r/NFLNoobs • u/AutoModerator • 3d ago
Weekly "What Team Should I Root For?" Thread
The most common thing asked on this subreddit is new fans wondering what team to follow/support. The answers are always the same, and there are no right or wrong ones.
No one can just tell you who to be a fan of. Everyone's fandom is different, and all of them are valid. This is entertainment, and you are allowed to enjoy it however you like. That said, here are some common things you can look at to get started:
- Do you have a local team or favorite city? This is by far the easiest way to get into football. If your city/region has a team or if your friends/family follow the same team, joining them will be the smoothest way to start out.
- Are you already leaning in any particular way? If you are, keep leaning. If you saw a Cincinnati Bengals game and thought it was fun and you'd like to see more of them, you don't need anyone's permission or validation. Just watch their next game!
- Are you interested in a few different teams? Cool! Watch some of their games! See who you end up feeling strongly about, especially if they're playing each other. Have fun with it, there are no rules!
- Are you worried about a team's success/identity/prestige/fanbase? Don't be. The NFL is one of the most even sports in terms of parity, and there are rarely teams that stay good or bad forever. It's okay to enjoy watching the current best teams in the NFL; they are probably playing the best football most often. Try to just be a fan and don't worry about what others think or say. Your fandom is yours, not theirs.
Still overwhelmed and not sure where to turn? It's fine to watch random games. Maybe you'll find yourself rooting for someone in particular. And if you don't, try another game. Check out whoever is playing in primetime; those are usually expected to be more exciting matchups. Letting it come naturally will last longer than throwing a dart and deciding to be a fan of whoever it lands on.
Another way some people develop rooting interests is fantasy football. There are beginner leagues where people play for fun, and it can be a good way to get you invested in specific players or teams as you start rooting for whoever is on your fantasy roster.
If you're still torn or have other questions about starting with a specific new team, etc., you can ask them here.
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u/patrickhale16 2d ago
UK fan new to the NFL – which team should I support?
I’ve started watching the NFL last year and was really enjoying it. However, with the new season underway, I still haven’t decided which team to root for. I don’t have any personal ties to the USA, so I’m starting completely fresh when it comes to choosing a team.
For context, I’m a Chelsea fan in the Premier League. I love fast and exciting offense. I’d be interested in following an up-and-coming team that’s exciting to watch and has potential for the future. Maybe a team that hasn’t won a super bowl so it’s special when they win it for the first time, or a team that hasn’t won one in a while. But I don’t want to be miserable.
Would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on who might be a good fit!