American football - the "other" football many in this country know as gridiron - is becoming increasingly popular. But which team should you support, if you have not already chosen one? Sports editor Hayden Meikle offers some tips.
They still talk of baseball as "America's pastime" but it, along with basketball and ice hockey, is now battling for second place in the United States.
The National Football League has become a sporting behemoth.
High school football is huge in Texas and a handful of other states. College football hauls in crowds of 90,000-plus in places.
But the NFL's passionate support base stretches to all four corners of America, and its global profile is soaring every year. Some still struggle to understand the game but those who give it a chance soon become entranced.
Last year (ODT, 17.12.11), we provided a helpful guide to finding an NBA team to support.
Let's do it again for the NFL.
I have made the job easier for readers by breaking down all 32 teams into categories. Pick away.
BANDWAGON TEAMS
As in, you should avoid choosing these teams lest you be accused of jumping on board simply because they are good or popular or, well, any other reason.-
1. New England Patriots
No. Not allowed. You must not and you will not choose the Patriots. They're the Lakers/Crusaders/Manchester United of the NFL. Too good and too popular. And too Tom Brady.
2. Baltimore Ravens
Oh, you've watched The Wire. You're now a Ravens fan. Good luck with that, yo.
3. New Orleans Saints
Probably the best team in football over the last three years. Led by one of the great quarterbacks, Drew Brees. But will carry the stain of disgrace for a long time after being busted for running a bounty system, rewarding players for injuring opposing players.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Another of the (boring, defensive-minded) powerhouses. Guided by Ben Roethlisberger, one of the least likeable players in the league.
HOPELESS CASES
Those teams which, for whatever reason, should be avoided.-
5. St Louis Rams
Pity the sports editor who follows the St Louis Rams, the New York Knicks, the Penrith Panthers and Liverpool. The Rams were the hottest ticket in the NFL - the Greatest Show on Turf - at the turn of the century. Now they stink.
6. Cleveland Browns
Hopeless.
7. Miami Dolphins
Probably going to be hopeless.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New coach, erratic quarterback and a leaky defence. That is NOT the recipe for success in the NFL.
9. Arizona Cardinals
Their starting quarterback is John Skelton. Even I've never heard of him.
10. Oakland Raiders
Try to look scary but they won't do much damage on the field.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
Not much fight in these pussy cats.
12. Seattle Seahawks
Follow them and you'll be sleepless in . . . sorry.
TEMPTING
Teams which have some redeeming features.-
13. Dallas Cowboys
They call them "America's team". Play in an unbelievably huge stadium with passionate supporters. And everything's better in Texas.
14. Cincinnati Bengals
If only because they've got a fine young quarterback (the glamour position, like rugby's first five-eighth) called Andy Dalton, who looks cool and calm and magnificently ginger.
15. Tennessee Titans
They have another promising young quarterback with another great name: Jake Locker. Plus you can sing that song from Remember The Titans.
16. Kansas City Chiefs
One of their players, Eric Berry, wrote 200 poems and three screenplays while sidelined with injury last season.
17. San Diego Chargers
Led by one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Philip Rivers.
18. Denver Broncos
Led by one of the best quarterbacks in HISTORY, the immortal Peyton Manning, beginning his post-Colts career.
19. Carolina Panthers
Again, it's all about the QB. Cam Newton is an excitement machine.
20. Atlanta Falcons
Led by wide receivers (the fast guys who run downfield and catch the ball) Julio Jones and Roddy White. Great names.
21. Detroit Lions
A basket case for years. But have reloaded with some great young talent.
22. Washington Redskins
It's all about RG3. Robert Griffin III, the rookie quarterback, was the No 2 pick in the NFL draft and is a freakishly talented athlete.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Will probably be hopeless this year. But they have a phenomenal mascot. From The Big Lead website: "The dude who plays Ragnar hasn't shaved since he got the job, and before that, shaved with an axe."24. Buffalo BillsYou don't think that's the coolest team nickname in sport?
25. Philadelphia Eagles
Threatening to be quite good. Michael Vick, now his dogfighting days are behind him, is a superstar. If he stays fit, the Eagles will soar.
TAKE YOUR PICK
So, that leaves us with a list of seven teams from which, if you ask me, you should be declaring your NFL allegiance.-
26. Green Bay Packers
Fine, there's a little bit of bandwagonism going on here. The Packers have been very, very good in recent years. They've also got the great history (Vince Lombardi and Brett Favre) and the great story (the team is owned by the community). And in Aaron Rodgers, they have arguably the game's premier quarterback.
27. New York Jets
If only for the drama surrounding back-up quarterback Tim Tebow, the polarising quarterback/preacher who has become an obsession for the American media.
28. Indianapolis Colts
Were absolutely awful last season after Manning's injury. His departure enables Andrew Luck, the No 1 pick in the draft, to immediately step in at quarterback. Luck is rated a once-in-a-generation talent. In a year or three, the Colts will contend.
29. San Francisco 49ers
Looks like they will have a strong season. Though, oddly, they have one of the poorer quarterbacks. Cool nickname and still carry an aura of glamour thanks to the Joe Montana/Steve Young era.
30. Chicago Bears
Nobody seems to like their QB, the enigmatic Jay Cutler. But a team with a glorious past (most players in the Hall of Fame), a tradition of outstanding defence (still led by a phenomenal veteran called Brian Urlacher) and a simple mantra ("BEAR DOWN") is worth considering.
31. New York Giants
Fine, this is outrageously hypocritical. The Giants are the defending Super Bowl champions, so technically you're in bandwagon territory. But they weren't really the best team last season. They are less flashy than the Patriots or the Saints. And I named my son after their star quarterback, Eli Manning. What other reasons do you need?
32. Houston Texans
Could be a really interesting choice. Texas is the home of football, for a start. The Texans have a really good team, but they're under the radar, so you won't get accused of simply picking a favourite. Get in now and maybe bask in the glory in February.
