Kelcie Rinaldi

Written by Kelcie Rinaldi

Published: 03 Jan 2026

30-facts-about-bills-vs-patriots
Source: Nfl.com

Who has the upper hand in the Bills vs. Patriots rivalry? The Bills vs. Patriots rivalry is one of the most intense in the NFL. Both teams have had their moments of glory, but who truly dominates? Historically, the New England Patriots have had the edge, especially during the Tom Brady era. However, recent seasons have seen the Buffalo Bills rise to prominence with a strong roster and impressive performances. This rivalry isn't just about wins and losses; it's about the fierce competition, memorable moments, and passionate fan bases. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, understanding the dynamics of this rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to every game.

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Bills vs. Patriots: A Rivalry for the Ages

The Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots have one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL. These two teams have faced off numerous times, creating unforgettable moments and intense matchups. Here are some fascinating facts about this epic rivalry.

  1. The Bills and Patriots first met on September 23, 1960, in the American Football League (AFL).

  2. The Patriots have dominated the series overall, with a significant lead in head-to-head matchups.

  3. The Bills' largest victory over the Patriots came in 1970, with a 45-10 win.

  4. The Patriots' biggest win against the Bills was a 56-10 blowout in 2007.

  5. Tom Brady holds the record for the most wins by a quarterback against the Bills, with 32 victories.

Memorable Moments in Bills vs. Patriots History

Throughout the years, there have been many memorable moments in the Bills vs. Patriots rivalry. These games have left a lasting impact on fans and the teams alike.

  1. In 1998, Doug Flutie led the Bills to a dramatic 13-10 victory over the Patriots with a last-second touchdown pass.

  2. The "Monday Night Miracle" in 2009 saw the Patriots come back from an 11-point deficit in the final minutes to win 25-24.

  3. In 2011, the Bills snapped a 15-game losing streak against the Patriots with a thrilling 34-31 victory.

  4. The 2015 game featured a controversial ending when the Bills' last-second touchdown was overturned, giving the Patriots a 20-13 win.

  5. In 2020, the Bills swept the Patriots for the first time since 1999, signaling a shift in the rivalry.

Key Players in the Rivalry

Several players have left their mark on the Bills vs. Patriots rivalry. These athletes have delivered standout performances and unforgettable moments.

  1. Jim Kelly, the legendary Bills quarterback, had many battles against the Patriots during his Hall of Fame career.

  2. Andre Reed, a key receiver for the Bills, consistently performed well against New England.

  3. Bruce Smith, the Bills' dominant defensive end, often wreaked havoc on the Patriots' offense.

  4. Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, tormented the Bills for two decades.

  5. Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots' star tight end, had numerous big games against Buffalo.

Coaching Legends

Coaches have played a significant role in shaping the Bills vs. Patriots rivalry. Their strategies and leadership have defined many of the matchups.

  1. Marv Levy, the Hall of Fame coach for the Bills, led the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.

  2. Bill Belichick, the mastermind behind the Patriots' dynasty, has a remarkable record against the Bills.

  3. Sean McDermott, the current Bills coach, has helped turn the tide in favor of Buffalo in recent years.

  4. Chuck Fairbanks, who coached the Patriots in the 1970s, had several memorable games against the Bills.

  5. Lou Saban, who coached both the Bills and Patriots at different points in his career, left a lasting legacy on both franchises.

Records and Milestones

The Bills vs. Patriots rivalry has seen numerous records and milestones achieved by both teams and individual players.

  1. The Patriots hold the record for the longest winning streak in the rivalry, with 15 consecutive wins from 2003 to 2010.

  2. The Bills' O.J. Simpson set a single-game rushing record against the Patriots with 250 yards in 1973.

  3. Tom Brady threw for a career-high 517 yards against the Bills in the 2011 season opener.

  4. The Bills' Josh Allen became the first quarterback in franchise history to throw for over 300 yards in three consecutive games against the Patriots.

  5. The Patriots' Stephen Gostkowski holds the record for the most field goals made in the rivalry.

Fan Impact and Culture

The rivalry between the Bills and Patriots extends beyond the field, deeply influencing the fan bases and culture of both teams.

  1. Bills Mafia, the passionate fan base of the Buffalo Bills, is known for their wild tailgates and unwavering support.

  2. Patriots fans, often referred to as "Pats Nation," have enjoyed tremendous success and have a strong presence at games.

  3. The rivalry has inspired numerous fan traditions, including the infamous "Squish the Fish" chant directed at the Dolphins, which sometimes gets repurposed for the Patriots.

  4. Both teams' fans often travel to away games, creating a lively atmosphere and intense environment.

  5. The rivalry has been featured in various media, including documentaries, books, and TV shows, highlighting its significance in NFL history.

Final Whistle

The Bills vs. Patriots rivalry is one of the most exciting in the NFL. From historic games to unforgettable moments, this matchup never disappoints. The Bills have shown remarkable growth in recent years, while the Patriots' legacy under Bill Belichick remains strong. Both teams have passionate fan bases that add to the electric atmosphere whenever they meet. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this rivalry offers something for everyone. With each game, new records are set, and legends are born. The next time these two teams face off, you'll be armed with some fun facts to impress your friends. So grab your jersey, settle in, and enjoy the game. Football season wouldn't be the same without the thrilling clashes between the Bills and the Patriots. Here's to many more epic battles on the gridiron!

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