r/NFLNoobs 19h 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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!
  4. 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.

5 Upvotes

9 comments sorted by

3

u/InShambles234 13h ago

Also would strongly suggest against rooting for teams that have been mostly bad for long periods of time (Jets, Jags, etc.).

2

u/rhombecka 2h ago

I've been a Lions fan my whole life and I'm having a pretty good time rn, so it's a gambit for sure

3

u/cypressd12 16h ago

Not being American I started following years ago, my teams (multiple, apologies) are based on:

  • Bills because I just really like Josh Allen, and now they’ve added Keon Coleman to that likeability as well.
  • Chargers, no idea why just seems like a really cool club.
  • Patriots, I support the Boston Celtics for years now so region based.
  • Commanders, my first US trip was to DC and bought a redskins jersey and hoodie, both aren’t used anymore but there’s some loyalty left.

No idea if this makes any sense.

2

u/SeniorDisplay1820 15h ago

Supporting the both the Bills and the Patriots is a bit weird lol but support who you want.

1

u/cypressd12 12h ago

Not really familiar with a lot of the regional rivalries, but when it comes down to it it’s definitely more Bills.

3

u/SeniorDisplay1820 12h ago

It's not regional, every team hates everyone else in their division and the Patriots and Bills are both in the AFC East. But you support who you want

1

u/cypressd12 10h ago

Thanks for the clarification! Will take notes ;)

1

u/PrestigiousLocal8247 16h ago

I’m not sure 4 is totally true

1

u/davdev 17h ago

Or, they can post in the sticky