The United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026, and Week 18 takes place the first weekend of the new year.

To commemorate America's 250th anniversary, the NFL intends to put on a big shindig during Week 18th next year.

The NFL has announced that it will use a special football to commemorate the 250th year of the American experiment. Starting in Week 18, the first games to be played in 2026, a ball with a smaller NFL shield next to an “America 250" message will be used for all games.

ESPN's Dan Graziano, who recently spoke with the Panthers' "people," expects the team to make this decision on Bryce Young's fifth-year option . . .

Two big offenses and season's highest betting over/under on points awaits as hot Dallas Cowboys visit Detroit Lions to kick off NFL Week 14. Our pick