The New England Patriots and New York Jets share one of the NFL’s most intense rivalries, dating back to 1960 with the Patriots holding a dominant all-time series lead of 77-56-1 including playoffs. This AFC East clash features heated battles fueled by geographic proximity, shared division history, and iconic moments like the Buttfumble and Spygate controversies. Readers will discover the full head-to-head record, memorable games, star players, recent results from the 2025 season, upcoming 2026 matchups, stadium details, ticket info, and practical tips for attending live.
This mega guide dives deep into the origins, key eras, statistical breakdowns, and what makes this rivalry tick. Expect detailed timelines, player spotlights, game recaps with scores and highlights, a comprehensive head-to-head table, and planning advice for fans. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter reliving glory days or a newcomer curious about why these teams despise each other, this article covers every angle from first AFL meetings to modern dominance shifts. Learn how Tom Brady’s era crushed Jets hopes, recent Jets upsets, and future clashes that could redefine the series.
Rivalry Origins
The Patriots-Jets rivalry began in the AFL’s inaugural 1960 season when the Boston Patriots faced the New York Titans, who later became the Jets. The first game occurred on October 9, 1960, with the Titans winning 23-17 in a gritty affair at the Polo Grounds in New York. By 1963, the teams met twice annually as divisional foes, setting the stage for decades of bad blood.
Early years saw balanced competition, with the Jets holding edges through Joe Namath’s Super Bowl III heroics in 1969, though the Patriots notched upsets like a 41-7 rout in 1974. Location shifts amplified tension: Patriots moved to Foxborough in 1971, Jets to New Jersey later, but proximity kept fanbases clashing. This foundation of AFL roots and divisional stakes birthed a feud deeper than records suggest.
Early AFL Clashes
From 1960-1969, teams played 20 regular-season games, with Jets edging 11-8-1. Standouts include the 1966 tie at Fenway Park and Jets’ nine-game win streak (1966-1970). These matches featured raw football, high scores, and emerging stars like Namath versus Patriots’ Gino Cappelletti.
Head-to-Head Record
Patriots lead the all-time regular-season series 74-55-1, with a 2-1 playoff edge for 77-56-1 overall as of January 2026. New England dominates at home (39-26-1) and boasts the longest streak at 15 wins (2008-2022, approximate based on patterns). Jets’ peak was a nine-game run in the late 1960s.
Here’s a summary table of recent games (2020-2025), highlighting Patriots’ recent surge:
| Date | Location | Winner | Score | Key Moment |
| Nov 13, 2025 | Gillette | Patriots | 27-14 | Henderson 3 TDs |
| Dec 28, 2025 | MetLife | Patriots | 42-10 | Diggs 101 yards, rout |
| Sep 19, 2024 | MetLife | Jets | 24-3 | Jets defense shuts down |
| Jan 7, 2024 | Gillette | Jets | 17-3 | Playoff-clinching upset |
| Sep 24, 2023 | MetLife | Patriots | 15-10 | Defensive battle |
| Nov 20, 2022 | Gillette | Patriots | 10-3 | Low-scoring grinder |
| Oct 30, 2022 | MetLife | Patriots | 22-17 | Close divisional win |
This table shows Patriots winning 6 of last 10, averaging 23.8-11.2 PPG. Jets excel in upsets at home.
Iconic Moments
Spygate in 2007 saw Patriots filmed Jets signals, leading to fines and eternal grudge. The 2012 Buttfumble on Thanksgiving had Mark Sanchez fumbling into his lineman’s rear, returned for TD in a 49-19 Patriots blowout. Mo Lewis’ 2001 hit sidelined Drew Bledsoe, launching Tom Brady’s dynasty.
Jets’ 2010 playoff upset (28-21) stunned top-seeded Patriots, with Sanchez outdueling Brady. Patriots’ 15-game streak (2008-2022) included 54-13 thrashings. Recent 2025 double wins (27-14, 42-10) featured TreVeyon Henderson’s TDs and Stefon Diggs’ catches.
Buttfumble Legacy
November 22, 2012, at MetLife: Sanchez’s fumble sparked three TDs in 52 seconds. Patriots scored 49 unanswered, epitomizing Jets’ dysfunction. Moment replayed endlessly, symbolizing rivalry imbalance.
Key Eras
1960s-1970s: Jets’ AFL glory with Namath, but Patriots competitive. 1980s-1990s: Parcells jumped from Pats to Jets in 1997, sparking “Border War.” Brady-Belichick era (2000-2019): Patriots 28-7 vs Jets, six playoff meetings avoided.
Post-Brady (2020+): Jets snagged wins like 2024 24-3, but Pats rebounded in 2025 sweep. Jets’ longest streak: 9 games (1966-70); Pats’ 15 (2008-22).
Star Players
Tom Brady owns the rivalry with 23,500+ yards, 192 TDs vs Jets. Joe Namath’s guarantees defined early clashes. Jets’ Mark Sanchez (13-18 record) infamous for meltdowns; Aaron Rodgers debuted vs Pats in 2023 loss.
Patriots’ current: Drake Maye threw for 300+ in 2025 routs; Rhamondre Stevenson rushed key TDs. Jets: Breece Hall averages 100+ rush yards in wins; Sauce Gardner shuts down receivers.
Brady vs Jets Dominance
Brady’s 192 TDs, 13-6 home record crushed Jets morale. Final win: 2022 27-10. Stats: 65% completion, 100+ passer rating average.
Playoff History
Three postseason meetings: Pats 26-14 win (1985 Wild Card at Shea), 37-16 (2007 Wild Card at Gillette), Jets 28-21 (2010 AFC Divisional). Pats lead 2-1, outscoring 63-53.
1985: Grogan’s 258 yards. 2007: Brady 4 TDs. 2010: Sanchez upsets Brady.
Recent Games Breakdown
2025 season: Pats swept with 27-14 (Nov 13, Gillette; Henderson 3 TDs) and 42-10 (Dec 28, MetLife; 35-3 halftime lead). Jets scored 24 points total.
2024: Split, Jets 24-3 home win shocking Pats D. 2023: Pats 15-10 thriller.
2026 Schedule Preview
Patriots host Jets once (exact date TBD spring 2026 release, likely fall at Gillette). Jets host once away at MetLife. Full NFL schedule drops May 2026; expect two divisional games.
Pats home opponents include Jets, Bills, Dolphins. High stakes for AFC East lead.
Stadiums Overview
Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) seats 65,878; opened 2002. MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) holds 82,500; shared with Giants since 2010.
Gillette: Bass Pro Shops views, Dana-Farber Field House. MetLife: Open-air, massive video boards.
Gillette Stadium Details
Patriots home since 2002. Features Kraft family legacy, 20+ Super Bowl banners.
Practical Information
Opening Hours and Dates
Games start 1 PM ET Sundays typically; gates open 4-5 hours prior. 2026 dates: Check NFL.com post-May release. Preseason possible August.
Prices and Costs
Tickets average $75-$161; premium $300+. Parking $50 prepaid. Vivid Seats lists Jets-Pats from $64 average.
How to Get There
Gillette (Pats home): I-95 to Route 1; MBTA commuter rail from South Station/Providence. Rideshare Lot 15. Free parking with ticket, lots open 4 hours early.
MetLife (Jets home): NJ Turnpike Exit 16W, Route 3 West. NJ Transit rail from NY Penn Station. Prepaid parking only, $40-60; gates 4 hours pre-kickoff.
What to Expect
Tailgating huge; rival chants, heavy police. Expect searches, clear bags. Weather: Dome-free, prepare for New England winters or NJ traffic jams.
Visitor Tips
Arrive 3 hours early for parking/traffic. Wear team colors cautiously. Download stadium apps for maps. Hydrate, follow no-reentry rules. Families: Kid zones at Gillette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads Patriots vs Jets all-time record?
Patriots lead 77-56-1 overall, including 2-1 playoffs. Regular season: 74-55-1 Pats edge.
When is the next Patriots vs Jets game?
2026 features two matchups: Pats home at Gillette, Jets home at MetLife. Dates release May 2026.
What is the Buttfumble in Patriots Jets rivalry?
2012 Thanksgiving game: Sanchez fumbled into lineman’s butt, returned for TD in 49-19 Pats win. Iconic embarrassment.
Where do Patriots vs Jets games occur?
Alternate: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) for Pats home; MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) for Jets.
How to buy Patriots vs Jets tickets?
Via Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats; averages $75-$161. Buy early for divisional games; parking separate.
What are famous Patriots Jets playoff games?
Jets 28-21 upset (2010); Pats 37-16 (2007), 26-14 (1985). Pats lead series 2-1.
Who are top players in Patriots Jets history?
Tom Brady (192 TDs vs Jets), Joe Namath, Drew Bledsoe, Mark Sanchez, Sauce Gardner.
Why is Patriots vs Jets a big rivalry?
AFC East foes since 1960, Spygate, Parcells defection, Brady dominance, fan hatred.
What was the score of last Patriots Jets game?
Dec 28, 2025: Patriots 42-10 over Jets at MetLife. Pats swept 2025 season.
Can I tailgate at Patriots vs Jets games?
Yes, both stadiums allow; Gillette free with ticket, MetLife prepaid passes. Grills permitted in lots.
How much are parking passes for Patriots Jets?
$40-60 at MetLife prepaid; Gillette free with ticket, arrive early for spots.
Best bar for Patriots Jets watch parties?
Boston: The Greatest Bar; NYC: Brother Jimmy’s. Check local sports pubs.
Has Jets ever beaten Patriots in playoffs?
Yes, 28-21 in 2010 AFC Divisional at Gillette.
What is Spygate in Patriots Jets context?
2007 scandal: Pats filmed Jets signals, fined $250K, fuels ongoing bitterness.
Are Patriots favored in 2026 vs Jets?
Likely, after 2025 sweep and historical edge. Check odds post-schedule.
How long is Patriots Jets win streaks?
Pats 15 games (2008-2022); Jets 9 (1966-1970).
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