When it comes to sports, rivalries are the lifeblood that adds an extra dose of excitement and drama to any game. Few sports capture this as well as football, particularly when we focus on the NFL. For fans of New York’s NFL teams—The New York Giants, The New York Jets (and sometimes-slash-not-quite New York Buffalo Bills)—rivalries aren’t just games; they’re battles that leave a lasting legacy.
From heated division contention to unforgettable postseason encounters, New York’s NFL teams have created some of the most entertaining rivalries in the league’s history. Let’s break down what makes these clashes so thrilling.
The New York Giants vs. NFC East Rivals
The New York Giants are one of the oldest franchises in the league, with a storied history of intense rivalries against their NFC East division opponents. These rivalries are fueled by decades of competitive matchups and iconic moments.
The Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
One of the fiercest rivalries in the NFC East, the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, is a matchup brimming with history. The Giants began facing the Cowboys in 1960 when Dallas entered the NFL, and since then, the two have faced off over 120 times.
What makes this rivalry so electric is the high stakes it brings nearly every season. The Cowboys’ “America’s Team” narrative often clashes with New York’s grittier, hard-nosed identity. Iconic moments include the Giants delivering a playoff blow to the Cowboys in the 2007 postseason—a year that culminated in New York upsetting Tom Brady’s undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Whether it’s Tony Romo and Eli Manning trading deep passes or Saquon Barkley juking defenders left and right, meetings between these teams never fail to grab attention.
The Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The rivalry between the Giants and the Eagles is considered one of the most bitter rivalries in NFL history. While separated by less than 100 miles on I-95, the cultural divide between fans (and their somewhat notorious passion) is truly what makes these matchups unique.
Games between these teams feel personal. Think back to the “Miracle at the Meadowlands II” in 2010 when DeSean Jackson’s game-winning punt return stunned Giants fans and solidified an infuriating moment for a generation of Big Blue supporters. With both teams often fighting for playoff berths late in the season, this division rivalry consistently yields games full of grit, drama, and the occasional (well, perhaps more than occasional) post-game trash talk.
The Giants vs. Washington Commanders
While slightly less fiery compared to the Eagles or Cowboys, the Giants’ rivalry with the Washington Commanders still holds historical weight. These two teams have consistently tangled, especially during stretches where the NFC East playoff picture is unclear. For Giants fans, there are fond memories like their Super Bowl-winning 1986 season, where the team defeated Washington three times, including in the NFC Championship game.
The New York Jets vs. AFC East Rivals
The New York Jets, often viewed as the scrappy underdog of New York football, have their own ring of rivalries within the AFC East. With passionate fans waiting for brighter days to replicate the magic of Joe Namath’s legendary Super Bowl III, the Jets approach every rivalry fueled by grit and hope.
The Jets vs. New England Patriots
It’s impossible to mention the Jets without highlighting their rivalry against the New England Patriots. For decades, the Jets have fought against Tom Brady-led teams that seemed almost unbeatable, adding extra sting to every loss. However, the rivalry reached its zenith in the 2010 AFC Divisional Playoffs, where the Jets shocked the NFL world by defeating the heavily favored Patriots.
What makes this matchup captivating is a sense of defiance. The Jets, historically viewed as the Patriots’ divisional punching bag, bring postseason fervor to every contest—even in rebuilding years. With Brady out of the picture, Jets fans are eager to see if their team can finally flip the script.
The Jets vs. Miami Dolphins
The Jets-Dolphins rivalry thrives on flair and unpredictability. Dating back to the 1960s, this divisional battle has produced some of the most entertaining moments in NFL history. Perhaps the most famous example came during the infamous “Monday Night Miracle” in 2000 when Vinny Testaverde led the Jets to a 23-point comeback victory.
Whether it’s squabbles on the field or back-and-forth taunts between fans, Jets-Dolphins games stir an energy like few others in the AFC East. Add in Miami’s tropical vibes clashing with New York City’s hustle, and you’ve got the perfect setup for drama.
They have their next game at the beginning of 2025 – and the odds by FanDuel are tight. Both teams are expected to have strong rosters, and it could be a pivotal game for either team’s playoff chances.
The Jets vs. Buffalo Bills
Geographically closer than other AFC East opponents, the Jets’ rivalry with the Buffalo Bills holds unique significance. While the Bills now claim a top-tier spot in the division thanks to Josh Allen’s emergence, the Jets continue to pose as their feisty underdog challenger. The two teams, representing different currents of New York football fandom, consistently deliver gritty games.
Notable moments include showdowns where playoff hopes were on the line—like the 2015 finale that saw the Bills crush the Jets’ postseason dream with a late-game stunner. With both teams hungry for more recognition, this rivalry is one to watch in the coming seasons.
The Bills’ Claim to New York Rivalries
Though they play home games well outside of the NYC metro area, the Buffalo Bills proudly claim themselves as New York’s only true team. (After all, the Giants and Jets play their games across state lines in New Jersey.) This has led to a less formal but highly entertaining rivalry with New York City’s teams driven by pride and plenty of social media banter. Bills fans, famously referred to as Bills Mafia, are known for their passionate tailgating and undying loyalty to their team—qualities that fuel a friendly yet spirited competition among New York football enthusiasts.
Why These Rivalries Matter
Rivalries are more than just games—they’re about identity. They’re what make NFL Sundays so special. For New York football fans, these matchups represent moments of heartbreak, euphoria, and everything in between. Whether it’s a last-minute field goal or a decisive playoff win, the intensity of these rivalries keeps the passion of the game alive, uniting fans across generations.
