TEAMS
The Ntaional Football League consists of 32 professional teams across two conferences: American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC) which are subsequently split into 4 divisions (East, North, South and West) made up of four teams. This page lists every active NFL team, organised by conference and division. Select any conference name to view the full conference breakdown.
American Football Conference
East Division
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
North Division
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
South Division
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
West Division
- Denver Broncos
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
National Football Conference
East Division
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
North Division
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
South Division
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
West Division
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Rams
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
Expansion
The formation and evolution of National Football League (NFL), which began as the American Professional Football Association in 1920 with 14 teams, have been shaped by a combination of expansions, relocations, and mergers. Although original teams were based in small towns and industrial cities, expansion and the as the popularity of American football grew, the league expanded to exclusively larger markets, with the Green Bay Packers being the only exception as the smallest city to have its own team. Notable expansions included the Minnesota Vikings in 1961, the Atlanta Falcons in 1966 and more recently the Houston Texans in 2002.
Relocation
Teams have moved to new cities in order to access larger markets, modern facilities, or more favorable economic conditions. For instance, the Cleveland Rams moved to Los Angeles in 1946, becoming the first NFL team on the West Coast. The Oakland Raiders relocated to Los Angeles in 1982, returned to Oakland in 1995, and later moved to Las Vegas in 2020. Similarly, the St. Louis Cardinals moved to Arizona in 1988, becoming the Phoenix (now Arizona) Cardinals.
Mergers
Although other teams have joined the NFL from other leagues such as the All-American Football Conference (AAFC), it was with the 1970 merger that the present NFL was formed with the integration of the American Football League (AFL), and the formation of a more unified league with the introduction of two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC).
Establishing a new NFL team
Expansion teams involve securing approval from existing team owners, demonstrating their financial stability, and ensuring the presence of adequate facilities and a supportive fan base. Prospective owners need show that their team aligns with the league's strategic objectives, including its market potential and long-term viability. Once approved, new teams build their rosters through mechanisms like the NFL draft, free agency, and trades, aiming to assemble competitive squads that resonate with their communities.
Proposed teams
Seattle Kings
Seattle Kings were announced in 1972 but the plans fell through and another ownership group launched in 1974 and was awarded the Seattle Seahawks who joined in 1976.
Baltimore Bombers
Baltimore Bombers, as well as the Memphis Hound Dogs and St.Louis Stallions, were awarded an expansion team but passed over by the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars who joined in 1995.
Memphis Hound Dogs
Originally planned as an expansion team proposed by the parties of Memphis Showboats owner William Dunavant, Paul Tudor Jones, Fred Smith and Elvis Presley Enterprises, they were passed over by the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars who joined in 1995. However, the team was awarded a CFL expansion team called the Memphis Mad Dogs who joined the league in 1995. Fred Smith was integral and returning the Memphis Showboats to the USFL in 2022 and then formed the merger with the XFL to form the UFL in 2024.
Despite other expansion cities being awarded insubsequent years, Memphis was the only one that ws temporary as they became the Tennessee Oilers in 1997 until the team moved to Nashville and became the Tennessee Titans.
St. Louis Stallions
Originally planned as an expansion team for the 1994 season, expansion would happen in 1995, as the city had been without a team since the St.Louis Cardinals relocated to Phoenix, Arizona following the 1987 season.
London
London which has not be formally announced but is always of interest due to the continued support of its involvement in the NFL International Games.
- Seattle Kings - Seattle Seahawks joined in 1976
- Baltimore Bombers - Baltimore Ravens joined in 1996, despite being a
- Memphis Hound Dogs
- St. Louis Stallions
- London