And just like that (RIP, btw), it’s football season again! As a born and bred Birds fan, I actually don’t need the Gregorian calendar to mark the season opener, considering the permanent pit in my stomach (even when we’re three scores up) promptly arrives this time of year. It def doesn’t help my nerves that football season comes at the end of summer, after all my spicy comfort shows are going off the air for the fall (once again, RIP, And Just Like That). But the thing about loving an NFL team to a stressful degree (Eagles playoff games have taken years off my life, it’s fine) is you also get to watch messy rivalries from across the league that have nothing to do with you, which is just as chaotically entertaining as being a part of The Summer I Turned Pretty fandom during the final episodes (I’m team Belly do whatever TF she wants, okay).
In fact, watching teams from the other conference play in the regular season is just like when your English teacher assigned watching a TV show for extra credit: the best homework ever. Meanwhile, watching teams from other divisions in my own conference feels like when your classmate was presenting a chapter of the book for the semester; even though it’s not your turn, you know whatever they’re rambling on about is gonna come up in your presentation next week. No matter if you’re a loyal fan trying to size up the competition or a casual viewer looking to finally commit to a franchise for good, tuning into the NFL four days a week is the perfect hobby/viewing obsession/unpaid full-time job to fill your calendar now that summer TV series are ending. That obvi makes this the prime time to pick the best NFL team to root for based on your favorite show of the summer.
The Best NFL Teams To Root For In Every Division
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Yes, there are two equally hunky brothers playing on the same team in the AFC; the Steelers are home to both T.J. and Derek Watt (J.J.’s younger brothers). Considering T.J. is wifed up, the likelihood of a Pittsburgh love triangle with his bro feels far-fetched, but we can still pretend. Meanwhile, for the NFC, the Panthers are low-key giving TSITP vibes, considering the book’s imaginary Cousins Beach is partially inspired by the Carolinas’ Outer Banks. Plus, does QB Bryce Young look like an All-American teen drama heartthrob or what?
And Just Like That
Your new team is the Miami Dolphins because of Odell Beckham Jr. OBJ has never been shy (remember when he made a candle designed after his jockstrap) but the more games he plays, the more his tunnel fits convince me he’s the NFL’s Carrie Bradshaw, from fashion to his personality (Tua feels like a Samantha, Tyreek is a Miranda and Sieler is so a Charlotte, FWIW). In the NFC, AJLT viewers should look no further than the New York Giants, though, fair warning, you may be in for more disappointment similar to Carrie 2.0’s premature cancellation.
The Bear
Not unlike Carmy and Cousin breaking generational curses through the restaurant business, the Buffalo Bills are hoping to break the curse keeping Josh Allen away from a Super Bowl ring. On the other side of the country, the LA Rams are bringing the flavor to SoFi Stadium. No, literally — Davante Adams recreated his old Vegas digs (where he famously filmed many Taco Bell commercials with a goober named Todd) at Davante’s House at SoFi, to launch upcoming limited edition Taco Bell menu items. That, plus the fact that the entire Rams team are big foodies for LA’s delish Latin food scene (just watching their gameday packages about their faves), makes me confident Carmy lovers will be at home checking out the Rams’ House.
The Gilded Age
This 1800s period drama is all about women getting shit done despite society being a very fancy boys’ club. If that’s your vibe, watching the work of Tennessee Titans’ female coach, Lori Locust (who is in her seventh year in the league), should be right up your alley. Or, try the Arizona Cardinals, who were founded in the actual Gilded Age as the NFL’s oldest team, and in the very state where George goes to make that railroad money.
Love Island
Loving Love Island is not only a sign of taste, but also a sign you will likely enjoy the absolute drama that is going on with the Jets since, like, forever. Like, Love Island USA producers have nothing on the NYJ management. Relatedly, half of the Vikings’ v young v cute roster could audition for a spot as 20-something Fiji eye candy (J.J. McCarthy, Dallas Turner, Mehki Blackmon, looking at you).
Ginny & Georgia
Yes, Ginny, Georgia, and Austin are not your average family, but they are a loving fam nonetheless, just like the oh-so-wholesome Broncos organization. For those who skip the wholesome scenes for the wildly bonkers twists and turns of the show, may I direct your casual viewing attention to the up-and-down-for-the-last-two-decades Chicago Bears?
Squid Games
Watching an all-powerful band of overlords win again and again in a dystopian future ain’t for everyone, but if it is for you, you should get the train to Chiefs Nation. What??? Tell me you can’t picture Mahomes and Travis wreaking havoc in track suits, I dare you! TBF, bingeing Squid Games could also mean you’re patient enough to never give up on the little guy making a comeback, AKA you’re loyal and patient enough to rock with the Detroit Lions.
Outlander: Blood Of My Blood
Do I even need to explain that AFC North superstar Joe Burrow is an Outlander-worthy hunk at the center of many fans’ fantasies (hello, I’m fans)? Consider Bengals games, permission to look, respectfully. Or, if you love the pomp and circumstance of Outlander’s period costumes, make the Buccaneers’ pirate vibes your opportunity to dress ruggedly whimsical.
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
If Mac, Dennis, Charlie, Dee, and Frank make you LOL (if they don’t, one question: who hurt you?!), you should be rooting for the Eagles, DUH. The Bird Gang gets treated to Sunny sports episodes in the off-season, too. On the AFC side, IASIP fans could cheer for the Browns because if you think about it, Cleveland is basically the Philadelphia of Ohio (they also have fan bases that won’t STFU no matter what happens on the field in common).
We Were Liars
Coastal New England old money calls for none other than the New England Patriots. Like, the stern AF patriarch in We Were Liars and Bill Belichick would high-key be frenemies at the country club, IYKWIM. The heroine of the show, Cadence, is persevering through a rough injury throughout season one, which is sadly reminiscent of the 49ers’ resilience in 2025 as they can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to multiple key players on the IR.
Bachelor In Paradise
This one’s simple! Bachelor Nation loves a Midwest moment, so look to the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers as each conference’s coolest cornfield baddies.
Sirens
The best part of Sirens is Julianne Moore and Milly Alcock’s attached-at-the-hip mentor-mentee friendship, which you can catch on the field with Justin Herbert and Coach Harbaugh’s locked-in bromance. The other best part of Sirens is the birds, so if you’re a birder like Kiki, scream “rise up, Falcons!” on three.
Dexter: Resurrection
Technically, the Raiders are a sports reboot since they moved from Oakland to Vegas, just like this latest Dexter spinoff. Dexter lovers might also appreciate how quarterback Jayden Daniels brought the Washington Commanders franchise back to life, much like our fave lovable serial killer coming out of his coma in Resurrection.
Too Much
The Jacksonville Jaguars have planted roots in the UK; therefore, they’re an easy pick for fans of Lena Dunham’s London-based Netflix show. Or, if you especially loved Meg Stalter’s hilar performance in the romcom, then you’ll also love how GOAT Marshawn Lynch keeps Seahawks fans giggling on social media and on the big screen in movies.
Wednesday
Wednesday is a show for spooky badasses. So, naturally, this leads to the recommendation of the Saints in the NFC (due to New Orleans’ iconic haunted historic roots) and the Ravens in the AFC (because they have extreme FAFO energy, with the edgy uniforms to match).
The Hunting Wives
Southern hospitality isn’t always so sweet on Hunting Wives, so those who loved the down south drama between the mamas should hitch their wagons to the Texans of Houston and Jerry Jones’ Dallas Cowboys (for the team and the cheerleaders).
