The decision on which NFL team to root for is not as simple as randomly selecting a name. It can lead to happiness, companionship, and integration into a new family for the rest of one’s life. Several factors may help if you are new to football or want to start loving the game again. Below are steps to follow to choose the right NFL team for you.
Geographic Location
Selection of an NFL team is easy by looking at the team's region of the country. Backing your local team can strengthen the bond with your fellow citizens and give you a chance to watch the game live. The local media, community events, and other fans make the team easier to follow as compared to other teams. For instance, if you are in Green Bay, Wisconsin, supporting the Packers entails supporting a team that has a long history and has fanatical followership in the community. Moreover, using different NFL picks, one can access the performance and future of the local team to improve their chances of success.
Team History and Success
Certain people like to support teams that have a glorious past and are known for their achievements. Some franchises, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have six Super Bowl titles, or the San Francisco 49ers, who dominated the 80s and 90s, have a large fan base because of the success they have achieved. Cheering for a good team can certainly be fun because it entails watching your team make it to the playoffs and possibly even win the title.
Current Team Performance
Some would like to follow the winner of the past, and some want to bet on the winner of the future. Teams with young and talented players that have the potential for greatness, like the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes, are thrilling to watch as you get to see them grow. If you like watching games that are filled with excitement, a lot of goals, and talented youngsters coming through, then picking a team with potential could be your best bet.
Personal Connections
When deciding who to include in a team, friendship can be used. The family traditions of people following the team that their parents or grandparents favor are the most common reason for supporting a certain team. Friends can also have an impact, as watching the games and the excitement or downfalls of the season can strengthen friendships. When your best friend loves the Chicago Bears, for example, being present with them to cheer them on will improve your social life.
Team culture and values
Every NFL team has its own culture and certain values, so every fan can identify himself with particular values in different ways. Certain teams have public relations departments that oversee their philanthropic activities. For instance, the Seattle Seahawks organization is engaged in community service and environmental activities, which makes them suitable to be supported by fans with social concerns. Off-field activities of the team can enhance the loyalty that you have towards the team if they do things that you support.
Iconic Players
The presence of superstars also plays a big factor when coming up with your decision. A star like Tom Bradey, who played almost all of his career for the New England Patriots, can at times bring in the crowds. Of course, such players may have left the team or have ended their careers, but their contributions can still affect the team’s popularity. The present young and energetic players in the league can also come in to watch new talents in the making.
Rivalries and traditions
The historic competition and tradition of each team make the NFL even more enjoyable to watch. Battles between franchises such as the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders are long-standing, and every confrontation is a classic. Thus, engaging in these rivalries, including taking part in the friendly hatred towards the opponents’ fans or watching the crucial games, can greatly enrich your NFL experience.
Media coverage and accessibility
Other factors that may be of significance include the coverage that the media provides and the ease of access to the media. The teams that are in big cities are likely to have more coverage, so following their games and news will be easier. If you are an international viewer, it will be better for you to support a team that has many games broadcast in your country.
Fantasy Football
For many fans, it is a way to enter into choosing the preferred team to support. Being the manager of a fantasy team, you will get to know many players and teams, which will enhance your knowledge of the league. At some point, you may have a preference for a team depending on the players that you have had on your fantasy team.
Picking a favorite NFL team is a very subjective process that is determined by some factors such as the locality of the team, history of the team, how the team is currently doing, personal relation to a particular player on the team, team culture, favorite player(s), rivalry between teams, media coverage, branding strategies used by the team, and even fantasy football. Thus, you will be able to identify a team that suits your personality and increase your interest in the game. No matter if you are watching the games live, watching them with your friends, or just following them on the internet, the right team for you can enhance your NFL experience.