Photos: Best - and worst - NFL fans

Atlanta Falcons

Photos: Best - and worst - NFL fans

Emory professors measure the real worth of NFL fans and find some surprising results

The "Fan Equity" metric - produced by a pair of Emory professors - isn't about which fan base is the loudest or which team is the most successful. This is a ranking of the fans who put their money where their heart is and support the team with their pocketbook whether they win, or lose.

They may look terrifying, but Raiders remain perennial bottom-dwellers on and off the field.

It's not easy being green.

Johnny Manziel hasn't brought the Browns out from under their masks.

12-loss seasons over the last three years takes it toll.

It's cold up in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Seahawks fans may be very loud, but the 12th man doesn't like to spend.

Positivity remains for the Chiefs (and its players).

One thing you can say about Bengals fans, they're colorful.

Lions are ready to pounce.

Cam Newton mania may be on a decline as the Panthers slip 8 spots in fan equity poll.

The Falcons went from NFC contenders two seasons ago to flops the last two years. However, they are no longer bottom-dwellers in the fan metrics as they rose 9 spots from 2013. Sign of better things to come?

It could be worse. They could be in L.A.

They need lot sof prayers in D.C.

Things are looking up in the desert, as apparent from a jump from No. 30 in 2013 to No. 19 in this season's fan equity poll.

A new stadium will bring out the fans.

With new uniforms come new looks.

In perhaps the biggest drop, the Titans fall six spots from No. 10 in 2013.

The Chargers drop four spots from 2013.

Bitter bunch still rallies around their E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!

The Vikings moved outside this season, and they're more cheery.

Everyone has a reason to cheer.

Those Terrible Towels are everywhere ...

Pitchman, er, quarterback Peyton Manning has 'em buying the Broncos in Colorado.

Who dat?

1/25

The "Fan Equity" metric - produced by a pair of Emory professors - isn't about which fan base is the loudest or which team is the most successful. This is a ranking of the fans who put their money where their heart is and support the team with their pocketbook whether they win, or lose.

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