5 most hated NFL teams in 2024: Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and more

The NFL has never been short of drama, and 2024 has proven to be no exception. While every team has its fair share of loyal fans, some manage to draw ire from a much wider audience. Whether it's due to historical rivalries, controversial players, or an overbearing fanbase, certain teams have earned a spot on the list of the most hated.
Also Read: The Science Behind NFL Fitness: How Technology Is Changing the Game

Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys is one of the most hated teams in the NFL.Despite their storied legacy, they’ve become a magnet for criticism, partly due to their high-profile owner, Jerry Jones, and the perennial media frenzy surrounding them. The 2024 season has been tumultuous for the Cowboys, marked by inconsistent performances and a series of controversial calls.

New England Patriots
Despite Tom Brady's departure and a few rocky seasons, the New England Patriots remain one of the most despised teams in the NFL. Their dominance throughout the 2000s and 2010s left a lasting impression on fans, many of whom have not forgotten the dynasty’s numerous controversies, including the infamous “Deflategate” and “Spygate” scandals. Even in 2024, with a team in transition, the Patriots’ reputation precedes them. Their fanbase, which often reminisces about past glory, and the perceived arrogance associated with the franchise, continue to rub people the wrong way.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have always had a tough reputation, both on and off the field. Their passionate, and sometimes unruly, fanbase has made them one of the most disliked teams in the league. In 2024, their physical style of play and a series of heated rivalries, particularly within the NFC East, have only added to the animosity. This season, the Eagles have been at the center of several on-field altercations, and their aggressive demeanor has not gone unnoticed. Love them or hate them, the Eagles play with a chip on their shoulder, and they make no apologies for it.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have risen back to prominence in recent years, and with success comes a fair share of detractors. Their return to being contenders has been marked by a confident, sometimes cocky, attitude that many fans outside of the Bay Area find off-putting. The 2024 season has seen them dominate opponents with a high-powered offense and a formidable defense, but it’s their perceived arrogance that has drawn criticism. Their fans, who are quick to remind others of their team’s storied history, haven’t helped soften their image either, making the 49ers one of the most disliked teams this year.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have become a fixture in the upper echelons of the NFL, but sustained success has its drawbacks. Patrick Mahomes and company have been so dominant over the past few seasons that fatigue has set in among rival fanbases. Many believe that the Chiefs, much like the Patriots before them, benefit from favorable officiating and a media narrative that’s quick to praise. While Mahomes is widely respected, the team as a whole has become a target of envy and disdain.
In the NFL, being hated can often mean you’re doing something right. Each of these teams has managed to carve out a place in the league's history and in the minds of fans, for better or worse. As long as they continue to be successful and attract attention, they will keep receiving some hatred.
Also Read: Chicago Bears’ Shane Waldron facing uncertain future, could be out by week 6