The New England Patriots and the New York Giants may not share the same division, but whenever these two franchises collide, it feels like more than just another football game. From legendary Super Bowl matchups to regular-season surprises, the Patriots–Giants rivalry has delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in NFL history.
One question fans often ask is: How many times have the Patriots beaten the Giants? To answer that, we’ll dive into their all-time record, explore the key games that defined their meetings, and examine why this interconference rivalry holds such a special place in football history.
Head-to-Head Record Between the Patriots and Giants
As of the 2024 NFL season, the New England Patriots have beaten the New York Giants 7 times in regular-season matchups. Meanwhile, the Giants have won 7 games as well, making the all-time regular season record tied at 7–7.
When you add the postseason into the mix, however, the story shifts dramatically. The Giants have had the upper hand in two of the most important games in NFL history: Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI. Those victories gave the Giants bragging rights on the biggest stage, even though the Patriots have often been the more dominant franchise overall.
So while the Patriots have beaten the Giants multiple times, the Giants’ wins carry a weight that statistics alone can’t measure.
The Historic Super Bowl Clashes
No discussion of this rivalry is complete without revisiting the two iconic Super Bowls between these teams.
Super Bowl XLII (2008) – The Perfect Season Shattered
The 2007 Patriots entered the Super Bowl with a perfect 18–0 record, led by Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and a record-breaking offense. They were heavy favorites to complete the NFL’s first 19–0 season.
But the Giants, led by quarterback Eli Manning and coach Tom Coughlin, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in sports history. Manning’s miraculous escape and David Tyree’s famous “helmet catch” set up the game-winning touchdown, handing the Patriots a shocking 17–14 defeat.
Super Bowl XLVI (2012) – History Repeats Itself
Four years later, the two teams met again. Once more, Brady and Belichick faced Manning and Coughlin. Once more, the Giants came out on top, this time 21–17, thanks to clutch throws from Manning and a late touchdown by Ahmad Bradshaw.
The Giants cemented themselves as the Patriots’ kryptonite, spoiling another chance for New England to add to its dynasty.
Regular Season Matchups: A Balanced Rivalry
Outside the Super Bowl, the Patriots and Giants have faced off in the regular season 14 times since the AFL-NFL merger. Their record stands evenly split, with seven wins apiece.
Some notable games include:
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1996 Season: The Patriots, on their way to a Super Bowl appearance, defeated the Giants 23–22 in a tight contest.
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2011 Regular Season: The Giants upset the Patriots in Foxborough, a foreshadowing of their eventual Super Bowl rematch that same season.
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2019 Matchup: New England’s defense dominated in a 35–14 victory, showcasing the depth of the dynasty even as Tom Brady approached the end of his Patriots tenure.
This balance shows how competitive the rivalry has been, even if the stakes weren’t always as high as their Super Bowl encounters.
Why the Patriots–Giants Rivalry Is Unique
Most NFL rivalries are built on divisional battles and frequent matchups, but the Patriots–Giants story is different. Here’s why it stands out:
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Infrequent but Historic
Since they’re in different conferences, the teams only meet every four years in the regular season. Yet when they do, the games often carry high drama. -
David vs. Goliath Narrative
The Patriots under Bill Belichick became the NFL’s most dominant dynasty of the 2000s and 2010s. The Giants, meanwhile, weren’t always powerhouses but when it mattered most, they stunned New England on the biggest stage. -
Shared History Between Coaches
Bill Belichick served as defensive coordinator for the Giants under Bill Parcells in the 1980s, winning two Super Bowls before building his dynasty in New England. This coaching connection adds layers of intrigue.
Statistical Breakdown
Here’s a quick snapshot of the rivalry:
| Category | Patriots | Giants | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Wins | 7 | 7 | Tied overall |
| Super Bowl Wins (vs each other) | 0 | 2 | Giants dominate postseason |
| Combined All-Time Record | 7 | 9 | Giants lead overall |
| Most Famous Game | — | ✅ | Super Bowl XLII upset |
The Patriots may have matched the Giants in overall victories, but New York holds the edge when it counts the most.
The Legacy of Eli Manning vs. Tom Brady
The personal duel between Eli Manning and Tom Brady is one of the defining chapters of this rivalry. Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time, yet Manning beat him twice in the Super Bowl.
For many fans, this is the ultimate twist: despite Brady’s unmatched career accomplishments, Manning and the Giants prevented him from achieving perfection.
The Rivalry in the Modern Era
As of 2025, both franchises are in transition. The Patriots are rebuilding following Brady’s departure, while the Giants are working to establish consistency under new leadership. Though neither team currently dominates the NFL landscape, whenever they meet, fans expect fireworks.
Looking ahead, younger stars on both sides will write the next chapter. Whether it’s a hard-fought regular-season matchup or another surprise postseason clash, the Patriots–Giants rivalry still captures the imagination of fans nationwide.
So, how many times have the Patriots beaten the Giants? The answer is seven times in the regular season, with the all-time record tied at 7–7. However, when postseason history is included, the Giants hold the ultimate bragging rights with two unforgettable Super Bowl victories.
The numbers alone tell one story, but the emotions, memories, and cultural impact tell another. This rivalry proves that in the NFL, sometimes it’s not about how many times you win it’s about when you win. And on football’s biggest stage, the Giants will forever have the edge.
