Nielsen just released its first Scarborough NFL Fandom Index. The study ranks every market by true fan intensity ahead of the 2026 season.
It measures eight factors. These include apparel buys, game attendance, TV viewership, radio listening, streaming, social media, betting intent, and overall interest.
A score of 100 marks the average. Higher numbers show stronger local passion.
The Buffalo Bills comfortably lead with a massive 208. The Kansas City Chiefs follow at 194. The Green Bay Packers take third at 172.
NFL’s Most Passionate Markets Stand Out
Cincinnati and Philadelphia round out the top five. Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Detroit, New Orleans, and Cleveland complete the top 10.
Smaller legacy markets dominate the rankings. One-team cities with strong local identity perform best. AFC North markets form a high-intensity cluster. Fans there rely heavily on radio, TV, and live games. Large media hubs struggle by comparison. Split loyalties and many entertainment options dilute intensity.
NFL’s Lowest-Ranked Fan Bases Exposed
New York ranks dead last. The Giants and Jets share the market and finish tied at the bottom.
Los Angeles comes in second-worst. The Rams and Chargers also split attention in a massive entertainment city. Miami, San Francisco-Oakland, and Tampa Bay also land near the bottom. Phoenix sits just ahead of that group.
Nielsen notes that big markets often show lower per-capita engagement. Absolute fan numbers stay high, yet intensity drops.
The study highlights a clear pattern. Concentrated loyalty in mid-sized cities beats fragmented big-city fandom.
Buffalo’s score more than doubles the average. Bills fans crush the field in nearly every category. Chiefs and Packers supporters also deliver elite numbers. Their local cultures drive consistent engagement.
Philadelphia and Cincinnati succeed through broad strength. Neither leads every metric, yet both rank high across most. This data arrives as the preseason continues. Regular-season games tip off soon.
The rankings confirm what many already sense. Real NFL passion thrives in places where the team defines the community.
