Google has released its top-trending searches of 2017 as part of their “Year in Search 2017.”
The Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, New England Patriots, and Atlanta Falcons all reached the championship games in their respective leagues, and all were among the trendiest teams of the year in the United States. But it seems the NBA did not generate as much intrigue, as both the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers were not among the most popular searches.
Below, find out more about the sports teams on the list of the top trending Google searches of the year in the US.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles emerged as one of the biggest surprises in the NFL, rolling over opponents with their deep backfield and one of the most exciting passing games in the NFL. With 3,296 yards and 33 touchdown passes, quarterback Carson Wentz was an MVP contender before a torn ACL spelled an early end to his season. They also made headlines away from the game, as safety Malcolm Jenkins emerged as a leading player-activist in a tumultuous season for the league.
9. Houston Rockets
Led by James Harden, the Rockets were among the NBA's most improved teams of the 2016-17 season, ultimately falling two wins shy of a showdown with the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. They stayed relevant all summer long, assembling a Hall of Fame-quality backcourt with a trade for the former Clippers point guard Chris Paul.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
Much to the chagrin of their rivals in the AFC North, the Steelers seem to be in a constant state of postseason contention. They made a memorable run through the playoffs last season but lost to a familiar foe, the New England Patriots. Almost a full year later, Pittsburgh looks as strong as ever and will carry an eight-game winning streak into Week 15.
7. New England Patriots
Without any video cameras, deflated footballs, or season-opening suspensions to speak of, New England stayed relatively free of controversy in 2017 - a smiling Bill Belichick appearing on the cover of Nantucket Magazine may have been the lone exception. Still, the Patriots' second Super Bowl win in three seasons was enough to keep them at the forefront of the conversation.
6. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys posted one of the best regular seasons in franchise history in 2016, then lost to the Packers in their first postseason game. It was a familiar kind of disappointment for Dallas fans, but America's Team continues to enjoy rabid support. Ezekiel Elliott's lengthy journey through the league's disciplinary process provided another source of intrigue through the summer and fall.
5. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta enjoyed a terrific 2016 campaign - until the second half of the Super Bowl, that is. After they opened up a 28-3 lead with 2:12 remaining in the third quarter, the Patriots came storming back and completed one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history, winning 34-28. At 8-5, the Falcons can redeem themselves this season, but only if they can hold on in the brutally tough NFC South.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have a storied history, but 2017 still stands out as one of their best years ever. Their 104 wins were the most of any MLB team since 2004, and they posted a staggering 32-5 record between July 4 and August 19, a testament to their dominance. Their efforts paid off in the postseason, where they fell one game short of winning their first World Series since 1988.
3. Boston Celtics
The Celtics put up an admirable fight in the Eastern Conference Finals but were simply overmatched by LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Now, after a flurry of offseason activity, Boston is the best in the East, and that's in spite of All-Star acquisition Gordon Hayward breaking his leg in his very first regular season game, sidelining him for the season. The Warriors will be tough to unseat, but it has still been a great year for the NBA's all-time winningest franchise.
2. Houston Astros
From general manager Jeff Luhnow to Sports Illustrated writer Ben Reiter, almost everyone in baseball had dreams of the once woebegone Astros winning a World Series, and 2017 was the year they finally did it. Thanks to some dramatic victories and a host of memorable players - take your pick from Justin Verlander, Jose Altuve, Dallas Keuchel, and many others - Houston managed to stay at the forefront of the conversation all season long.
1. New York Yankees
2017 could go down as a monumental year in Yankees history. While they fell to Houston in a dramatic ALCS, it was their first postseason appearance since retooling their roster with an influx of young players, including Gary Sanchez and Luis Severino. But the biggest star of them all was Aaron Judge, who mashed a rookie-record 52 home runs and finished second in the MVP voting. With a core like that, the Bronx Bombers should be among the trendiest teams in sports for years to come.
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