Every year Forbes releases the value of every NFL team. It's an annual reminder that these are massive organizations that turn huge profits.
Well, here's what it would be like if NFL teams were tech companies...
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks = Facebook
You have to start with the champs. These guys are winning and everyone is wondering if they can take that next step: dynasty. Both organizations have strong, likable leadership and, despite bumps in the road, find themselves on top. Facebook's stock hits a new high every day and the young Hawks are poised for another deep playoff run.
San Francisco 49ers = Twitter
At this point we can see they are a force to be reckoned with. They've validated their concept and figured out their quarterback situation (Kaepernick vs Smith & Costolo vs Williams/Dorsey). Now everyone wants to see them prove they can win in the postseason and post-IPO.
St. Louis Rams = Yelp
You have to feel for the Rams. It's not that things are necessarily "bad", but how can you expect Sam Bradford (now his third-string backup) to win this division? The Rams are the pigskin version of Yelp because they can recommend good football... they just can't play it.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys = Microsoft
Dominant in the 90s, this team has struggled to find any sort of success in the modern era. The Cowboys are still the league's most valuable team, just as Microsoft still has a ton of money. Maybe this is the year things turn in the right direction...
New York Giants = IBM
On the contrary, "Big Blue" isn't living in the past. They've found consistent success through the years, but still need to find ways to remain relevant in their ever-changing environment. Even IBM Watson knows Eli needs to stop throwing picks.
NFC North
Chicago Bears = Dropbox
Everything looks good and seems to work... but can they take that next step? For Chicago it's overcoming defensive struggles to return to the playoffs and for Dropbox it's becoming a public company. The pieces are in place for both to happen — it's a matter of timing at this point.
Side note: How is it that the Bears' head coach looks nerdier than the CEO of a file-sharing company? Just sayin...
NFC South
Carolina Panthers = Airbnb
The hype machine is real. Wildly successful in the past year, it seems the sky is the limit for them. That doesn't mean there won't be roadblocks — read: the WR position for the Panthers and NYC legal battles for Airbnb.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers = Dell
Recent history hasn't been kind to this pair. Struggling against stronger competition, both are hoping a return to roots can help right the ship. Lovie Smith was hired as the head coach in Tampa, the place he began his NFL coaching career. And Michael Dell took back his company with a $25B leveraged buyout.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers = Snapchat
They're cool, flashy, and a bit cocky. Despite a very competitive space (AFC West & social networking), these guys have found a spot. San Diego snuck in and won a playoff game last year. Snapchat turned down huge buyout offers to create their own destiny. Now they're trying to show they can hang with the big boys.
Kansas City Chiefs = Uber
Talk about rising from nothing to something. Uber was an overnight success, while the Chiefs went from being the league's worst team to starting 9-0 under Andy Reid, who looks like he might be an Uber driver. The question for both groups is — are they overvalued or can they sustain their early success?
AFC East
New York Jets = Beats
Although they're not the best on the market, they're certainly talked about the most. With a lot of name recognition and a solid product, it's easy to see why people can get excited. But when it really comes down to it... they're still owned by (Big) Apple.
Buffalo Bills = Samsung
All of the individual pieces look really shiny and nice, but they can never seem to beat Apple. iPhone still owns over 41% of the smartphone market [as of March], with Samsung trailing at 27%. And the Bills are 2-25 against the Pats in the last 10 years. "The Next Big Thing" just isn't that big yet.
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals = WhatsApp
There is no denying how well their model has worked in recent years. WhatsApp has grown at a ridiculous pace, while the Bengals have made the playoffs every year since drafting Andy Dalton. But — was it worth ALL THAT MONEY?! Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19B and Cincy handed Dalton a $115M deal... #smh
Cleveland Browns = Tinder
This one is simple. The Browns keep swiping left on quarterbacks. By my count they've had 20 different starters in 15 years. Not ideal. That coupled with the Johnny Football circus makes for a messy situation. Coincidentally, like Manziel, Brady Quinn and Brandon Weeden were both selected 22nd overall by Cleveland. Maybe third time's the charm...
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars = Instagram
With Gus Bradley as head coach, the Jags are trying to be the Seahawks of the east. While Seattle (Facebook) is clearly the big brother here — they're feeding talent to their sibling. However, it will take Blake Bortles developing like Russell Wilson to truly complete the transformation.
Tennessee Titans = Sony
When you look at this group, you can't argue that there are some nice pieces in place. But what does their future look like? Interestingly, Sony's stock was at an all-time high when the Titans were in the Super Bowl (1999-2000). It's been steadily downhill for both groups ever since.
Houston Texans = Square
Expectations were high last year, but the results were disappointing. Things looked great on paper but Houston won just two games, while Square lost $100M. It's tough to pinpoint a single reason on either side, but needless to say, each organization is looking to reinvent themselves.