There’s nothing more exciting than when an NFL expansion team is awarded the opportunity to play in the greatest football league in the world. It’s an excellent chance to grow the league and opens its doors to a new fanbase. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s something we look forward to.
When the NFL was established in 1920, there were a total of 14 teams. Over the past 100 years, those teams have relocated to new cities, changed their names, and additional teams have been added to the mix — known as NFL expansion teams. Today, there are 32 NFL teams.
When you look at the list of teams in the NFL today, it’s amazing how many of them are considered NFL expansion teams. The league has come a long way in 100 years and has grown to be one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the entire world.
RELATED: The Best Football Numbers Based On These 20 NFL Stars
NFL Expansion Cities We’d Like to See the Most
Some of the most popular NFL expansion teams in the past include the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and most recently the Houston Texans.
The Texans were the latest NFL expansion team and were added to the league in 2002. That’s nearly 20 years ago and with the NHL adding several teams to their roster in recent years, it might be time the NFL starts to consider doing the same. It’s been long enough, don’t you think?
We think so. In fact, we can think of 25 cities that are worthy of an NFL expansion. Some of these cities have teams in other pro sports, while others could use a general morale boost. Either way, let’s take a look at some of the cities we believe deserve careful consideration.
25. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Pro Sports Teams: Edmonton Oilers (NHL), Edmonton Elks (CFL), FC Edmonton (CPL)
College Sports Teams: Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas
Population: 981,280 (2017)
Who They Root for Now: Varies
Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, located right in the center of the province. It’s home to the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL and the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League. In fact, the Elk have won the Grey Cup Championship fourteen times over the past 70+ years.
24. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pro Sports Teams: Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), Milwaukee Admirals (AHL), Milwaukee Wave (MASL)
College Sports Teams: Marquette Golden Eagles, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers
Population: 594,548 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Green Bay Packers
There’s already an NFL team in Wisconsin and they have a lot of support — the Green Bay Packers. Milwaukee is about a two hour drive south of Green Bay (closer to Chicago) and has more than five times the population of Green Bay. It would create quite the rivalry in Wisconsin.
23. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Pro Sports Teams: Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA), New Mexico United (USL)
College Sports Teams: New Mexico Lobos
Population: 559,374 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys
An NFL expansion to Albuquerque would be interesting. It has a sizable population and there currently isn’t any NFL team in the state of New Mexico. It’s not the most popular place for the NFL to expand to, but it would certainly build a new fanbase in the Land of Enchantment.
22. Vancouver, Canada
Pro Sports Teams: Vancouver Canucks (NHL), BC Lions (CFL), Vancouver Canadians (A), Vancouver Titans (Overwatch League), Vancouver Warriors (NLL), Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS), Vancouver Knights (Global T20)
College Sports Teams: University of British Columbia
Population: 675,218 (2017)
Who They Root for Now: Varies
Vancouver is located in the southwest corner of British Columbia, Canada — just a three hour drive north of Seattle. It’s already home to an NHL team, MLS team, NLL team, and A baseball team. The BC Lions (CFL) have won six Grey Cup championships, most recently in 2011.
21. Bismarck, North Dakota
Pro Sports Teams: none
College Sports Teams: Bismarck State Mystics
Population: 72,777 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Minnesota Vikings
Bismarck is the capital city of North Dakota and despite its small population, it would give neighboring states (Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota) someone to root for. There are currently no pro sports teams in the area, but it used to host a team in the NBA Development League.
20. Anchorage, Alaska
Pro Sports Teams: none
College Sports Teams: University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves
Population: 293,531 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Seattle Seahawks
Just think about how cool it would be to award an NFL expansion team to Alaska. There’s currently no professional sports teams in the state and barely any amateur teams, so it would bring new life to the most populated city in Alaska. Its proximity to Russia would be unique.
19. Oakland, California
Pro Sports Teams: Oakland Athletics (MLB), Oakland Roots SC (USL)
College Sports Teams: Oakland University Golden Grizzlies
Population: 425,097 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Las Vegas Raiders
Let’s be honest, the Oakland Raiders should’ve never left Oakland. While Las Vegas deserves an NFL team, it should’ve been an expansion — not a relocation. The Raiders’ fans were some of the best in the NFL. Bringing those fans a new franchise might be exactly what they need.
18. San Diego, California
Pro Sports Teams: San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Seals (NLL), San Diego Sockers (MASL), San Diego Legion (MLR), San Diego Strike Force (IFL), San Diego Gulls (AHL), San Diego Loyal SC (USLC)
College Sports Teams: San Diego State Aztecs, San Diego Toreros, UC San Diego Tritons
Population: 1,410,000 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Los Angeles Chargers
Speaking of teams that recently relocated, the San Diego Chargers should’ve never moved to Los Angeles. Not only did LA already have an NFL team, but San Diego was a great city for a football team. They’ve been in LA for four years and still don’t have a permanent home arena.
17. Austin, Texas
Pro Sports Teams: Austin Bold FC (USLC), Austin FC (MLS), Austin Gilgronis (MLR), Austin Spurs (NBA G-League), Round Rock Express (AAA), Texas Stars (AHL)
College Sports Teams: Texas Longhorns
Population: 950,807 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Dallas Cowboys
When you see the type of loyalty residents have for the University of Texas Longhorns, you start to wonder why they haven’t been awarded an NFL team — or any major pro sports team. Although it’s considered Cowboy territory, that would quickly change if they had their own team.
16. Norfolk, Virginia
Pro Sports Teams: Norfolk Tides (AAA), Norfolk Admirals (ECHL)
College Sports Teams: Old Dominion Monarchs, Norfolk State Spartans
Population: 244,601 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans
It might not have the biggest population you’d like to see in a potential NFL expansion city, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. With no major professional sports teams in the state of Virginia, Norfolk would definitely be the city to pick — above Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
15. Columbus, Ohio
Pro Sports Teams: Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), Columbus Crew SC (MLS), Columbus Clippers (AAA)
College Sports Teams: Ohio State Buckeyes
Population: 878,553 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals
I know what you’re thinking, the football community in Ohio already has the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, but Columbus is definitely deserving of its own NFL expansion team — especially considering the large presence of Ohio State Buckeyes’ football fans in the city.
14. Montreal, Canada
Pro Sports Teams: Montreal Canadiens (NHL), Montreal Alouettes (CFL), CF Montréal (MLS)
College Sports Teams: Montreal Carabins, McGill University Redbirds and Martlets
Population: 1,780,000 (2017)
Who They Root for Now: Varies
We’ve already mentioned two cities in Canada, but it’s no surprise to see Montreal on this list. They already have a well-known NHL franchise and CFL team. It would be interesting to see an NFL team in Montreal, especially with a population of almost 2 million people in the city.
13. Birmingham, Alabama
Pro Sports Teams: Birmingham Barons (AA)
College Sports Teams: UAB Blazers, Samford Bulldogs
Population: 212,297 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers
With the success of the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, you might be surprised to see Birmingham here, but we think Birmingham is more deserving of an NFL expansion team. It has a larger population and would still draw in quite the crowd from Tuscaloosa (one-hour drive).
12. Orlando, Florida
Pro Sports Teams: Orlando Magic (NBA), Orlando City SC (MLS), Orlando Pride (USLC)
College Sports Teams: UCF Knights
Population: 280,832 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins
Florida is already home to three NFL teams — Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins. Adding another one might be overkill, but that doesn’t mean Orlando wouldn’t be a good location for an NFL expansion team — it’s located in central Florida.
11. Louisville, Kentucky
Pro Sports Teams: Louisville City FC (USLC), Metro Louisville FC (NPSL), Racing Louisville FC (NWSL), Louisville Bats (IL), Louisville RiverFrogs (ECHL)
College Sports Teams: Louisville Cardinals, Bellarmine Knights
Population: 617,790 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals
The University of Louisville dominates the sports scene in Louisville, but it has also seen a recent emergence of soccer. Not having any major pro sports teams, the NFL would do well here. Fans are forced to root for nearby teams and would quickly change if they had their own franchise.
10. Salt Lake City, Utah
Pro Sports Teams: Utah Jazz (NBA), Real Salt Lake (MLS), Utah Royals FC (NWSL), Utah Warriors (MLR), Utah Grizzlies (ECHL), Salt Lake Bees (AAA),
College Sports Teams: Utah Utes
Population: 197,756 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals
It might not look like they have a large population, but Salt Lake City is as loyal as they come with their sports teams — just look at the Utah Jazz. As we crack the top-10, it’s no surprise we believe Salt Lake City to be a team deserving of an NFL expansion team — it needs to happen!
9. San Antonio, Texas
Pro Sports Teams: San Antonio Spurs (NBA), San Antonio Missions (AA), San Antonio FC (USL)
College Sports Teams: UTSA Roadrunners, Incarnate Word Cardinals
Population: 1,508,000 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans
The San Antonio community already has the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans to root for, but their 1.5 million population could use their own franchise. In fact, its population is larger than Dallas and it would do well in the NFL, especially considering how loyal Spurs’ fans are.
8. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Pro Sports Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder
College Sports Teams: Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys and Cowgirls
Population: 643,692 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans
No one knew how badly the Oklahoma City community needed a professional sports team until the Thunder arrived. Now, it’s clear that adding an NFL expansion team is the next step. It’s largely Dallas Cowboys’ territory, but that wouldn’t last long if they had their own franchise.
7. St. Louis, Missouri
Pro Sports Teams: St. Louis Blues (NHL), St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), St. Louis City SC (MLS), Fire & Ice SC (WPSL)
College Sports Teams: Saint Louis Billikens, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Cougars
Population: 308,174 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Kansas City Chiefs
We’ve talked about Oakland and San Diego, two teams that recently relocated — although they shouldn’t have. St. Louis is another team we wish never relocated. It had a good fanbase and it wouldn’t take much to regain those fans, who have mostly turned to the Kansas City Chiefs.
6. Omaha, Nebraska
Pro Sports Teams: Omaha Lancers (USHL), Union Omaha (USL), Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA)
College Sports Teams: Creighton Bluejays, Omaha Mavericks
Population: 475,862 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs
If it weren’t for Peyton Manning, Omaha might not have any place in the NFL. With that said, he made the ‘Omaha’ audible call famous throughout the league. How awesome would it be if Omaha was awarded an NFL expansion team? It would be a great tribute to Peyton Manning!
5. Portland, Oregon
Pro Sports Teams: Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), Portland Winterhawks (WHL), Portland Timbers (MLS), Portland Thorns FC (NWSL)
College Sports Teams: Portland Pilots, Portland State Vikings
Population: 645,291 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers
Portland is home to some of the most loyal fans in the entire country, evidenced by their love for the Portland Trail Blazers. They embrace that team and all the players that come with it. That’s what the NFL is all about and exactly why we believe Portland deserves to be in the top-five.
4. Toronto, Canada
Pro Sports Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Rock (NLL), Toronto Marlies (AHL), Toronto FC (MLS), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), Toronto Arrows (MLR)
College Sports Teams: Ryerson Rams, Toronto Varsity Blues, York Lions, Centennial Colts, George Brown Huskies, Humber Hawks, Seneca Sting
Population: 2,930,000 (2017)
Who They Root for Now: Buffalo Bills
There has been a lot of talk over the past decade about moving the Buffalo Bills to Toronto, but it has constantly been shut down — so it’s clear the Bills aren’t going anywhere. With that said, the NFL does have a big presence in Toronto already and the area would do well with its own team.
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
Pro Sports Teams: none
College Sports Teams: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Population: 348,985 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: San Francisco 49ers
It’s clear that the NFL wants to expand their reach internationally, which is why three of the top four NFL expansion cities on this list are all outside the United States. Honolulu is the one that isn’t and for good reason — it needs a franchise. It would be one of the coolest NFL destinations.
2. London, England
Pro Sports Teams: Arsenal (PL), Chelsea (PL), Crystal Palace (PL), Fulham (PL), Tottenham Hotspur (PL), West Ham United (PL), Harlequins (PR), London Irish (PR), London Broncos (RFLC), London Lions (BBL), London Pulse (NSL)
College Sports Teams: University of London, University College London (UCL), and others
Population: 8,982,000 (2019)
Who They Root for Now: Varies
The NFL is already committed to playing two games in London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium every single year and the reason is they have such a large following out there. Fans in London want it and the NFL wants it, so it only makes sense to give London their own NFL franchise.
1. Mexico City, Mexico
Pro Sports Teams: N/A
College Sports Teams: N/A
Population: 8,855,000 (2015)
Who They Root for Now: Las Vegas Raiders
Despite choosing not to play any NFL games in Mexico City during the 2021 season, they have played five games in the city over the past few years. It’s reported that the NFL is the second most popular sport in Mexico City and it’s only a matter of time before they get a franchise.
When Will the Next NFL Expansion Happen?
The NFL isn’t just a popular sport in the United States. It’s enjoyed by fans all over the world and while it hasn’t gone international with its franchises, it has started to expand its reach by playing games in Mexico City and London — two cities that are likely to get an NFL expansion team.
With that said, it’s unclear when the next NFL expansion will happen. It’s actually surprising that it hasn’t happened recently, especially since it’s been nearly two decades since the Houston Texans were added to the NFL. What we know is that the NFL is long overdue for an expansion.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 30 of the Best Sports Logos Ever
For now, we might have to live with some teams relocating, opposed to the league expanding. There has been talk of the Jacksonville Jaguars moving to London, which is actually a real possibility — especially if the Jaguars continue to be the laughing stock of the NFL.
How Many NFL Teams Are There & How Do They Rank All-Time?
The National Football League (NFL) is home of all the best football players in the world. The league was formed in 1920 with 10 teams, though it was known as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) at the time. Through the years, the league has evolved greatly.
So, how many NFL teams are there? Today, there are a total of 32 teams from 23 states. They’re divided into two 16-team conferences – the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference – and further divided into eight four-team divisions.
The only states with more than one NFL team are California (3), Florida (3), Ohio (2), Maryland (2), New Jersey (2), Pennsylvania (2), and Texas (2). The largest state without an NFL team is Virginia and there are a total of 27 states in the US without an NFL team – room to grow maybe?
RELATED: 20 Football Movies to Love Year-Round
Ranking the 32 NFL Teams by All-Time Winning Percentage
We know how many NFL teams are there, but how do those teams rank all-time? Well, there are a number of ways you can measure that and it’ll result in a different list every single time. You can look at the number of championships, wins, division wins, or even conference wins.
Personally, I believe the best way to measure this is through all-time winning percentage – in the regular season and playoffs. Since not all teams joined at the same time and some have played more or less games than others, looking at winning percentage gives a solid base point.
It’s always interesting to see how NFL teams rank all-time versus how they rank today. For example, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – who we’ll get to in just a moment – have the worst winning percentage all-time, but are considered one of the best teams in the league today.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Year Joined NFL: 1976
Regular Season Record: 284-430-1
Playoffs Record: 10-9
Combined W-L%: .401
Championships: 2 (2002, 2020)
Despite landing at No. 32 on this list, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of just 14 teams to win at least two Super Bowls – both coming in the past 20 years. They play in the NFC South, have 11 playoff appearances, won six divisional championships, and two conference championships.
31. Arizona Cardinals
Year Joined NFL: 1920
Regular Season Record: 568-771-41
Playoffs Record: 7-9
Combined W-L%: .424
Championships: 0
The Arizona Cardinals have relocated several times since joining the NFL in 1920 as the Racine Cardinals. They’ve also played in Chicago, St. Louis, and Phoenix. They currently have 11 playoff appearances, seven division championships, and one conference championship.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Year Joined NFL: 1995
Regular Season Record: 177-244-0
Playoffs Record: 7-7
Combined W-L%: .428
Championships: 0
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been the laughing stock of the NFL the past three seasons, but that’s nothing new for them. In their 27-year history, they’ve never won a conference championship and only won three division championships, despite seven playoff appearances.
29. Atlanta Falcons
Year Joined NFL: 1966
Regular Season Record: 369-475-6
Playoffs Record: 10-14
Combined W-L%: .438
Championships: 0
The Atlanta Falcons came close to winning their first championship, but gave up a 25-point lead to the Patriots in Super Bowl LI. They play in the NFC South and have made a total of 14 playoff appearances, won six division championships, and won two conference championships.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Year Joined NFL: 1968
Regular Season Record: 364-453-5
Playoffs Record: 5-14
Combined W-L%: .442
Championships: 0
The Cincinnati Bengals enjoyed a successful 10-year stretch from 2005-2015 under head coach Marvin Lewis, making it to the playoffs seven times in that span. They’ve only made the playoffs seven other times, making it to the Super Bowl twice – losing by a single possession in both.
27. Houston Texans
Year Joined NFL: 2002
Regular Season Record: 136-171-0
Playoffs Record: 4-6
Combined W-L%: .443
Championships: 0
The Houston Texans are the newest expansion team in the NFL, joining the league in 2002. They’ve won six division championships in the past 10 years, making it to the playoffs six times in that span. Unfortunately, the franchise is currently going through a drama-filled, total rebuild.
26. New York Jets
Year Joined NFL: 1970
Regular Season Record: 410-516-8
Playoffs Record: 12-13
Combined W-L%: .445
Championships: 1 (1968)
The New York Jets were an original AFL team, but joined the NFL after the two leagues merged in 1970. Since then, the Jets have made the playoffs 12 times, won four division championships, and won a Super Bowl in 1968. The 2010 season was the last time the Jets made the playoffs.
25. Detroit Lions
Year Joined NFL: 1930
Regular Season Record: 567-683-33
Playoffs Record: 7-13
Combined W-L%: .454
Championships: 0
The Detroit Lions joined the NFL in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans, but eventually relocated to Detroit four years later. Despite making 21 playoff appearances, winning four division championships, and four conference championships, the Lions have never won a Super Bowl.
24. New Orleans Saints
Year Joined NFL: 1967
Regular Season Record: 388-443-5
Playoffs Record: 10-13
Combined W-L%: .466
Championships: 1 (2009)
The New Orleans Saints were an expansion team in 1967 and struggled to win games over the next several decades. Things started to turn around when Sean Payton and Drew Brees came into town in 2006. Since then, they’ve been one of the most successful teams in the league.
23. Buffalo Bills
Year Joined NFL: 1960
Regular Season Record: 439-487-8
Playoffs Record: 16-18
Combined W-L%: .474
Championships: 0
The Buffalo Bills are one of the most historic franchises in the NFL. Although they’ve been a mediocre team over the past 80 years, they enjoyed a lot of success in the 1990s and appeared in four straight Super Bowls. They stunk for 17 years, but they’re back to their winning ways.
22. Carolina Panthers
Year Joined NFL: 1995
Regular Season Record: 203-215-1
Playoffs Record: 9-8
Combined W-L%: .484
Championships: 0
The Carolina Panthers joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1995. They’ve won six division championships, won 2 conference championships, and have been to the playoffs eight times. John Fox and Ron Rivera account for 157 of the franchise’s 203 wins from 2002-2019.
21. Tennessee Titans
Year Joined NFL: 1960
Regular Season Record: 452-476-6
Playoffs Record: 17-22
Combined W-L%: .485
Championships: 0
Previously the Houston Oilers, the Tennessee Titans are one of the more successful teams to never win a title. They’ve won six division championships, one conference championship, and appeared in 19 playoffs. They have won at least nine games in each of the past five seasons.
20. Cleveland Browns
Year Joined NFL: 1950
Regular Season Record: 487-506-11
Playoffs Record: 12-21
Combined W-L%: .486
Championships: 0
Speaking of NFL teams that haven’t won a Super Bowl, the Cleveland Browns spent most of the 2000s as the doormat of the NFL. They have 25 playoff appearances, 9 division championships, and 11 conference championships. Their woes continue, despite having a really good roster.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Year Joined NFL: 1933
Regular Season Record: 591-620-27
Playoffs Record: 23-23
Combined W-L%: .489
Championships: 1 (2017)
The Philadelphia Eagles joined the NFL as a replacement team in 1933 after the Frankford Yellow Jackets went bankrupt. They’ve won 14 division championships, four conference championships, and one Super Bowl. They’ve appeared in the playoffs 27 times.
18. Los Angeles Chargers
Year Joined NFL: 1970
Regular Season Record: 460-463-11
Playoffs Record: 12-18
Combined W-L%: .495
Championships: 0
Formerly known as the San Diego Chargers, the Los Angeles Chargers joined the NFL in 1970 after 10 years in the AFL. Since 1970, they’ve won 10 division championships, one conference championship, and made 14 playoff appearances. Their future is bright with Justin Herbert.
17. Washington Football Team
Year Joined NFL: 1932
Regular Season Record: 611-613-28
Playoffs Record: 23-20
Combined W-L%: .500
Championships: 3 (1982, 1987, 1991)
The Washington Football Team, formerly known as the Redskins, are in the midst of a rebuild and are one quarterback away from contending once again. They’ve made 25 playoff appearances, won 15 division championships, and won five conference championships.
16. Los Angeles Rams
Year Joined NFL: 1937
Regular Season Record: 589-575-21
Playoffs Record: 22-27
Combined W-L%: .503
Championships: 1 (1999)
The Los Angeles Rams played in LA from 1946-1994 before relocating to St. Louis for 20 years. They returned to LA in 2016 and have enjoyed quite a bit of success under Sean McVay. They’ve made the playoffs in three of the past four seasons and are built for the future.
15. Seattle Seahawks
Year Joined NFL: 1976
Regular Season Record: 368-341-1
Playoffs Record: 17-18
Combined W-L%: .517
Championships: 1 (2013)
The Seattle Seahawks joined the NFL in 1976 and are the only team to appear in both the AFC and NFC Championship. They’ve made 19 playoff appearances, won 11 division championships, and three conference championships. They won their only Super Bowl in 2013.
14. Las Vegas Raiders
Year Joined NFL: 1960
Regular Season Record: 483-440-11
Playoffs Record: 25-19
Combined W-L%: .524
Championships: 3 (1976, 1980, 1983)
Previously in Oakland and Los Angeles, the Las Vegas Raiders are currently in their second season in Sin City. They’ve made 19 playoff appearances, won 12 division championships, and won four conference championships. They won three Super Bowls in an eight-year span.
13. Indianapolis Colts
Year Joined NFL: 1953
Regular Season Record: 534-475-7
Playoffs Record: 23-25
Combined W-L%: .528
Championships: 2 (1970, 2006)
The Indianapolis Colts used to represent Baltimore until the team relocated in 1984. They won 16 division championships, seven conference championships, three NFL championships, two Super Bowls, and appeared in 29 playoffs. They’ve had double-digit wins 16 times since 1999.
12. New York Giants
Year Joined NFL: 1925
Regular Season Record: 720-602-33
Playoffs Record: 24-25
Combined W-L%: .530
Championships: 4 (1986, 1990, 2007, 2011)
The New York Giants have been in the NFL since 1925 and have never changed their name or relocated. Throughout their history, they’ve made 32 playoff appearances and won 16 division championships, 11 conference championships, four Super Bowls, and four NFL Championships.
11. Denver Broncos
Year Joined NFL: 1970
Regular Season Record: 490-434-10
Playoffs Record: 23-19
Combined W-L%: .530
Championships: 3 (1997, 1998, 2015)
The Denver Broncos joined the NFL in 1970 after a decade in the AFL. While they didn’t have much success in the AFL, they’ve made 22 playoff appearances since joining the NFL and have won 15 division championships, eight conference championships, and three Super Bowls.
10. Kansas City Chiefs
Year Joined NFL: 1970
Regular Season Record: 496-426-12
Playoffs Record: 15-20
Combined W-L%: .534
Championships: 2 (1969, 2019)
The Kansas City Chiefs joined the AFL in 1960 and then the NFL when the two merged in 1970. They’ve appeared in the playoffs 23 times and won 13 division championships, two conference championships, three AFL championships, and two Super Bowls that were 50 years apart.
9. San Francisco 49ers
Year Joined NFL: 1950
Regular Season Record: 591-499-16
Playoffs Record: 32-20
Combined W-L%: .535
Championships: 5 (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1994)
The San Francisco 49ers won five Super Bowls in a 14-year span and have a 32-20 all-time playoff record. They joined the NFL in 1950 after four years in the AAFC. They’ve won 20 division championships, seven conference championships, and made 26 playoff appearances.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
Year Joined NFL: 1933
Regular Season Record: 644-557-21
Playoffs Record: 36-26
Combined W-L%: .538
Championships: 6 (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, 2008)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the NFL since 1933, meaning there’s a lot of history packed in this franchise. They’ve appeared in the playoffs 32 times, won 24 divisional championships, eight conference championships, and six Super Bowls – tied for the most all-time.
7. Minnesota Vikings
Year Joined NFL: 1961
Regular Season Record: 495-414-11
Playoffs Record: 21-30
Combined W-L%: .538
Championships: 0
The Minnesota Vikings are hands-down the most successful NFL team to never win a Super Bowl, despite appearing in four between 1970-1977. They’ve won 20 division championships, four conference championships, one NFL championship, and have been to the playoffs 30 times.
6. Miami Dolphins
Year Joined NFL: 1966
Regular Season Record: 468-378-4
Playoffs Record: 20-21
Combined W-L%: .550
Championships: 2 (1972, 1973)
The Miami Dolphins were the first NFL team in the southeast and are the oldest professional sports team in the state of Florida. They’ve been in the playoffs 23 times and won 13 division championships, five conference championships, and back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972-1973.
5. Chicago Bears
Year Joined NFL: 1920
Regular Season Record: 778-600-42
Playoffs Record: 17-20
Combined W-L%: .560
Championships: 1 (1985)
The Chicago Bears were one of the original NFL teams in 1920, operating as the Decatur Staleys. They relocated to Chicago in 1921 and changed their name the following season. They’ve been to the playoffs 28 times and won 19 division championships, four conference championships, and one Super Bowl.
4. Baltimore Ravens
Year Joined NFL: 1996
Regular Season Record: 226-175-1
Playoffs Record: 16-11
Combined W-L%: .566
Championships: 2 (2000, 2012)
The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL since joining the league as an expansion team in 1996. Over the past 25 years, they’ve appeared in the playoffs 13 times, won six division championships, two conference championships, and two Super Bowls.
3. New England Patriots
Year Joined NFL: 1960
Regular Season Record: 520-405-9
Playoffs Record: 37-21
Combined W-L%: .566
Championships: 6 (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018)
The New England Patriots might be No. 3 on this list, but many people view them as the premier NFL franchise – and for good reason. They’ve made the playoffs 27 times and won 22 division championships, 11 conference championships, and six Super Bowls – tied for the most all-time.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Year Joined NFL: 1960
Regular Season Record: 527-399-6
Playoffs Record: 35-28
Combined W-L%: .568
Championships: 5 (1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, 1995)
The Dallas Cowboys recorded 20 straight winning seasons at one point from 1966-1985, so it’s no surprise to see them at No. 2 on this list. In their history, they’ve made 34 playoff appearances, won 23 division championships, 10 conference championships, and five Super Bowls.
1. Green Bay Packers
Year Joined NFL: 1921
Regular Season Record: 770-578-38
Playoffs Record: 36-24
Combined W-L%: .571
Championships: 4 (1966, 1967, 1996, 2010)
The Green Bay Packers have been the most consistent team in NFL history, constantly finding themselves among the top of the power rankings. They’ve made 35 playoff appearances and won 21 division championships, nine conference championships, four Super Bowls, and 11 NFL Championships.
Will the NFL Consider Adding More Teams?
When you asked how many NFL teams are there and we said 32, we also mentioned the fact that there are currently 27 states without a professional football team. That shows there’s a lot of room for growth, but does that mean the NFL is interested in adding more teams to the mix?
Well, there’s a lot of talk right now about the possibility of expansion in the future – how serious those talks are and how soon things would happen are unknown. With that said, the talk around the league is that it could expand to 40 teams. Not all at once, of course, but rather over time.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 25 of the Best NFL MVP Winners of All-Time
It’s not entirely crazy to think of the possibility, especially since the league has been open to expansion in the past – even more recently with the transition to a 17-game season. In fact, an expansion team could be on the horizon if the NFL gifts St. Louis a franchise to resolve conflict.
Contents
What to Read Next...
At The Buzzer, or ATB is the place for those who love sports, life, family, community, and so much more. We are far from the run-of-the-mill 24/7 sports news websites. We not only bring you what’s happening in the world of sports in terms of trades and breaking news, but we also bring you the news that goes on behind the scenes, like big life moments, and so much more. So take a minute and read one of our articles, we promise you won't regret it.