Every NFL offseason is the same: a flood of optimism, hype videos, and wild predictions from fanbases convinced that this is finally their year. The draft grades are glowing, the schedule is “favorable,” and somehow, the new offensive coordinator is going to fix everything.
Of course, reality sets in by October. But before the losses pile up and the excuses start rolling, let’s rank all 32 NFL fanbases based on just how delusional they get every single preseason.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs fans don’t need delusion when reality is this good. They expect to win, and most of the time, they’re right.
31. Baltimore Ravens
Ravens fans believe they’re a contender every year because they usually are. No one’s shouting “17-0” without a good reason.
30. San Francisco 49ers
They may overhype a third-string QB now and then, but 49ers fans are grounded in consistent playoff reality. Their confidence isn’t delusion—it’s muscle memory.
29. Buffalo Bills
Bills fans have real expectations and real heartbreak to back it up. They hope for a Super Bowl, but they also brace for pain.
28. Philadelphia Eagles
They’ll tell you they’re winning the division, but it’s not blind faith—it’s an ingrained personality trait. Slightly chaotic? Yes. Delusional? Not quite.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers fans will always believe they can go 10-7 with a cardboard cutout at quarterback. But at least they admit it might not be pretty.
26. Green Bay Packers
They always think the next QB is the next Hall of Famer. The scary part is, they might be right.
25. Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals fans have gotten a little too used to success lately, but they’re still a little too scarred from the Marvin Lewis years to go full delusion. Hopeful? Yes. Unhinged? Not yet.
24. Seattle Seahawks
They’re eternally optimistic about their playoff chances, even when the roster says otherwise. They always believe they have a chance.
23. Miami Dolphins
Every August, Dolphins fans are convinced they’re about to lead the league in offense. And every December, they’re just hoping Tua is still upright.
22. New England Patriots
The dynasty is dead, but the fans still talk like another 12-win season is right around the corner. Spoiler: it’s not.
21. Washington Commanders
Thanks to Jayden Daniels, Commanders fans believe again. And this time, it’s not based on blind faith and a dream.
20. Los Angeles Rams
They won a Super Bowl and immediately went back to pretending their fanbase is huge. The vibes are either “we’re elite” or “who’s our backup quarterback again?”
19. Denver Broncos
Broncos fans are all in on Bo Nix, but perhaps for good reason. It’s still too early to say if they’re delusional or not.
18. New Orleans Saints
Every preseason, Saints fans act like the team has secretly built a juggernaut. Every regular season, reality slaps them with a 9-8 record.
17. Tennessee Titans
Titans fans think every washed-up wide receiver is a hidden gem. The optimism is admirable. The results are not.
16. Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers fans convince themselves that this is the year the team will win the close games. They say it every year. They’re always wrong.
15. Carolina Panthers
Panthers fans are somehow always high on their QB, no matter who it is. If hope were points, they’d lead the league in scoring.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s either Super Bowl confidence or “we’re being slept on” energy. There’s no in-between and zero logic behind either one.
13. Arizona Cardinals
Even with a half-rebuilt roster, Cardinals fans will swear they’re making noise. Hope springs eternal… and then crashes by Week 4.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Vikings fans live in a permanent state of “this might be the year.” The heartbreak always hits harder when you’ve already bought Super Bowl merch.
11. Atlanta Falcons
Every new coach or quarterback gets the full hype machine. Falcons fans are the kings of preseason spin.
10. Cleveland Browns
Browns fans start every season saying, “This is different.” It never is, but bless their hearts for trying.
9. Houston Texans
One good rookie class and Texans fans are acting like they’ve unlocked a dynasty. The leap from “hopeful” to “delusional” was record time.
8. Detroit Lions
Lions fans are now expecting greatness. Which would be fine if they weren’t acting like they’ve been dominant for decades.
7. Chicago Bears
A young quarterback means another round of “we finally got our guy.” Bears fans have a short memory and unlimited preseason optimism.
6. New York Giants
The Giants could go 6-11, and fans will find a way to spin it as a “growth year.” They’re elite at mental gymnastics.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Colts fans fall in love with their new quarterback before the ink dries. Then by Week 6, they’re blaming the offensive line.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
A decent season and suddenly it’s “we’re dark horse Super Bowl contenders.” Settle down, Duval. Remember how last year turned out?
3. Las Vegas Raiders
Raiders fans think every free agent is the missing piece. And when it all falls apart, they pivot straight to “next year’s our year.”
Read More: 10 Fanbases That Are Only Chill When They’re Losing
2. Dallas Cowboys
They’re winning the Super Bowl every year in August and crying into their nachos by January. Cowboys delusion is practically a birthright.
Read More: Ranking NFL Fan Bases Based on Who Takes Losing the Hardest
1. New York Jets
Every preseason is a masterpiece of false hope. This year it’s different. This year, they’re contenders. This year—oh no, it happened again.
