Which NFL team’s fan base is truly the most loyal is one of the most contentious topics. We examined stadium attendances (using ESPN data) vs. capacity across the NFL in the 10 seasons between 2010 and 2019 to identify the best-followed NFL teams.
We then ranked each team based on its 10-year average percentage attendance using this data. A higher percentage for some teams was due to more spectators in the hospitality or standing-room-only sections.
What NFL team has the least loyal fans?
Our analysis shows that Dallas Cowboys supporters are the most loyal in the NFL. In the ten seasons from 2010 to 2019, the Cowboys had an average stadium attendance of 103.2 percent.
The devotion of the Cowboys’ fan base is all the more astounding given that they haven’t advanced to the Super Bowl since 1995. In fact, since 2010, half of the top 10 most favored teams have not prevailed in the Super Bowl.
The Indianapolis Colts, who have a 10-year average attendance percentage of 102.2 percent stadium capacity, come in second place to the Cowboys.
The Philadelphia Eagles, the only NFL team to record at least 100 percent capacity each season between 2010 and 2019, are third in the standings, behind the Colts. According to the research, the Eagles’ fan base can be declared the NFL’s most steadfastly devoted.
The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are tied for fourth place with average attendance rates of 101.2 percent throughout the 10 seasons from 2010 to 2019.
The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears, which had average attendance rates of 100.6 percent and 100.5 percent over the same time span, were just behind them. The final two teams with at least 100% average attendance are the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, which complete the top 10.
Even though they participated in five Super Bowls between 2010 and 2019 and won three of them, the New England Patriots (99.4 percent) only place 11th on our list.