Dallas Cowboys Fans Ranked Most Stressed During 2025 NFL Season

The Dallas Cowboys fans have been ranked the “most stressed” fanbase in the NFL during the 2025 season. In a recent analysis, VegasInsider found that Cowboys fans were the most stressed fan base in the NFL during the 2025 season, posting the NFL’s highest Fan Stress Index score of 62.75 out of 100.

The study measured how emotionally demanding it was for one to follow each NFL team week to week, factoring in penalties, injuries, close finishes, and online fan sentiment.

Dallas Cowboys: Key Findings

The Dallas Cowboys ranked No. 1 overall in the Fan Stress Index, making the Cowboys the most stressful team to follow during the 2025 NFL season. The Cowboys’ games rarely felt settled. Dallas played two overtime games and averaged just 10 points in winning margin, keeping outcomes tense late.

Penalties consistently raised stress. Dallas averaged 2.59 drive-impacting penalties per game, among the highest rates in the NFL. Injuries and mistakes compounded pressure. Dallas averaged 1.24 turnovers per game and lost players for 203 total games due to injury.

The overall fan sentiment reflected that strain. Dallas posted an 8.60% fan negativity rate, meaning roughly 9 out of every 100 fan comments analyzed online expressed frustration. Overall, Dallas combined penalties, injuries, and late-game instability at a higher rate than any other team in the Fan Stress Index.

Dallas Cowboys’ Outlook

The Dallas Cowboys’ outlook appears to be a mixed bag at the moment. The Cowboys have been grappling with significant defensive struggles, coaching changes, and performance inconsistencies as the team navigates the challenges stemming from the 2025 NFL season.

Dallas’ defense was a significant concern throughout the 2025 season. Dallas finished the season ranked last in the league, allowing 511 points and 6,409 yards. The team’s poor defense has led to calls for change, especially with Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus. Eberflus, 55, has been scrutinized for his defensive strategies. He was ultimately fired.

The Cowboys’ players have pointed to communication issues as another significant concern. Former Cowboys Cornerback Trevon Diggs noted that “too many busted coverages” have resulted in numerous explosive plays allowed.

Dallas is also dealing with offensive issues, particularly the quarterback situation. Dak Prescott has been under pressure to perform at a high level, especially during the postseason, due to the Cowboys’ defensive struggles.

New York Jets fans showed the highest frustration levels, even without the overtime drama. The Jets posted the highest fan negativity rate in the Top 10 at 16.60%, paired with extremely narrow wins (a 3.67 average margin), suggesting stress came from razor-thin games rather than extra-time finishes.

Methodology

VegasInsider’s Fan Stress Index measures how emotionally demanding it was to follow each NFL team during the 2025 season, focusing on how games felt as they unfolded rather than just final outcomes.

The Fan Stress Index combines seven equally weighted indicators:

1. Overtime games

2. Average winning margin (wins only)

3. Turnovers per game

4. Drive-impacting penalties per game

5. Close games (lead changes in the final five minutes)

6. Games missed due to injury

7. Fan negativity rate based on online fan commentary

Each metric was standardized so higher scores consistently reflect higher stress, producing a final index scored from 0 to 100.