Every NFL franchise has its thing. Some lean into grit and toughness, others bank on history and nostalgia, and a few seem absolutely convinced they represent the hopes and dreams of every single American, whether we asked them to or not.
So we decided to rank all 32 teams based on just how strongly they believe they’re “America’s Team.” Not how much they actually are, but how much they think they are. Buckle up for some misplaced confidence and delusional branding.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars
They know their lane, and it’s very Florida-specific. Nobody in Idaho is buying a Trevor Lawrence jersey just yet.
31. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers can barely convince Los Angeles they’re L.A.’s team, let alone America’s. They’re trying their best, but that stadium is still half-full of visitors.
30. Carolina Panthers
No national identity, no real bandwagon pull, and no loud proclamations about being beloved. It’s a very “we’re just happy to be here” vibe.
29. Arizona Cardinals
They quietly do their thing in the desert without making a fuss. Even their fans don’t pretend this team is some national treasure.
28. Atlanta Falcons
They’ve got a nice stadium and a solid fanbase, but nobody’s ever called the Falcons “iconic.” The most attention they’ve gotten was for blowing a Super Bowl lead.
27. Tennessee Titans
The Titans give off big “local barbecue joint” energy—great for the region, but not trying to be a national chain. They’ll take your respect, not your spotlight.
26. Houston Texans
You can’t claim America’s heart when your franchise still feels like the NFL’s expansion pack. At least they’ve accepted they have work to do.
25. Cleveland Browns
They’ve got passionate fans and a gritty brand, but even they know they’re the underdog, not the banner-carrier for America. The Dawg Pound is loyal, but niche.
24. Minnesota Vikings
They’ve got a cool horn, a unique look, and some diehard fans, but they’re not shouting their greatness from the mountaintops. It’s a very polite Midwestern pride.
23. New Orleans Saints
They have a beautiful culture and a loyal base, but they’re more of “New Orleans’ team” than America’s. The Saints are more about jazz and gumbo than global branding.
22. Indianapolis Colts
They used to feel bigger when Peyton was around, but now they’re more chill. Not delusional, just a little nostalgic.
21. Detroit Lions
This team finally has something going for it, and now they’re starting to believe. You can feel the momentum, but they haven’t yet fully crossed into America’s Team delusion.
20. Seattle Seahawks
They were trendy for a while, especially during the Legion of Boom era. There’s still some residual belief that people outside the Pacific Northwest care deeply.
19. Los Angeles Rams
Winning a Super Bowl helped, but they’re still trying to force a fanbase into existence. They believe they’re a big deal, even if the rest of the country isn’t quite buying it.
18. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have style, swagger, and a little bit of delusion that their pastel brand is everyone’s favorite. They genuinely believe they’re back—and that you care.
17. New York Jets
Being in New York automatically makes them think they matter more than they do. They’ve got main character energy with a background character resume.
16. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow has given them swagger and national recognition. They’re starting to believe the whole country is on board with the stripes.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brady may be gone, but that era convinced them the nation loves a pirate ship. They’re still holding onto that spotlight.
14. Buffalo Bills
Bills Mafia believes their energy is America’s energy. They’re not entirely wrong, but it’s definitely more of a rowdy northeastern niche than a nationwide movement.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
They’ve got the legacy and a wide-reaching fanbase. And they absolutely believe they’re a team that defines football in America.
12. Denver Broncos
They’ve got mile-high confidence and a strong history. Even when they’re mediocre, they think they’re in the mix for your patriotic affection.
11. Chicago Bears
One of the most historic franchises in the league. They assume everyone grew up idolizing Ditka and watching games in the snow.
10. Baltimore Ravens
They’ve got grit, iconic players, and a no-nonsense identity. And they truly believe football fans across the country admire their toughness.
9. Green Bay Packers
They’re a small-market team with a cult following that acts like a global force. The cheesehead confidence is unmatched.
8. Kansas City Chiefs
They’ve been winning and showing up in primetime constantly, and they know it. The Mahomes era has made them believe they are the NFL. The Taylor Swift effect doesn’t hurt either.
7. San Francisco 49ers
The Niners live off their dynasty years and expect you to remember it fondly. They carry themselves like a franchise you should revere by default.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
Nobody screams “we represent America” like a fanbase that boos Santa Claus. The Eagles fully believe their passion is the standard.
5. New England Patriots
Six Super Bowls, a hoodie, and two decades of dominance will do that to you. Even post-Brady, they still carry themselves like America’s football overlords.
4. New York Giants
Being a staple in the country’s biggest city gives them an automatic edge. They fully expect the nation to tune in when they’re on, even if they’re bad.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders think they’re everyone’s team, whether you like them or not. Their outlaw image has gone national in their heads—and probably on purpose.
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2. Washington Commanders
You don’t name your stadium FedExField in the nation’s capital and pretend to represent the country. Even when they’re a mess, they act like football’s most important franchise.
Read More: The 15 Most Delusional NFL Stars of All Time
1. Dallas Cowboys
They literally branded themselves as “America’s Team” and have doubled down ever since. Win or lose, they still think the entire country is watching and cheering—or hating—along.
Read More: 10 Fanbases That Are Only Chill When They’re Losing
