When it comes to NFL rivalries, few teams stir up as much emotion as the Green Bay Packers. Recent surveys have crowned the Packers as the league's most hated team—but with that title comes some fascinating insights that every football fan should know.
According to RotoWire, a fantasy sports analytics company, the Packers share the "most hated" distinction with the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders. Unsurprisingly, Green Bay tops the hate list in six states: Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The first three are home to the Bears, Lions, and Vikings respectively—so for Packers fans, this is hardly breaking news. It's simply the price of dominance in the NFC North.
But here's where things get interesting: List Wire actually ranks the Packers as the most popular team in Iowa, while CableTV.com claims the San Francisco 49ers are Iowa's dream team. Go figure. What these conflicting reports reveal is that proximity often breeds contempt. Just as New England despises the Jets, much of the Midwest seems to have a love-hate relationship with the Raiders—especially now that they're planted in Las Vegas.
Success also plays a major role in attracting haters. RotoWire notes that the Packers are the third-most successful franchise this century, trailing only New England and Pittsburgh. Combined, those two teams have as many hate-filled states as Green Bay alone. The Packers boast 12 championships according to the survey—though the team itself would argue for 13. Either way, that kind of legacy is bound to ruffle some feathers.
Curiously, the Atlanta Falcons round out the top of the most-hated list. One has to wonder: is it the 28-3 Super Bowl hangover, or something else entirely?
On a brighter note for Packers fans, Bookies.com projects that Micah Parsons and Jordan Love jerseys will be among the most in-demand for the 2026 season. Parsons, acquired by Green Bay before 2025, is already one of the NFL's elite pass rushers, and his jersey is expected to rank 10th in sales. Love's popularity is climbing too, landing at 25th. Whether you're cheering for the green and gold or rooting against them, one thing is clear: the Packers remain at the center of the NFL conversation.