As Ohio unites with Texas, Utah, North Carolina, and Virginia, these US states are powering the tourism industry, supercharging the America250 event next year. The America250 celebrations in 2026 promise to be a biggest saga year for tourism in the United States.

With these key states leading the charge, visitors from across the world will flock to explore the rich history and diverse cultures that these states offer. From Ohio’s historic trails to Texas’s cultural festivals, Utah’s natural wonders, and Virginia’s revolutionary sites, each state is bringing its own unique flair to the America250 celebrations.

As these states come together to celebrate, America250 will not only highlight the past but also create a tourism boom that will captivate global audiences. Travel And Tour World urges you to keep reading and discover how these states will shape the 2026 tourism surge.

America 250: How 10 US States Are Powering Tourism in 2026 with a Historic Boom

The United States is on the brink of an extraordinary tourism explosion in 2026, thanks to the nationwide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—the America 250 initiative. This monumental event, led by America250 state commissions and supported by historical commemorations, promises to flood U.S. destinations with international tourists, local explorers, and cultural enthusiasts. With massive celebrations planned from Ohio to Texas, Virginia to Utah, Colorado to North Carolina, this is not just another year—it’s America’s grand return to the global tourism stage!

America 250: A Nationwide Event Changing the Travel Landscape

Every state in the U.S. is gearing up for the biggest tourism event since the bicentennial celebrations. The America250 initiative is the brainchild of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and state commissions working in tandem to bring the past, present, and future together. From community parades in Ohio to historical reenactments in Texas, every state is injecting its own historical flavor into this national celebration. The effect? A tourism boom that promises to captivate and inspire visitors across the U.S. in 2026. (america250.org)

This isn’t just a US event; it’s a worldwide draw. Think of it as America’s invitation to the globe: come see the land of freedom, dreams, and rich history. Each state will be its own beacon of history, art, culture, and exploration, making 2026 the year to be in America. From parades to major historical site openings, America250 is stirring the curiosity of millions. Are you ready to see the US like never before?

Ohio’s America 250: A Statewide Celebration Igniting Tourism

Ohio is not sitting back during the America250 celebrations. This state, with its deep connection to U.S. history, is set to welcome millions of visitors in 2026. Ohio America 250 will transform all 88 counties into tourist hotspots, thanks to themed heritage trails, local festivals, and national history exhibits. Visitors can experience everything from Ohio’s aviation history to its role in the Underground Railroad, taking tourists on immersive historical journeys. (america250-ohio.org)

Tourism Impact: The broad focus on localised community events means Ohio is poised to boost its tourism economy significantly. Whether visitors are drawn to the state’s museums, scenic tours, or local festivals, Ohio will emerge as a top destination for those exploring America’s past.

Texas: America’s Cultural Powerhouse Driving Tourists in 2026

Texas has always been a state full of pride, but in 2026, it will show the world why it deserves to be at the forefront of America250 celebrations. The Texas America250 Commission is driving the state’s tourism surge by showcasing Texas’s key moments in U.S. history through artistic exhibits, community celebrations, and education-focused events. Celebrating everything from Texas Independence to the state’s role in the civil rights movement, Texas will captivate tourists from all walks of life. (texasamerica250.com)

Tourism Impact: With its sprawling cities, historic battlegrounds, and world-renowned food, music, and arts festivals, Texas will be a top draw for both domestic and international tourists, contributing to the US tourism boom and creating long-term visitor interest.

Utah’s America 250: Inviting Visitors to Explore Heritage and Outdoor Wonders

Utah’s America 250 celebrations are tailor‑made for those who love both history and the great outdoors. America250 Utah aims to connect historical narratives with Utah’s famous natural beauty, featuring statewide heritage walks, festival activities, and historical storytelling programs that take visitors on journeys through Utah’s rich past and scenic wonders. (america250.utah.gov)

Tourism Impact: Visitors will flock to Utah for national parks tours, heritage trails, and historical programming, turning it into a must‑see destination in 2026. Expect a surge in family and adventure tourism with Utah’s unique combination of outdoor tourism and cultural exploration.

Colorado 150 + America 250: A Dual Anniversary for Peak Tourism Growth

Colorado’s America250 and Colorado150 Commission uniquely celebrates the state’s 150th anniversary of statehood alongside the national America250 celebrations. Through a mixture of history-focused exhibits, interactive art displays, and educational outreach, Colorado is not just reflecting on its statehood but also boosting its cultural tourism, inviting people to explore its connection to the American West.

Tourism Impact: The dual celebration will make Colorado a leading destination for history buffs and outdoor lovers alike, offering increased visitation to sites like Mesa Verde and Garden of the Gods. Expect tourism across urban and natural sites to hit record numbers in 2026.

North Carolina: Uniting Communities for a Historic Celebration

America250 North Carolina focuses on statewide community involvement, offering local celebrations, educational outreach, and cultural festivals across the state. Emphasizing North Carolina’s contributions to early American history, the state plans to offer historical exhibits, community-wide events, and family‑friendly tourism initiatives that will attract both domestic and international visitors. (america250.nc.gov)

Tourism Impact: With local businesses participating, North Carolina will see a spike in cultural tourism, leveraging its rich history, from the Wright brothers’ first flight to historic battles and Revolutionary War sites. The state’s tourism boom will focus on educational and historical tourism, with an influx of school groups, families, and historical enthusiasts.

Virginia: History, Culture, and Community Collaboration

Virginia will leverage its American heritage with a series of statewide events, heritage trails, and historical festivals. From historic Alexandria’s monumental events to Williamsburg’s Revolutionary War reenactments, Virginia’s programme highlights significant periods in the nation’s journey, enticing visitors to explore the state’s rich past. (alexandriava.gov)

Tourism Impact: Virginia is already a prime tourist destination, but with America 250’s enhancements, the state will see spikes in cultural tourism, historic site visitation, and increased attendance at museums and exhibitions throughout 2026.

Mississippi: Celebrating a Rich Heritage with Community Events

Mississippi is also taking part in America250 celebrations, with events that focus on the state’s rich cultural legacy and contribution to the arts. Mississippi’s celebrations include state grants for local communities to host cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and educational outreach that will engage a diverse audience. (mdah.ms.gov)

Tourism Impact: The Mississippi River Corridor and local historical sites are poised to attract cultural tourists and history lovers, who will increase their visitation to sites such as Natchez Trace Parkway and Vicksburg National Military Park.

Michigan: Engaging Storytelling Through Heritage and Historical Narratives

Michigan’s America250 celebrations highlight the state’s role in the American narrative. Featuring statewide events, storytelling festivals, and heritage trails, Michigan will use its historical connections to the Civil Rights Movement, industrial growth, and Native American history to attract cultural tourists. (america250mi.org)

Tourism Impact: Visitors will be enticed to explore the state’s museums, landmarks, and arts festivals, experiencing Michigan’s rich history first‑hand, driving heritage tourism and increasing hotel stays.

VISIT USA Act: A Game-Changer for America’s Tourism and Economic Future

On Wednesday, a landmark piece of legislation, the VISIT USA Act, was introduced in Congress with the goal of restoring essential funding to Brand USA, the U.S. destination marketing organization. This critical move comes as the nation prepares to host a decade of monumental global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the America 250 celebrations, and the 2028 Summer Olympics. These events present a unique opportunity for the United States to showcase its diversity, culture, and tourism offerings on the world stage, and Brand USA will be the driving force behind attracting millions of international visitors.

The VISIT USA Act will provide the necessary funding for Brand USA to promote the United States as a premier travel destination, ultimately strengthening its ability to attract visitors from all over the world. Importantly, this legislation ensures that U.S. taxpayer dollars will not be used to fund these efforts. Instead, the funding for Brand USA will come from private-sector contributions, ensuring a sustainable and non-burdensome solution for the government.

The Importance of Brand USA in Attracting Global Visitors

Brand USA has been an essential player in the U.S. tourism landscape, working tirelessly to market the country as a must-visit destination for international travelers. By positioning the U.S. as an exciting and diverse place to visit, Brand USA has played a pivotal role in helping the country recover from past tourism declines, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to attract global visitors is crucial for driving the U.S. economy and supporting millions of American jobs, especially in industries such as hospitality, transportation, and entertainment.

In light of the upcoming global events, the VISIT USA Act comes at a crucial time. The United States has the chance to draw in nearly 40 million international visitors over the next decade, generating more than $100 billion in economic impact. These numbers underscore the importance of fully funding Brand USA to ensure the success of these events and the long-term growth of the tourism sector.

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

Geoff Freeman, the President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, emphasized the magnitude of this moment in American tourism history. Freeman noted that the VISIT USA Act is a “smart, bipartisan fix” that will allow the U.S. to remain competitive in the global tourism market. “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to welcome the world—through the World Cup, America 250, and the Olympics,” Freeman said. However, Freeman also pointed out that this opportunity will only be fully realized if Brand USA is given the resources it needs to market the U.S. abroad effectively.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is expected to draw millions of soccer fans from around the globe. This event will serve as a major platform to showcase the country’s diversity, culture, and world-class infrastructure. In addition, the America 250 celebrations will mark the country’s 250th anniversary, offering another unique occasion to attract visitors and highlight the best of American history, culture, and innovation. The 2028 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, will also bring athletes, spectators, and media from around the world, creating a surge in demand for U.S. travel.

Without proper funding for Brand USA, these global events may not reach their full potential. By restoring funding through the VISIT USA Act, Congress can ensure that the United States is adequately positioned to attract these visitors and deliver on the full economic promise of these historic events.

Bipartisan Support for the VISIT USA Act

The introduction of the VISIT USA Act has garnered bipartisan support from a group of influential Senators and Representatives. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) have all recognized the importance of Brand USA in driving international travel, creating jobs, and strengthening the U.S. economy. Similarly, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) have also played a crucial role in introducing the bill and advocating for the restoration of funding.

These leaders understand that Brand USA is not just a marketing organization but a key player in the U.S. economy. By attracting international visitors, Brand USA helps support the tourism industry, which is one of the largest and most vital sectors in the U.S. economy. In fact, international tourism contributes over $200 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting more than 1.2 million American jobs. This economic activity extends far beyond the tourism sector, benefiting a wide range of industries, including hospitality, transportation, retail, and entertainment.

A Critical Moment for U.S. Tourism

The VISIT USA Act marks a critical moment for the U.S. tourism industry. As the country prepares to host some of the largest global events of the next decade, it is more important than ever to invest in the marketing and promotion of the United States as a premier travel destination. With international tourism projected to continue growing in the coming years, fully funding Brand USA will allow the U.S. to capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by these global events.

In conclusion, the VISIT USA Act is an essential step in ensuring that the U.S. remains competitive in the global tourism market. By fully funding Brand USA, Congress can help attract millions of international visitors, create jobs, and generate billions in economic impact. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250, and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, now is the time to act and ensure that Brand USA has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission and showcase the very best of the United States to the world.

Why America250 Will Cause a Major Tourism Boom in 2026

The America 250 celebrations are not just an opportunity to look back at U.S. history, but a chance for states to reimagine their tourism potential. With local events playing a major role in the nationwide celebrations, states like Ohio, Texas, and Virginia will experience a surge in educational and cultural tourism. From national parks in Utah to local festivals in North Carolina, these multi‑year programmes will keep tourists coming long after 2026 ends.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — The winner of the 2026 World Cup will receive a record jackpot of $50 million, FIFA said Wednesday.

That figure is up from $42 million in 2022 and $38 million in 2018. But it is still less than half of what was on offer at the much less-hyped Club World Cup earlier this year.

World soccer’s governing body said the total prize fund for the World Cup, staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico, was $655 million - a 50% increase on the previous edition in Qatar.

By comparison, the Club World Cup, which was controversially expanded from seven teams to 32 and shoehorned into the soccer calendar, had a total prize fund of $1 billion. The top prize for the winning team was worth up to $125 million for a tournament that faced fierce resistance from players and leagues and drew sparse crowds for some matches.

The Club World Cup, also staged in the U.S., was won by Chelsea.

FIFA has a different distribution model for the two tournaments, with the disparity in prize money reflecting factors such as clubs overseeing much higher costs through wages than national teams.

Beyond prize money, further funds are put toward development of soccer globally.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the World Cup would be “groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community.”

World soccer's governing body approved the prize money for every stage of the World Cup at a meeting of its council in Doha.

The runner-up will receive $33 million, with $29 million and $27 million going to the third and fourth place teams respectively.

The lowest prize money will be $9 million and all 48 participating nations will get $1.5 million to cover what FIFA describes as “preparation costs.”

FIFA said, in all, $727 million would be distributed to the soccer federations participating.

It is not known how each nation will distribute the money, but at the last World Cup, French sports daily L’Equipe reported France players were in line for a bonus of $586,000 by their federation if they won the trophy. France was ultimately beaten by Argentina in the final.

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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Miami Dolphins are benching Tua Tagovailoa for rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers, a person with knowledge of the quarterback change told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the switch.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he was considering it after a 28-15 loss to the Steelers on Monday night eliminated Miami (6-8) from playoff contention.

Tagovailoa leads the NFL with 15 interceptions and hasn’t played up to his contract after signing a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024.

Ewers was 5 for 8 for 53 yards in his only action this season in a lopsided loss to the Browns in October. He was the 231st player selected in the draft last April after starting three seasons at Texas.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

MIAMI (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 28 points and the Toronto Raptors snapped a four-game skid with a 106-96 victory Monday night over Miami, extending the Heat’s losing streak to five.

Miami lost forward Nikola Jovic to an elbow injury in the first quarter. Jovic took a hard foul from Collin Murray-Boyles while driving to the basket and fell to the floor 12 seconds after he entered the game.

Scottie Barnes added 17 points and 10 rebounds and Immanuel Quickley finished with 15 points for the Raptors, who made 16 3-pointers. Ingram shot 5 of 7 from behind the arc.

Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 11 points and Gradey Dick added 10 for Toronto.

Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo scored 20 points each and Davion Mitchell added 12 points for the Heat, who played without Tyler Herro. He sat out because of a right toe contusion.

It was the first time this season the Heat were held under 100 points.

Down by five early in the fourth quarter, Toronto took the lead for good with a 17-2 run. Jamal Shead’s 3-pointer with 7:31 remaining put the Raptors ahead 91-81.

The Heat narrowed the deficit to four points when Powell made three free throws with 1:28 left. But Shead hit a floating jumper and Barnes followed with a putback layup.

The Raptors are 4-6 since RJ Barrett, the team’s third-leading scorer, sprained his right knee against Brooklyn on Nov. 23. Barrett, who averages 19.4 points per game, began on-court workouts Monday, coach Darko Rajakovic said.

Raptors: At Milwaukee on Thursday.

Heat: At Brooklyn on Thursday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Dec. 15—Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has spent this season stringing together a streak of dazzling catches and record-setting statistics, making a case he's the best receiver in the National Football League.

It goes beyond that, though, since so many times he has committed acts of outrageous athleticism that Seahawk fans may have never seen — creating memories while making history.

When a young athlete emerges in the early stages of what appears likely to turn into a historic career, analysts search for comparables among former greats to help define the youth's potential.

Sources who can provide big-picture perspective and long-term possibilities are needed.

Steve Raible is perfect, having either played alongside every Seahawks receiver in history, or covered them — and every other elite receiver in the NFL — from the broadcast booth.

So, Steve, does Smith-Njigba remind you of anyone?

"Jerry Rice."

Holy catfish, Raible, Jerry Rice?

Rice, of course, is recognized as the greatest receiver in the history of the National Football League. When sports historians rank the finest NFL players of all time, Rice is generally placed second behind only Browns running back Jim Brown.

"He's as good as I've ever seen," Raible said of Smith-Njigba. "I think he's as good at the top of his route, getting in and out of the break, whether to the sidelines, to the post, to the corner, as anybody in the league. And he just doesn't drop passes."

Raible is a certified Football-Knower. A second-round pick in the Seahawks' first draft (1976), he played six seasons for the Hawks and went immediately into the booth to add commentary to the play-by-play of the legendary Pete Gross. In 2004, he took over the play-by-play call, while also serving as an Emmy-winning television news anchor in Seattle.

And yes, he is well aware that his former teammate, Steve Largent, is and always will be considered the gold standard for Seahawk receivers.

Largent played 14 seasons, with seven Pro Bowls and a golden jacket from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"The first name that came to mind, in the franchise, was Steve," Raible said, citing Largent's great hands and discipline and route running, etc. "But the overarching first name was Jerry Rice. Rice was smooth in a different way, and he had those magnificent hands and knew how to set up defensive backs to get open. Jax does that as well as anybody."

Real artistry is subjective. Like the rare ones, with his great functional quickness and magnetic hands, JSN makes the hard things look easy, and so often observers use the word "smooth" to describe his route-running.

So many times, Smith-Njigba sprints into openings against zones to become an easy target for quarterback Sam Darnold, making it look as simple as a game of backyard catch. And then he sometimes makes catches with the fingertips of a single hand while tip-toeing the sideline at full speed.

Raible said he and broadcast partner Dave Wyman both have noticed how JSN varies his speed to gain separation from defenders, sometimes slowing as the ball descends, and then surging and extending when the ball is about to arrive. Defenders are helpless to close that gap without interfering.

He also has the strength and an uncanny ability to almost always win that final yard of intense hand-parrying with a defensive back to keep his hands free for the catch.

None of us should be surprised by this. Do an internet search for Smith-Njigba highlights, and archives of spectacular JSN catches dating back to his high-school days in Texas will appear. Usually, they're accompanied by comments like "he's not human," along with almost impossible statistics for catches and yardages.

Check out the recap of the January 2023 Rose Bowl when he led Ohio State to a win with 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns — all Rose Bowl records.

Think of how many great receivers have played in the Rose Bowl. None could match that output.

A hamstring injury his junior season at OSU probably helped the Seahawks get him with the 20th pick of the 2023 draft, the first wide receiver taken that year.

With 100 catches for 1,130 yards last season, JSN earned his first Pro Bowl honor.

The Seahawks' trade of veteran DK Metcalf, along with the release of longtime Hawk Tyler Lockett, opened the way for the offense to focus on JSN, supplemented by the addition of vet Cooper Kupp and newly acquired Rashid Shaheed.

Now, with 96 catches for a Seahawks record of 1,541 yards, Smith-Njigba is within 423 yards of Calvin Johnson's NFL season-record of 1,964 yards, with three games remaining.

JSN would have to average 141 yards a game the rest of the way, above his current average of 110.1 yards per game. Still, he stands a good chance to be the only first-team All-Pro receiver for the Seahawks since Largent earned his lone such honor in 1985.

Another remarkable point: Smith-Njigba is in his third season and still just 23 years old — the age Rice was as a rookie.

The Seahawks have had a series of excellent receivers, so many that have been somewhat overlooked. Darrell Jackson, Metcalf and Lockett, Joey Galloway and Bobby Engram. There's been Brian Blades, pound-for-pound, as tough as a champion middleweight. And Doug Baldwin, the king of the get-off, who dodged media coverage with that blinding blend of jitterbug and Riverdance at the line of scrimmage.

And at the top always has been the Incomparable Steve Largent.

Finally, somebody else is showing the potential to enter that lofty discussion. Health and longevity will be determinants over time.

The final convincing assessment of Raible on Smith-Njigba: "I just think he's the combination of every great receiver we've seen. He's got a little bit of everything, and, in some cases, a lot of everything."

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the struggles of Shedeur Sanders and Cleveland's offensive line on Monday, the day after a 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears.

One thing he wasn't going to discuss was what might happen when the season ends in three weeks.

“I’m not going to get in those type of things. Not my focus,” Stefanski said when asked if he has been given any assurances by ownership about his job security.

Stefanski is the first Browns coach since Sam Rutigliano to be at the helm for six seasons. He is a two-time NFL Coach of the Year but is 6-25 since Cleveland made the playoffs in 2023.

Stefanski gave offensive play-calling duties to coordinator Tommy Rees after the Nov. 2 bye week. While it has allowed Stefanski to focus on other matters, the offense continues to struggle.

Cleveland was backed up on its 1 on its first series, only to get flagged for a false start before the first play and too many men on the field before the next play.

Those are missteps that would be expected in the first couple of games, but not in Week 15.

“Yeah, obviously we know what our record is. We understand that. We don’t hide from that. You own it. But we also know how important this game is to us and the work that has to go into it each week and what we pour into it each week,” Stefanski said.

Sanders, the Browns' seventh starting quarterback since the start of last season, struggled in his fourth start and in his first of three straight games facing playoff-caliber defenses. The rookie completed 18 of 35 passes for 177 yards with three interceptions. He had a passer rating of 30.3 after being above 85 in each of his first three starts.

While Sanders had success when the Bears blitzed — going 5 of 6 for 118 yards — he struggled against zone coverage and when defensive coordinator Dennis Allen took away the deep game. Sanders was 1 of 8 for 9 yards and an interception when the Bears played a cover-4 scheme to prevent deep routes.

Stefanski is hoping Sanders can use the game a learning opportunity. The schedule doesn't get any easier, with Buffalo and Pittsburgh up next.

“Sky’s not falling. I think with young players, there’s growing and there’s learning that happens,” Stefanski said. “I don’t care what the position is, but look at history in terms of young players, and sometimes there’s moments that aren’t going to go your way, and you learn from those. So that’s no different for any position, no different for Shedeur versus any other player.”

The sideline heaters. The Browns got out of Chicago, where the kickoff temperature was 8 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of minus-2, without any cases of frostbite.

Defending play-action passes. The Browns have allowed 10 touchdowns off play-action, second-most in the league. Chicago's Caleb Williams was 10 of 13 for 141 yards and two touchdowns on play-action. According to Next Gen Stats, his 151.0 passer rating on such throws was his highest this season.

Kicker Andre Szmyt accounted for all of Cleveland's points for the second game this season. He has four field goals of at least 50 yards this season, including a 50-yarder in windy conditions.

WR Jerry Jeudy. Sanders delivered a perfect pass to Jeudy near the goal line in the third quarter, only to have the ball go through his hands, off his chest and into the arms of Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson for an interception and a touchback. It was Jeudy's 11th dropped pass of the season and his league-leading 24th since being acquired by the Browns last year.

OG Teven Jenkins (shoulder) was injured on Sunday. OG Wyatt Teller (calf), OT Jack Conklin (concussion), DL Aidan Huntington (quad), TE David Njoku (knee), RB Dylan Sampson (calf, hand) and CB Denzel Ward (calf) were inactive.

21 1/2: Sacks for Myles Garrett on the season. He had 1 1/2 on Sunday.

1: Sacks needed by Garrett to tie Michael Strahan and TJ Watt for the NFL single-season record.

The Browns host the Buffalo Bills (10-4), who kept alive their hopes of overtaking New England for the AFC East title after beating the Patriots on Sunday. Buffalo has won three of its past four meetings with Cleveland.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears had just wiped out the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Caleb Williams wasted no time turning his attention toward the next game.

Chicago and Green Bay will meet for the second time in three weeks when the Packers visit Soldier Field on Saturday night. And Williams is ready for the rematch.

“I’m definitely excited,” he said after beating Cleveland. "I’m excited for the moment. They’re coming here, and it’s another game for us. But I’m excited.”

The NFC North-leading Bears (10-4) won five straight games and nine of 10 before losing 28-21 at Lambeau Field two weeks ago, when Williams underthrew Cole Kmet on an interception in the end zone in the closing minute. Chicago fell behind the Packers in the division and dropped from first to seventh in the conference.

The Bears bounced back in a big way against the struggling Browns, winning 31-3 in one of the coldest games ever at Soldier Field. With the Packers (9-4-1) losing at Denver, Chicago regained the division lead.

The schedule is about to take another tough turn, with Green Bay visiting and a trip to San Francisco before Chicago hosts Detroit in the finale. The Bears at least won't have to deal with Micah Parsons after the Packers' superstar pass rusher tore his left ACL in the third quarter at Denver.

Even so, a win over Green Bay is hardly a sure thing for Chicago. The Packers have dominated the NFL's longest-running rivalry the past few decades. And if Williams wants some payback for the most recent meeting, that's fine with coach Ben Johnson.

“I’m glad Caleb didn’t like how the last one ended,” he said Monday. "None of us should. No one likes to lose. And so the only way you can shake that feeling is to look to stack more victories. And so that’s our intent.”

The defense. Chicago held Cleveland to 192 yards and sacked Shedeur Sanders five times in his fourth start. The Bears also had three interceptions, leading to two touchdowns and a field goal, and extended their league-leading totals in INTs (21), takeaways (30) and turnover differential (plus-20).

The way the Bears dominated, it was hard to find fault with their performance.

WR DJ Moore. If Moore seemed like a forgotten man the previous week, well, consider this quite a reintroduction.

He went from being targeted just three times and catching one pass for a 4-yard loss to contributing 69 yards and two touchdowns with leading receiver Rome Odunze missing his second straight game because of a lingering foot injury. That included a highlight-reel grab on a 22-yarder in the third quarter. Williams rolled toward the right sideline and Moore went up in a crowd in the back of the end zone to haul in the pass.

Moore, who is second on the team with 43 receptions and 567 yards, is on pace to finish with 689 yards. His career low is 788 yards in 2018 as a rookie with Carolina.

K Cairo Santos. In seven seasons with the Bears, Santos had never missed a field goal of 39 yards or less. He was 84 for 84 before a 35-yarder nicked the right upright in the second quarter, a bad miss even with the Browns' Myles Garrett coming in off the edge. Santos is 21 of 26 on field goals this season.

Johnson said “all options are on the table” with Odunze after he aggravated his foot injury in warmups and was a late scratch. It's been bothering him since October, and the team had been managing the situation by having him sit out some practices. “There may be a case where we have to protect him from himself a little bit and just make sure we get him right and he’ll be able to help us down the road," Johnson said. ... The Bears opened a 21-day practice window on LB Tremaine Edmunds (groin), who has missed the past four games. He was hurt in Chicago's Week 11 win at Minnesota. ... WR Luther Burden (ankle) is day to day after he was hurt on Sunday.

3 — The three points were the fewest allowed by Chicago since a 29-3 victory over the New York Giants in Week 17 of the 2021 season. The previous low this year was 14 in wins over Dallas in Week 3 and New Orleans in Week 7.

The Bears will try to beat the Packers for the second time in three meetings and get some payback for the loss in Week 14. Chicago won at Lambeau Field in last year's finale, ending an 11-game losing streak against Green Bay.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have largely been a two-wide-receiver team all season, so Davante Adams' hamstring injury is likely to reveal whether Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford have another wideout they actually trust.

Or maybe the Rams (11-3) will just lean even further into the three-tight-end sets that have been McVay's preferred scheme recently on the way to the top of the NFC standings.

Either way, a difficult trip to Seattle on Thursday night likely got even tougher when Adams aggravated his hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of an impressive 41-34 comeback win over the Detroit Lions.

Although the playoff-bound Rams gave no update on Adams' condition Monday, the star receiver seems unlikely to play in Los Angeles’ showdown with the Seahawks (11-3) for the overall NFC lead.

“We’ll probably just go out there with 10 guys and just see what happens,” offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said with a grin Monday. “No, I’m just kidding. You guys have seen how valuable he’s been for us in so many different ways. ... He’s still playing at that high clip, and we’re just hoping for the best.”

Adams' absence would leave McVay's offense without the NFL's leader in touchdown receptions and the vital counterpoint to No. 1 target Puka Nacua.

“(Adams) is an outstanding football player, a huge part of our offense and a guy that has put it in the end zone a bunch for us this year," MVP favorite Stafford said after passing for 368 yards and two TDs against the Lions. "That’ll be a tough one. ... I have a lot of faith and trust in the other guys that we have in our locker room and our coaching staff to put us in a great position.”

But that trust is questionable when looking at pure numbers: Stafford has targeted Nacua and Adams a combined 243 times in 14 games, while the four wideouts getting sporadic playing time behind Nacua and Adams have seen just 58 combined targets — only about four throws per game.

Three Rams tight ends and running back Kyren Williams have all caught more passes than wide receiver Jordan Whittington, who has 17 catches. Xavier Smith has 14 catches, while rookie Konata Mumpfield and $10 million veteran Tutu Atwell — who missed most of two months with injury — have just five receptions apiece.

These meager numbers are no coincidence, given McVay's wholehearted embrace of offensive sets with three tight ends over the past two months. Los Angeles is running that scheme at the highest rate in NFL history, which has even meant fewer snaps for Nacua and Adams, let alone their backups.

The only other team with double-digit victories relying so heavily on just two wide receivers this season? It's the Seahawks, whose tertiary wideouts have been targeted only 53 times this season — although that number is rising since Rashid Shaheed's arrival to join Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, who was replaced in Los Angeles by Adams.

The running game is on a roll, topping 150 yards in three consecutive games after hitting that mark just twice in the first 11. Williams surpassed 1,000 yards for the third straight season, while Blake Corum has had the three most productive games of his career in the past three weeks.

The defense had an ugly first half against Detroit, allowing 8.5 yards per play while Jared Goff diced up the secondary for 221 yards on the way to a 10-point lead. Los Angeles' halftime adjustments have been excellent this season, but the Lions were a couple of plays away from a 31-point first half that would have been daunting.

Stafford’s confidence in his tight ends showed against the Lions when Colby Parkinson caught two more touchdown passes. After a quiet Rams debut in 2024, Parkinson has rounded into a receiving threat over the past six weeks, catching 22 passes for 230 yards and six TDs with Tyler Higbee sidelined by injury.

The Rams' cornerback play has receded to the level many expected this season. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Cobie Durant both struggled against Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Josh Wallace looked overmatched at times while playing instead of healthy scratch Ahkello Witherspoon. Quentin Lake's injury absence has been felt — but this time, the Rams were able to outscore their biggest weakness.

DL Braden Fiske left the locker room with a limp, but the Rams didn't provide injury updates Monday.

93.7 — Nacua's yards receiving per game during his career. That's the most in NFL history, surpassing the pace set by Minnesota's Justin Jefferson. Nacua also became the second receiver in Rams history with two 100-catch seasons Sunday, joining Torry Holt.

The Rams face their biggest game of the year on a short week, and a loss would badly damage their hopes of claiming McVay's first No. 1 playoff seed. It's a major test of will for a team that got outgained 414-249 in its 21-19 win over the Seahawks last month.

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