Hype Trap Bet: Thanksgiving Day tips, trends and takes - ESPN

Happy Turkey Day to you and yours! Thanksgiving is one of the most-hyped days on the calendar so it's only fair that we take a look at what's worth feasting on and what you can pass by — through my own personal, unbiased lens.

My favorite bets for every Thanksgiving. If you gave me just these few things, it would be a successful holiday.

Lions and Cowboys games: Everyone's watching, there's enough other conversation that you don't mind the lack of nonstop Red Zone touchdown replays, and the tradition of both teams just feels right.

Fantasy football: I'm in multiple leagues with my family so it's the one time a year we get to trash-talk in person, and the playoffs are just around the corner, so the games matter more.

Stuffing: The best Thanksgiving food. So many ways to make it and they all taste delicious (I prefer it baked with celery, onion, sausage and will make it by myself year-round because I don't want to wait until November.

Cranberry Sauce: Goes great with every other side dish, edible both homemade or by the jar, and the piece de resistance in the leftover turkey sandwich process.

Don't sleep on these traditions, they have a chance to be a huge hit.

The national dog show: Most people pivot straight from the parade to football. I suggest using a second screen to see if Claire the Scottish deerhound can win her third title in four years.

Sweet potatoes/yams: The less-heralded potato side dish. But if they're candied or laden with marshmallows, you get dessert with dinner. What else can you ask for?

Turkey trots: Exercising in the morning burns the extra calories and leaves you hungry (literally and figuratively) for all the food you're about to enjoy.

These safe bets are a classic, low-risk proposition that most