While the National Football League (NFL) is an American professional football league, it enjoys a significant fan base in Canada. Several NFL teams have established strong followings across the border, with their popularity often attributed to their historical success, geographical proximity, and appealing playing styles.
Top Contenders for Canada’s Favorite NFL Team
Several NFL teams stand out as favorites among Canadian football fans. These include:
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills have a particularly strong fan base in Southern Ontario, primarily due to their proximity to Toronto and the team’s longstanding “Bills Toronto Series” of preseason games.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks’ passionate fan base, known as the “12th Man,” has extended its reach into Canada, particularly in British Columbia.
- Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys, with their rich history and star-studded rosters, have garnered a significant following across Canada, admired for their consistent success and captivating playing style.
- New England Patriots: The Patriots’ dominance under coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady attracted a large Canadian fan base, particularly during their sustained winning period.
- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers’ multiple Super Bowl victories and exciting brand of football have earned them a devoted following among Canadian fans.
NFL Power Rankings:
POWER RANK | TEAM | CHANGE |
---|---|---|
1 | Eagles | 0 |
2 | 49ers | +4 |
3 | Ravens | +2 |
4 | Lions | -1 |
5 | Chiefs | -3 |
6 | Cowboys | -2 |
7 | Dolphins | 0 |
8 | Jaguars | +3 |
9 | Texans | +3 |
10 | Bills | +3 |
11 | Seahawks | -2 |
12 | Browns | -2 |
13 | Steelers | +1 |
14 | Broncos | +2 |
15 | Vikings | +2 |
16 | Saints | +2 |
17 | Buccaneers | +2 |
18 | Chargers | -3 |
19 | Bengals | -11 |
20 | Colts | 0 |
21 | Rams | +2 |
22 | Cardinals | +4 |
23 | Raiders | -2 |
24 | Bears | +5 |
25 | Packers | +2 |
26 | Jets | -4 |
27 | Falcons | +1 |
28 | Commanders | -4 |
29 | Titans | -4 |
30 | Giants | +2 |
31 | Panthers | 0 |
32 | Patriots | -2 |

Factors Influencing NFL Popularity in Canada
Several factors contribute to the popularity of the NFL in Canada:
- Geographical Proximity: Teams like the Bills, Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers benefit from their proximity to Canadian cities, allowing fans to easily attend games and follow their teams closely.
- Media Coverage: The NFL receives extensive media coverage in Canada, with games broadcast on national television networks and sports channels.
- Fantasy Football: Fantasy football’s popularity has increased NFL interest in Canada, as fans engage with the league beyond just watching games.
- Canadian Players: The presence of Canadian players in the NFL, like Larry Fitzgerald and Chuba Hubbard, has further connected the league to Canadian fans.
- NFL Regular-Season Games in Canada: The NFL has staged regular-season games in Toronto since 1959, further solidifying its presence in Canada and connecting with local fans.
While there is no definitive “number 1” NFL team in Canada, the Bills, Seahawks, Cowboys, Patriots, and 49ers enjoy particularly strong fan bases across the country. The NFL’s popularity in Canada stems from its exciting gameplay, proximity to Canadian cities, extensive media coverage, and the presence of Canadian players. As the NFL continues to expand its reach internationally, its popularity in Canada is likely to endure.
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a Question
Sponsored Guide
Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.