It’s time for some NFL watch parties

Here are the bars in the Denver area for fans of every pro football team

By Johnny Burkin

It's no secret that Coloradans are some of the most loyal and passionate sports fans in the country, especially when it comes to the orange and blue. That's why on game day, fans of the hometown Broncos can rest assured that their football watching needs will be met. Whether at a bar, tailgate, or watch party, the options are plentiful. But what about those of you whose allegiances lie elsewhere? Well, keep reading, because below we're exploring the Sunday hangouts of some of the biggest and most die-hard NFL fan bases operating within Broncos Country.

Buffalo Bills

Everyone knows that the game day antics of Bills Mafia is the stuff of legend. And this rowdy bunch has a lot to cheer about lately. Starting with Josh Allen, a six-five quarterback with a howitzer for an arm. So if you find yourself longing for your brethren in blue and red, then head over to Jackson's Lodo, the meetup spot of choice for the Colorado Bills Backers.

Chicago Bears

If you've ever been to a Rockies game when the Cubs are in town, then you know Chicago fans come out in force. The same is true when it comes to Da Bears. A historic franchise that currently finds itself owned by arch-nemesis Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. That said, if you are a Bears fan in the Mile High city, then you already know Hayters & Co. is the place for you. Near Coors Field, Hayters is where every football Sunday is sure to draw a large watch party.

Cleveland Browns

Being a Browns fan is tough; from heartbreaking defeats, to at one point completely losing your team. But even through thick and thin, the Dawg Pound has managed to carry on. In Denver that same spirit lives through the Mile High Browns Backers. Established in 1983 these loyal Cleveland fans are known to spend their game days at Stoney's Bar & Grill, Stoney's Uptown, and the Sportsbook in Greenwood Village.

Dallas Cowboys

It's hard to talk about great fan bases without mentioning America's team. And while that moniker rubs many the wrong way, you can't deny that the Cowboys are an iconic team with a vast following. So much so, that from sea to shining sea no one is safe from the clutches of their famed blue star logo - not even here at altitude where Cowboys fans have been known to pack local mainstays like Jackson's and the Spot Bar & Grill.

Green Bay Packers

Despite a recent string of tough playoff losses, it's good to be a part of Packer Nation. Hell, the team is owned by the fans. Not only that, the fan base truly stretches far and wide. That's no different in Colorado where there seems to be an inordinate amount of Packer bars scattered about. Wally's Wisconsin Tavern, Swanky's, and Badger's Pub are just a few.

Kansas City Chiefs

Yes, we know all about the Kansas City streak. Thirteen straight wins against our beloved Broncos. But this year is going to be different. So to all you Chiefs fans that flock to Don's Club Tavern and its potluck parties like the Swallows of Capistrano on Sundays, I hope you're ready. Because your days atop the AFC West might just be numbered.

New England Patriots

Tom Brady may be gone, but the evil empire lives on. That's right, Belichick and the boys have retooled and are ready to haunt our dreams. Of course that also means that reinvigorated Patriots fans will be sure to remind us just how great they are. To support the Pats, you’ll want to make your way to the Three Dogs Tavern in the Highlands neighborhood. It’s the official meeting spot of the Patriots Fans of Denver.

New York Giants

Although dark times may have fallen on New York's biggest fan base, one thing holds true. Your team beat Tom Brady, not once, but twice in the Superbowl. A service we should all be grateful for. Jokes aside, Giants fans are truly a passionate bunch. Case and point, the Big Blue Denver Wrecking Crew. They're loud, they're proud, and host large watch parties at their bar of choice, Occidental, near West 32nd Avenue and Tejon St.  

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of football's most storied franchises. Their six Superbowl wins are tied with only the Patriots as the most in NFL history. Couple that success with a devoted fandom and it's no secret why they're one of the most nationally followed franchises in sports. Locally, one of the best places to catch a Steelers game is The Rusty Bucket in Lakewood, a self-proclaimed watering hole for the black and yellow.

San Francisco 49ers

Named after the gold-seekers that flooded into the region in the mid-1800s, the 49ers have taken their historically derived nickname and turned it into one of the most successful franchises in the NFL. With five Superbowl wins and an array of memorable players, 49ers fans have truly been blessed. For proof, just ask the Mile High 49ers, Denver's official Niner fan club. Or better yet, you can see them in action for yourself down at the Blake Street Tavern.

For the rest of the fanatics:

Arizona Cardinals - Sports Column

Atlanta Falcons - The Fainting Goat

Baltimore Ravens - Chopper’s Sports Grill

Carolina Panthers - Will Call

Cincinnati Bengals - The Sportsbook Wash Park

Detroit Lions - Candlelight Tavern

Houston Texans - Society Sports and Spirits

Indianapolis Colts - Sports Column

Jacksonville Jaguars - College Inn

Minnesota Vikings - Cap City Tavern

Los Angeles Chargers - Society Sports and Spirits

Miami Dolphins - Stoney’s Cantina

New Orleans Saints - Nola Voodoo Tavern

Philadelphia Eagles - Famous Philly Cheese Steaks & Beer Garden

Seattle Seahawks - Rhein Haus

Washington Commanders - Blake Street Tavern

The teams with no Denver home

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find watch bars for a few teams. Tell us what we missed

Las Vegas Raiders - Since the Cowboy Lounge closed, we don’t know where fans gather

New York Jets - The Lazy Dog in Boulder closed, and we’re not sure about the fan numbers at the Erie and Johnstown locations

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Unknown

Los Angeles Rams - Unknown

Tennessee Titans - Unknown