7 April 2026

Best NFL Teams for UK Beginners

Not sure which NFL team to follow? Here are 8 of the best teams for new UK fans — honest takes, star players and reasons to get behind each one.

Picking an NFL team is one of the best decisions you'll make as a new fan. Unlike following a Premier League club, there's no postcode pressure, no family legacy to honour, and no one will judge you for choosing whoever you like. The NFL is yours to explore.

That said, picking blind is no fun. This guide breaks down eight of the best teams for new UK fans — covering their recent form, their star players, their style of play, and what kind of fan experience you're signing up for.

There's something here for everyone, whether you want to back a dynasty, adopt an underdog, or follow the London connection.

New to American football? Start with NFL Rules Explained for UK Fans before diving in.

Kansas City Chiefs — Back a Dynasty

Based in: Kansas City, Missouri Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium (76,416) Recent form: Three Super Bowl wins in five years (2020, 2023, 2024)

If you want to support a winner from day one, the Chiefs are the obvious choice. They are the dominant team of this NFL era — a well-coached, well-run franchise with the best quarterback in the game in Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes is the reason most new fans drift toward Kansas City. He makes plays that shouldn't be possible, stays calm under pressure, and has an almost supernatural ability to win close games. Watching him operate is a genuine education in what makes the NFL special.

Travis Kelce also plays for the Chiefs. And for anyone who's been living under a rock, he's soon to be married to Taylor Swift, meaning the Chiefs have stars both on and off the field.

The flip side? Supporting the Chiefs means joining the biggest bandwagon in the sport right now. If that doesn't bother you, there's no better team to start with.

Best for: Fans who want to back a winner and learn from a well-structured, consistently excellent team. They took a hit last year, but will be back fighting strong in 2026/27.

Read the full Kansas City Chiefs history →

Philadelphia Eagles — Passionate, Loud, Relentless

Based in: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field (69,796) Recent form: Super Bowl LIX Champions (2025), consistent NFC contenders

Philadelphia fans are some of the most passionate — and notoriously vocal — in all of sport. The Eagles have been one of the NFL's best teams for several years, built around a ferocious defence and a physical, hard-running offence.

They won Super Bowl LIX in February 2025, dismantling the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in one of the most dominant championship performances in recent memory. Jalen Hurts was named MVP after throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for a third.

Jalen Hurts is their quarterback — a dual-threat who runs as well as he throws and leads from the front. A.J. Brown has been one of the most dominant wide receivers in the game. This is a team built to compete for championships for years to come.

Best for: Fans who want intensity, an underdog spirit despite being good, and a team that plays physical, exciting football.

Read the full Philadelphia Eagles history →

New York Giants — A Proud History, A Promising Future

Based in: East Rutherford, New Jersey Stadium: MetLife Stadium (82,500) Recent form: Rebuilding after a difficult decade, with signs of improvement

Full disclosure: the Giants have had a rough ten years. There's no point pretending otherwise. But this is a franchise with genuine history — four Super Bowl titles, two of the greatest upsets in sports history (both against the then-unbeaten New England Patriots), and one of the most iconic brands in American sport.

New York is New York. MetLife Stadium sits across the river from Manhattan, the fanbase is passionate and loyal, and there's something about supporting a Giants team on the rise that feels more rewarding than joining a dynasty mid-run.

The 2026/27 season is being watched closely. A new coaching direction, promising young talent, and one of the most storied franchises in the league make this a team worth getting behind right now — before the rebuild pays off and everyone else jumps on.

Best for: Fans with a connection to New York, those who want to invest in a rebuild, or anyone who appreciates NFL history.

Read the full New York Giants history →

San Francisco 49ers — The West Coast's Finest

Based in: Santa Clara, California Stadium: Levi's Stadium (68,500) Recent form: NFC Championship regulars, Super Bowl LVIII runners-up (2024)

The 49ers are one of the NFL's glamour franchises — a California team with a rich history, a loyal fanbase and a head coach in Kyle Shanahan who is widely considered one of the best offensive minds in the game.

They've been agonisingly close to a Super Bowl title in recent years, losing in the big game in 2024. Their roster is deep, their system is sophisticated, and watching them attack on offence is a masterclass in modern NFL strategy.

For UK fans, the 49ers also have a growing following — they've featured in London games before and their fanbase has a strong international presence.

Best for: Fans who appreciate tactical, well-coached football and a team with genuine Super Bowl ambitions.

Read the full San Francisco 49ers history →

Buffalo Bills — The Loveable Nearly-Men Turning the Corner

Based in: Orchard Park, New York Stadium: Highmark Stadium (71,608) Recent form: AFC contenders, consistently competitive under Josh Allen

The Bills are one of the most beloved teams in the NFL — not just by their own fans, but by neutrals who appreciate their story. They lost four consecutive Super Bowls in the 1990s (a record that will likely never be matched) and spent years in the wilderness before rebuilding into one of the AFC's best teams.

Josh Allen is their quarterback and arguably the most entertaining player in the league. He runs, he throws bombs, he makes ridiculous decisions that somehow work out, and he plays every snap like it might be his last. Bills games are rarely boring.

The Bills fanbase — known for their tailgate parties and extreme loyalty — is one of the best in sport. If you want to feel part of something, Buffalo is that team.

Best for: Fans who want a team with soul, a brilliant quarterback, and games that are never dull.

Read the full Buffalo Bills history →

Jacksonville Jaguars — The London Connection

Based in: Jacksonville, Florida Stadium: EverBank Stadium (62,000) Recent form: Developing young roster with London game regulars

No team has more history with UK fans than the Jaguars. They've played more London games than any other franchise, effectively adopting Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a second home. They return to London in October 2026 — making them the easiest team to see live without flying to the States.

The Jaguars are a young, developing team. They're not favourites for the Super Bowl, but they're building something interesting with a talented young roster. Supporting them now means you'll be there when it pays off — and you'll almost certainly get to see them play live in London.

Best for: Fans who want a London connection, value live games, and don't mind backing a team that's still finding its feet.

Read the full Jacksonville Jaguars history →

Dallas Cowboys — America's Team

Based in: Frisco, Texas Stadium: AT&T Stadium (80,000) Recent form: Consistently competitive, though Super Bowl success has been elusive since 1996

The Cowboys are the most valuable sports franchise in the world and one of the most recognised brands on the planet. Like Manchester United, they attract fans globally — and like Manchester United, they've spent years not quite living up to their billing.

Despite not winning a Super Bowl since 1996, they sell out every game, dominate TV ratings, and produce more NFL content than almost any other team. If you want to be part of the NFL's biggest story — win or lose — Dallas puts you in the middle of it.

Best for: Fans who want to follow the biggest brand in the sport and don't mind the debate that comes with it.

Read the full Dallas Cowboys history →

Seattle Seahawks — Reigning Super Bowl Champions

Based in: Seattle, Washington Stadium: Lumen Field (69,000) Recent form: Super Bowl LX Champions (2026)

The Seahawks are the reigning Super Bowl champions, having beaten the New England Patriots 29–13 in Super Bowl LX in February 2026. They're riding a wave of momentum heading into the 2026/27 season, with a passionate fanbase — known as the 12s — and one of the most atmospheric stadiums in the NFL.

Lumen Field in Seattle is famous for crowd noise. The 12s are so loud they've registered on seismographs during big moments. Getting behind Seattle right now means following the sport's hottest team with a genuine title defence to look forward to.

Best for: Fans who want to back the current champions and experience one of the NFL's great fanbases.

Read the full Seattle Seahawks history →

But What About the Other 24 Teams?

We've only scratched the surface with 8 of the 32 teams here. Next week we will choose another 8 teams to highlight, and dive into why each one might be the perfect team for you. More NFL Teams for UK Beginners is now live — 8 more sides worth considering.

Where to Get Your Gear

Once you've picked your team, the next step is obvious. Fanatics UK stock official jerseys, hoodies and accessories for all 32 NFL teams with UK delivery. Browse the full range at Fanatics UK — and if you're not sure which jersey to go for, the quarterback's number is always a safe bet.

For everything else — fixtures, scores, highlights and the latest NFL news in UK time — the Fourth & Long app has you covered all season long.

The 2026/27 NFL season kicks off on 9 September 2026. You've got time to pick your team. Choose wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which NFL team has the most UK fans?

The Kansas City Chiefs currently have the largest UK following, boosted by their recent Super Bowl success and global star power. The New York Giants also have a strong UK fanbase thanks to two Super Bowl wins and occasional London appearances.

Can I support any NFL team I want?

Absolutely. Unlike in football, there's no geographic obligation in the NFL (as we are from the UK). However ask someone who lives in Dallas who to support, and there's only one correct answer. UK fans are free to pick whichever team they connect with — whether that's a winning team, a local London games side, or simply one whose kit you like.

Which NFL team plays in London the most?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have played more London games than any other team and are considered the de facto 'home' team at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They return to London in October 2026.

Is it expensive to follow an NFL team from the UK?

It doesn't have to be. You can watch games on free-to-air Channel 5, follow via the Fourth & Long app, and buy official merchandise from Fanatics UK. A full NFL Game Pass subscription gives you every game live if you want the full experience.

What is the best NFL team for a beginner to follow?

The Kansas City Chiefs are the obvious choice if you want to back a winner (although not last year). But the best team is the one that gives you a reason to keep watching — whether that's a star player, a city connection, or simply a kit you like.