10 NFL Cities That Deserve More Love

There are NFL cities that constantly hog the spotlight—your New Yorks, your Dallases, your LAs—but what about the ones that quietly deliver great vibes, loyal fanbases, and underrated game-day experiences? These cities might not always lead the headlines, but they bring just as much passion, charm, and football culture.

From historic towns to surprisingly electric sports scenes, these ten NFL cities don’t get nearly the love they deserve. It’s time to give them their moment in the sun.

10. Indianapolis

Heritage Hills fans cheer Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, during the Class 3A state final matchup between Fort Wayne Bishop Luers and Heritage Hills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Heritage Hills defeated the Fort Wayne Bishop Luers Knights, 38-15.
Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indy isn’t flashy, but it’s got heart, history, and a rock-solid football culture. Lucas Oil Stadium is a gem, and the city’s downtown is great for a game weekend.

9. Charlotte

Oct 28, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) hands the football to a fan after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

More southern markets often overshadow Charlotte, but the city is full of football energy and southern hospitality. Bank of America Stadium in uptown offers skyline views and a legit home-field vibe.

8. Jacksonville

Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; A view of the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field.The Green Bay Packers won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

People love to clown on Jacksonville, but the fans ride hard for the Jags, and the city has a gritty charm. Plus, who doesn’t love football in Florida sunshine steps from the beach?

7. Nashville

Fans gather on the field during the Tennessee Titans NFL Draft Watch Party at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, April 24, 2025
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Everyone talks about Nashville for the music, but the Titans fanbase is seriously underrated. The city brings energy on Sundays, becoming a low-key great football destination.

6. Cleveland

Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers fans celebrate on the field after the game against the USC Trojans at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Yes, it’s had its share of heartbreak, but Cleveland lives and breathes football in a way that’s impossible not to respect. The Dawg Pound is still one of the most iconic and die-hard sections in the entire NFL.

5. Detroit

Dec 15, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fans hold up a sign for owner Martha Ford during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

Detroit’s football loyalty runs deep, even when the wins don’t. The city shows up no matter what, and the vibe downtown on game day is way more fun than it gets credit for.

4. Minneapolis

Dec 29, 2019; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-Imagn Images
Harrison Barden-Imagn Images

The weather might be icy, but the football culture is red hot. Between the gorgeous stadium and devoted fanbase, Minneapolis deserves way more recognition.

3. Cincinnati

Cincinnati Bengals fans react after Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) forced a fumble from Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) in the fourth quarter of the NFL game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024
Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cincy doesn’t usually scream “football town” to outsiders, but it should. The Bengals’ recent rise has only amplified a passionate, blue-collar fan base that’s been loyal through thick and thin.

Read More: 10 NFL Teams Trapped in Cities That Don’t Deserve Football

2. Tampa

Nov 10, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones (27) celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Tampa has become a quietly great NFL city with a beautiful stadium setting and fans who stick around through good and bad. It’s years since Tom Brady that made this place matter—there’s genuine football love here.

Read More: NFL Most Underrated: Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Emergent Star Named by PFF

1. Buffalo

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (1) jumps into the fan section to celebrate his touchdown with the fans during the second half of the Buffalo Bills wild card game against the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 12, 2025.
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Buffalo fans are unmatched in loyalty, intensity, and table-smashing commitment. The weather is brutal, but the love for the Bills is as warm as it gets—this city deserves way more credit than it gets.

Read More: 14 NFL Cities That Treat Football Like a Side Hobby

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