Best homefield advantages in the NFL right now
Playing in a stadium where you can hear a pin drop versus competing in a raucous atmosphere makes a big difference if you’re an NFL player. It’s not a comfortable feeling trying to beat talented players while not being able to hear yourself think. We’ll take a look at the most impactful homefield advantages in the NFL today.
As has been well documented over the years, Bills fans are insane when it comes to the level of support they provide their team. Win or lose, snow or shine, Buffalo fans show up in droves to make life difficult for the opposing team. Their homefield advantage becomes even more pronounced in December and January.
The Steelers always seem to be in the mix for a playoff spot, so their fans are used to showing up for big games. Pittsburgh has one of the most storied traditions in the NFL, as their supporters will wave “Terrible Towels” during a crucial moment of the contest. It’s pretty neat when everyone in the stadium is doing this in unison.
Opponents literally have to travel a mile high whenever they face the Broncos. The city of Denver is 5,280 feet above sea level, which causes additional issues for visitors over and above the talent of the football team. The altitude brings about thinner air which can make players who are not used to the environment tired more quickly than they would be otherwise.
Game planning for Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce is difficult enough for opposing coaching staffs, but the level of intensity found in Kansas City during home games is tough to beat. It’s known for being one of the toughest places to play due to crowd noise, which forces offenses to operate in a silent count.
Sometimes Eagles fans get a bad rap for stepping over the line when it comes to fan conduct, but there’s no doubting their desire to impact the game. Philadelphia supports are relentless when it comes to making the other team want the game to end early, and that gives their hometown Eagles an edge.
It’s an active NFL cathedral of sorts, as Lambeau Field is one of the most special places to play. It’s seen so many historic moments throughout NFL history, and it leans into being a museum and a modern NFL venue all at once. Green Bay does not have any other professional sports teams, so Packers fans are all in when it comes to their team.
New Orleans is one of the most renowned party cities in the United States, so Saints fans certainly know how to get ready for a home game. Crowds of people hang outside The Louisiana Superdome enjoying the city before coming into the stadium to give it everything they’ve got from a decibel level perspective.
The Seahawks have embraced the edge that their fans give them in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle fans are known as the 12th man, as their presence makes it seem like the team has an extra player on the field. The franchise tends to bring in legends from the past to get fans amped up for the upcoming game.