This idea is blasphemous to some sports fans, but I enjoy having a second team. We’re all Steeler fans, first and foremost, but there may actually be times this season or in seasons to come when the Steelers are not available to root for. We love football though, and it might come in handy to pick a second team to follow around this time every year.
Is it bandwagoning? Yeah, probably. But there’s a difference between being a shameless bandwagoner and pulling for a team whose season you’ve enjoyed. After the jump, we take a look at some playoff contenders and the reasons you should or shouldn’t root for them if the Steelers lose.
Why you should root for the 49ers: Underdog stories are loved by all, and people didn’t just have low expectations for the 2011 49ers, most people probably forgot they were still a team. Jim Harbaugh has started a revolution in San Francisco and the 49ers appear to be returning to glory. Also, haven’t allowed a rushing TD all season. There’s something every Steeler fan can admire.
Why you should not root for the 49ers: Their franchise has claim to 5 Superbowls and it’s nice being the only team with 6.
Why you should root for the Raiders: I guess it would be nice to see Carson Palmer stick it to the Bengals by having a better season than them. Al Davis isn’t there anymore. Really reaching here.
Why you should not root for the Raiders: Long-standing franchise rivalry with Pittsburgh. Don’t root for Oakland.
Why you should root for the Jets: They have a nasty rivalry with the New England Patriots, who are assholes. Their game is built on defense and rushing, which is a brand of football everyone in Pittsburgh can appreciate.
Why you should not root for the Jets: Rex Ryan is like the Mark Madden of coaches, except more handsome.
Why you should root for the Giants: Rivarlies with the Dallas Cowboys never hurt. The Giants are also known for defense and rushing, and now they’ve added some clutch QB play from Eli Manning. Henry Hynoski is on this team. They beat the Patriots.
Why you should not root for the Giants: *shrug*
Why you should root for the Texans: The Colts have dominated their division since the Texans’ inception and this year they’re finally poised to overtake the AFC South and make the playoffs for the first time in team history. They’re a fun and exciting team to watch. Really tough not to pull for them after all the years of mediocrity.
Why you should not root for the Texans: Matt Leinart is their new quarterback with an injury to Matt Schaub.
Why you should root for the Lions: The under-est of dogs coming into any given NFL season, the Lions shocked everyone by starting the year 4-0. They’re 7-3 right now and are gunning for a wildcard spot. After 50 years of nothing, the Detroit Lions are doing their best to return to prominence.
Why you should not root for the Lions: It’s actually impossible to root AGAINST the Lions at this point.
Why you should root for the Bengals: You should not.
Why you should not root for the Bengals: They’re in the AFC North, Mike Brown is still at the helm, Mark Madden probably likes them, etc.
Why you should root for the Falcons: The Falcons are a sexy [but underachieving] team every year. Michael Turner is a fun back to watch. Matt Ryan is a solid human being.
Why you should not root for the Falcons: Julio Jones just can’t figure out how he wants to pronounce the letter J.
Why you should root for the Patriots: Because you are a douchebag.
Why you should not root for the Patriots: Because they are douchebags.
Why you should root for the Saints: Because Drew Brees is all class. Darren Sproles will get you on the edge of your seat. This offense is as exciting to watch as any in the NFL.
Why you should not root for the Saints: Because you [read: Brian] already hopped on the bandwagon for 2009 and it’s time to find a different team to piggyback.
Why you should root for the Packers: Aaron Rodgers might be the most likable human being in the galaxy. It’s a fun-to-watch team, and it’s good for football when old franchises like the Packers are competitive.
Why you should not root for the Packers: They beat the Steelers in the Superbowl last year. It would be very understandable if you didn’t want to see them win it again. In fact, it would be kind of awkward if you did.
Why you should root for the Broncos: Tim Tebow
Why you should not root for the Broncos: Tim Tebow
Why you should root for the Cowboys: You one of: Jerry Jones, Joe Buck, Troy Aikman.
Why you should not root for the Cowboys: They’re overhyped and overconfident. They have a long-standing rivalry with Pittsburgh. There are poor people in the world and Jerry Jones bought a 70-yard-long double-sided HD flatscreen.
Why you should root for da Bears: DA BEARS. Also Devin Hester is unrealistically good at football.
Why you should not root for da Bears: Jay Cutler looks like a frat boy and he is a Steeler killer. But he’s injured anyway.
Why you should root for the Bills: Much like the Lions, the Bills are perennially bad and a hot start made fans fall in love. Also: Beat New England in Week 3. Thanks, Bills!
Why you should not root for the Bills: It’s a lost cause at this point in their season.
Why you should root for the Titans: You’re probably a troll.
Why you should not root for the Titans: You forget that we hate this team until we play against them and you’re like “Wow I hate these guys.”
Why you should root for the Ravens: The only time this is acceptable is when they are playing New England, because at least the Ravens play football with a good running game and a tough defense, the way footbal SHOULD be.
Why you should not root for the Ravens: If I have to tell you, then all hope is lost.
