots at Buccaneers
Ravens at Vikings
Cardinals at Seahawks
Lions at Commanders
Rams at 49ers
Steelers at Chargers
Eagles at Packers

Minnesota Wild forward Tyler Pitlick was kicked out of Thursday’s game after his hit left another Carolina Hurricanes defenseman with an injury.

Pitlick received a match penalty for an illegal check to the head in the first period after he caught Jalen Chatfield with a hit that sent the defenseman’s head snapping back.

Chatfield was down on the ice for a while before being assisted to the dressing room, adding to Carolina’s injury woes on the blue line.

Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal jumped in and fought Pitlick. Staal received 17 penalty minutes, including two for instigating and a misconduct, in his milestone game.

Staal was playing in his 910th game with the Hurricanes, breaking brother Eric’s record for most appearances since the team moved to North Carolina.

The Hurricanes announced that Chatfield would not return because of an upper body injury. That’s bad news for the Hurricanes, who have been banged up on the blue line.

They had activated defenseman K’Andre Miller from the injured list before the 4-3 Carolina win. Shayne Gostisbehere remains out with an injury and Jaccob Slavin has been limited to two games.

‘This is just the way this year has gone,’ coach Rod Brind’Amour said. ‘We just can’t get healthy and then keep losing key pieces. That’s rough. I don’t know how long (Chatfield is) going to be out, but it was a tough hit.’

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The Las Vegas Raiders gambled on Geno Smith this offseason.

To this point, it hasn’t paid off in a big way. The quarterback has struggled in his first season with the silver-and-black, leading the team to a 2-6 record. After being beaten up all night long in Denver, Smith exited with a leg injury in the fourth quarter.

Kenny Pickett was called on to replace Smith, who was hurt on a seemingly harmless play.

Here’s the latest on Smith.

Geno Smith injury update

Smith visited the blue medical tent and returned to the game after being evaluated.

The quarterback was injured on a scramble at the beginning of the fourth quarter on ‘Thursday Night Football’ against the Broncos.

He was quick to get up, but slowly went back down the turf. He was hit on the knee following a tackle from Nik Bonitto.

Smith did some light jogging on the sidelines after coming out of the tent. He appeared to be working through whatever the ailment is, in an apparent attempt to get back in the game.

Vegas was only trailing by three in what was a struggle on offense for both sides. Smith was sacked five times in the first half and has taken plenty of hits.

Pickett came in to replace Smith.

Raiders QB depth chart

Geno Smith
Kenny Pickett
Cam Miller (practice squad)

Pickett remains the only healthy quarterback on the roster outside of Smith. Vegas is still waiting for the return of Aidan O’Connell, who remains on injured reserve.

Minnesota Wild forward Tyler Pitlick was kicked out of Thursday’s game after his high hit left another Carolina Hurricanes defenseman with an injury.

Pitlick received a match penalty for an illegal check to the head in the first period after he caught Jalen Chatfield with a hit that sent the defenseman’s head snapping back. Chatfield was down on the ice for a while before heading to the dressing room.

Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal jumped in and fought Pitlick. Staal received 17 penalty minutes, including two for instigating and a misconduct, in his milestone game.

Staal was playing in his 910th game with the Hurricanes, breaking brother Eric’s record for most appearances since the team moved to North Carolina.

The Hurricanes announced that Chatfield would not return because of an upper body injury. That’s bad news for the Hurricanes, who have been banged up on the blue line.

They had activated defenseman K’Andre Miller from the injured list before the game. Shayne Gostisbehere remains out with an injury.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.