Where Do Cincinnati Bengals Fans Rank in Nielsen’s NFL Fandom Index?

With the 2026 NFL season on the horizon, Nielsen officially released its inaugural “Nielsen Scarborough NFL Fandom Index.” Rather than using a simple headcount, the study utilizes eight distinct metrics to capture the full spectrum of modern fandom: apparel purchases, general interest levels, live event attendance, betting intent, social media engagement, radio listenership, streaming habits and linear TV viewership.

Buffalo took the top spot in a landslide, tallying a whopping 208 index score. Kansas City and Green Bay followed, but the Cincinnati Bengals found themselves right there toward the top of the list.

The Bengals slotted in at No. 4 with an index score of 160, barely edging out Philadelphia by nine points. This ranking could be unexpected for people outside of the Cincinnati area, but for those in and around the Queen City, it comes as no surprise.

The study said Cincinnati didn't earn its ranking by dominating a single field, but by showing up everywhere. Along with Philadelphia, Cincinnati did not lead the market in any category, but landed in the top five in five of the eight categories.

Small markets thrived in the Fandom Index. Smaller markets like Cincinnati were all at the top of radio listenership, TV viewership and live event attendance. One-team markets with a strong local identity and less competition drove those teams to the top.

Conversely, large markets with multiple options, such as New York, Los Angeles and Miami, drastically underperformed compared to their populations. Those three cities rounded out the bottom of the list due to the saturation of entertainment options and multiple teams residing in the area.

The AFC North performed exceptionally well on Nielsen’s index, with all four teams finishing inside the top 10. Pittsburgh is No. 6, Baltimore is No. 7 and Cleveland is No. 10, which, again, should come as no surprise to those fan bases. Fans of AFC North teams are loyal and show up for their teams in more ways than one.

Cincinnati has supported its teams for years on end, even when the teams have struggled. The Reds haven’t won a postseason series in more than 30 years, and the Bengals have never won a Super Bowl. FC Cincinnati has had some success since joining MLS in 2019, but the club is still looking for that first MLS Cup.

One thing is for certain for Cincinnati fans — they will always be the loudest supporters of their teams. With high expectations, maybe this is the season the Bengals give this city the illustrious championship it is longing for.