M&T Bank Stadium: The Best Home Advantage in the NFL (and ranking the rest of the stadiums)

The unfriendly confines of Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium

Perceptions of the relative "toughness" of NFL stadiums are common.  They get thrown around a lot throughout the season, most of them rooted in largely anecdotal evidence.  In 2009, during NFL network's "Top 10" series, the network's top 10 home-field advantages of all-time were as follows (active stadiums in bold)

10. Metropolitan Stadium (Vikings, 1961-1981)
9. Qwest/CenturyLink Field (Seahawks, 2002-present)
8. The Orange Bowl (Dolphins, 1966-1986)
7. Three Rivers Stadium (Steelers, 1970-2000)
6. Veterans Stadium (Eagles, 1971-2002)
5. Arrowhead Stadium (Chiefs, 1972-present)
4. O.co Coliseum (Raiders, 1966-1981 and 1995-present)
3. Memorial Stadium (Colts, 1953-1983)
2. Mile High Stadium (Broncos, 1960-2000)
1. Lambeau Field (Packers, 1975-present)


That seems about right.  EVERYONE talks about how hard it is to play at Lambeau on the road (especially in cold weather).  Arrowhead's sea of red has long been known as a tough venue, and Seattle seems to be the classic "take them at home, go against them on the road" team.  Oakland's Black Hole is a little more surprising to me, but most of that is probably based on the Raiders' first stint there, which is before my time.

After the jump, we'll look at results from the past 10 years and try to quantify home advantage.

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