Ranking 15 NFL Teams Fans Love to Root Against

Every NFL team has its loyal fanbase, but a few franchises seem to collect just as many enemies as they do supporters.

Whether it’s due to years of dominance, constant controversy, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, some teams have become the league’s favorite punching bags. So let’s break down the 15 NFL teams fans love to root against—ranging from slightly irritating to full-on supervillains of the gridiron.

15. Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears
Openverse

For a team that hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 1985, the Bears sure act like they’re always this close to greatness. Their fans love to talk about their defense, their storied history, and that one good season every decade. Plus, the ongoing quarterback struggles make them an easy team to poke fun at.

14. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers
Openverse

The Packers are like that one kid in school who always had their homework done early. With generations of Hall of Fame quarterbacks and a fanbase that loves to remind you they’re “owned” by the team, it’s easy to root against the Cheeseheads—especially if you’re a Bears or Vikings fan.

13. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings
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Something about the Vikings and their “Skol” chant makes them a love-it-or-hate-it kind of team. Their history of heartbreak has won them some sympathy, but when they get good, the purple pride can be a lot.

12. Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams
Wikipedia

Ever since they packed up and left St. Louis, the Rams have carried a bit of a villain arc. Their recent Super Bowl win and tendency to go all-in with big trades make them a team that some fans love to see fail.

11. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints
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Who Dat Nation is loud, proud, and still talking about that one missed pass interference call in the NFC Championship game. The Saints have been a lovable underdog in the past, but their success and swagger rub some people the wrong way.

10. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns fans
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People wanted to root for the Browns—until they didn’t. After years of suffering, they finally started winning, but a controversial QB signing turned them into a team that many fans actively root against.

9. Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins
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The Dolphins have been a little extra flashy lately, with their speedy offense and social media hype. Tua vs. The World debates, undefeated-season nostalgia, and a rivalry with the Bills make them a polarizing team.

8. New England Patriots

gillette stadium
Openverse

Post-Tom Brady, the Patriots are no longer the dynasty they once were, but let’s be honest—years of dominance, Spygate, Deflategate, and an overall air of smugness still make them one of the most disliked teams in football.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers

pittsburgh steelers
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They wave those Terrible Towels everywhere. The Steelers’ six Super Bowl rings, their hard-nosed fans, and the constant “we don’t rebuild, we reload” mindset have rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.

6. New York Giants

New York Giants
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Why do people root against the Giants? Maybe it’s their unexpected Super Bowl wins, their ability to beat the Patriots when it matters most, or just the fact that New York teams seem to attract haters. Either way, Big Blue takes the crown as the NFL’s most love-to-hate team.

5. San Francisco 49ers

49ers fans
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The 49ers have a long history of success, but their modern era of dominance (despite not winning the Super Bowl lately) and fanbase confidence make them easy to root against—especially for Cowboys and Seahawks fans.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles
Openverse

Eagles fans are intense—just ask Santa Claus. Whether it’s their passionate (read: aggressive) fanbase, the “Fly Eagles Fly” anthem, or the fact that they always seem to find themselves in the NFC playoff mix, there are plenty of reasons people love to root against Philly.

3. New York Jets

Aaron Rodgers
Openverse

The Jets are proof that you don’t have to be good to be hated. Maybe it’s the New York media hype, the constant offseason delusions, or the Aaron Rodgers drama, but somehow, people love seeing this team crash and burn.

Read More: 10 Reasons Duke Basketball Has So Many Haters

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs stadium
Openverse

Winning makes you enemies, and the Chiefs have done a lot of winning lately. Between Patrick Mahomes’ dominance, Travis Kelce’s media presence, and the whole Taylor Swift storyline, some fans are so over KC.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Likable NBA Stars

1. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys
Wikipedia

America’s Team? More like America’s Most Loved-To-Hate Team. With their massive fanbase, overconfidence, and yearly Super Bowl expectations that never seem to pan out, the Cowboys are always near the top of this list.

Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Despised NFL Fanbases in the League

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