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uke:http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...ast-cowboys-for-top-spot-in-nfl-fan-rankings/
You know, it’s about time something went right for all those long-suffering Boston sports fans.
According to Phil Perry of CSNNE.com, an analytical study has decreed that Patriots fans are the best in the NFL.
A year ago, Cowboys fans earned that title, according to Emory University professor Mike Lewis.
The difference this year appears to be the gulf between the teams in social media presence, as much as the difference in going 12-4 vs. 4-12.
“The Patriots victory is driven by fans willingness to pay premium prices, strong attendance and phenomenal social media following,” Lewis wrote. “The final competition between the Cowboys and the Patriots was actually determined by the long-term value of the Patriots greater social following. The Patriots have about 2.4 million Twitter followers compared to 1.7 for the Cowboys. Of course, this is all relative a team like the Jaguars has just 340,000 followers.”
The statistical approach doesn’t attempt to measure passion, or what a certain area is willing to put up with. But as long as factors which tie to economics are the guide, large-market teams have a distinct advantage.
The Patriots are followed in this year’s rankings by the Cowboys, Broncos, 49ers and Eagles — perhaps proving once and for all that support isn’t necessarily tied to on-field success.
The Bills, Rams, Chiefs, Raiders and Jaguars comprise the bottom five, which points to market and stadium issues (and the fact that one of them was trying to leave town and carpetbaggers are rarely embraced).
As always, feel free to weigh in in the comments, and let us know how right (or wrong) Lewis got it.
