NFL training camps are open, and football fans like myself are counting down the days until the regular season kicks off! Living in Iowa is a unique situation for sports fans. We don’t have any MLB, NHL, or NFL teams of our own to cheer on. So that means teams from neighboring states, or a franchise with a player with Iowa ties, can vault to the top of Iowa fandom!

The rankings in 2025 come courtesy of DataPanda.org. They examined recent surveys, ticket sales, and online fan discussions to come up with their state-by-state rankings. Drumroll, please! Here are the top five most popular NFL teams in the state of Iowa!

5. Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers from neighboring Wisconsin are one of the most historically significant NFL franchises. From Bart Starr and the Ice Bowl to Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. Now, Green Bay is among the top teams in the NFC with Jordan Love at the helm. Can I get a ‘GO PACK GO’? 

4. Dallas Cowboys

Speaking of historically great franchises, there is a reason the Dallas Cowboys are called ‘America’s Team’. Legendary coaches like Landry, Parcells, and Jimmy Johnson. The Super Bowl run in the 1990s led by Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. Dak Prescott faces the pressure of leading Dallas back to the promised land and keeping Jerry Jones happy…for now.

3. Minnesota Vikings

Another neighbor to the north, the Minnesota Vikings, also make their home in the competitive NFC North. While they might not have any Super Bowl titles, sorry Minny fans, they do have a history of great teams and great players, from Fran Tarkenton, Chris Carter, and Randy Moss, to the new superstar wide receiver in Minnesota, Justin Jefferson. Is this the Vikings’ year?

READ MORE: The Only NFL Team to Win Three Titles in a Row

2. San Francisco 49ers

With great players in team history like Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, and Steve Young, the San Francisco 49ers have always been popular. But right now they have a Cyclone at quarterback and a Hawkeye at tight end! Brock Purdy starred at Iowa State and has already led the Niners to a Super Bowl appearance. George Kittle, the former Iowa tight end, is one of his favorite targets. Iowa nice in the Bay!

1. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have the best quarterback in the league, one of the top tight ends, arguably the best coach, and are just hours away from Iowa. The Chiefs are the NFL’s current dynasty and show no signs of slowing down any time soon. As long as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are on the field, KC will be competing for more Super Bowls.

Hawkeyes To The Packers

Former Iowa Hawkeye players who went on to star for the Gren Bay Packers!

Gallery Credit: Ryan Brainard

LOOK: Here are the 10 US golf destinations with the most courses per capita

Discover where you can find the best access in the country for your pick of courses, the unique terrain that lends itself to world-class golf, and what makes select clubs noteworthy.

Gallery Credit: Michael Leonard