Starting In Style: NFL teams with the most September home wins

One of the most popular cliches in sports is “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” NFL fans are certainly well versed with that phrase, but the fact of the matter is a putrid beginning can render a torrid stretch run irrelevant. We’ll take a look at NFL franchises who have a habit of getting off to a good start.

The frozen tundra of Lambeau Field is a popular setting for significant late season NFL games, but it turns out the sunny version of the stadium suits the Packers just fine. Green Bay is far and way the league leader in September home wins, and the team is hoping that their crowd comes out in droves to support them in their post Aaron Rodgers era.

The Broncos are the team in the AFC with the most home victories all time, and it makes a lot of sense. Denver has historically had strong teams throughout their history, and their advantage at altitude can make it difficult for the opponent to maintain their conditioning. Road teams have experienced shortness of breath and a dearth of wins in the Mile High city.

Even the most intelligent NFL fans would likely need a handful of guesses to figure out that the Lions have won a bundle of September home games. Detroit’s lack of success throughout their franchise history has been well noted, but they’ve been around a long time. As a result, their presence in the league has allowed them to accumulate so many victories.

Pittsburgh had had one of the most impactful home field advantages in league history, as their fans wave “Terrible Towels” that help build up the intensity at key moments. The Steelers also have an interesting stadium quirk, as the opposing team has a difficult time kicking towards the open end of the building.

The composite win total for the Rams includes their time in Los Angeles and St. Louis. The franchise was one of the best teams in the NFL in the early 2000’s, as the “Greatest Show On Turf” Rams were virtually impossible to stop indoors while they were in St. Louis. Now back in Los Angeles, the Rams have also had a fair bit of success under current head coach Sean McVay.

They’re widely regarded as the most popular team in the NFL, but the Cowboys are also pretty effective during the first quarter of the season. Dallas tends to avoid long stretches of irrelevancy in their franchise history, which means they’re usually in the mix for a playoff spot thanks to their strong starts.

The Vikings have an underrated homefield advantage. Minnesota has primarily played indoors for the last 35 years, which has allowed the fan base to dial up the noise inside the HHH Metrodome or US Bank Stadium. Their pregame chants and horn blowing also helps set the scene for a game.

The Chargers are often chastised for their lack of homefield advantage, especially since they’ve moved to Los Angeles. It seems like the majority of the crowd is comprised of opposing fans. However, during their several decade stint in San Diego, the Chargers were able to illicit a lot of support from the Southern California faithful.

Since Patrick Mahomes stepped in at quarterback, the Chiefs have been one of the best teams in the NFL. Even when they weren’t winning to the degree that they are now, Kansas City had had one of the loudest venues in the NFL. Opposing offenses often have to revert to their silent count in order to communicate.

The Raiders have had the good fortune of scaring the daylights out of teams with their “Black Hole” fan section. Ardent supporters dress up in silver and black gear that may be most relevant during Halloween if not for a Raiders football game. Las Vegas has embraced this tradition after the franchise’s move from Oakland.