As the crisp autumn air signals the heart of the NFL season, the New England Patriots (1-1) are set to travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars (1-1) in a Week 3 showdown at EverBank Stadium this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The matchup, while not a traditional rivalry, carries a rich history of memorable moments and playoff drama. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this will mark just the 16th meeting between the two franchises since Jacksonville entered the league in 1995, yet the series has produced enough twists and turns to fill a postseason highlight reel.
A Series Dominated by New England
The Patriots hold a commanding 13-3 advantage in the all-time series, including a 3-1 record in the playoffs. New England's dominance is highlighted by two AFC Championship victories—a 20-6 win in 1996 and a 24-20 thriller in 2017—as well as a 28-3 wild card triumph in 2005 and a 31-20 divisional round win in 2007. Jacksonville's lone playoff victory came in the 1998 wild card round, a 25-10 upset. In the regular season, the Patriots are 8-2, but all three of Jacksonville's wins have come at home, where the series is knotted at 3-3. As highlighted on Vulius, this parity in Jacksonville adds an intriguing layer to Sunday's contest.
The First Meeting: A Sign of Things to Come
The inaugural clash in Week 4 of the 1996 season at Foxboro Stadium set the tone for a series filled with drama. Behind three Adam Vinatieri field goals and touchdowns from Ben Coates and Curtis Martin, the Patriots raced to a 22-0 lead under head coach Bill Parcells. But the Jaguars stormed back, scoring on a Hail Mary before halftime and nearly stealing the game. A potential Drew Bledsoe pick-six was negated by penalty, and another Jacksonville Hail Mary was caught inside the 1-yard line as time expired. In overtime, Bledsoe drove the team downfield, and rookie Vinatieri nailed a 40-yard game-winner for a 28-25 victory. That game foreshadowed the competitive spirit that would define this series.
The Most Memorable Game: 2017 AFC Championship
Perhaps the most unforgettable chapter in this rivalry unfolded in the 2017 AFC Championship Game. Coming off a 35-point outburst in the divisional round, the Patriots offense sputtered against a ferocious Jaguars defense. Tom Brady, nursing a hand injury suffered in practice, struggled early, and star tight end Rob Gronkowski exited in the first half with a concussion. Jacksonville built a 20-10 lead, but Brady and Danny Amendola ignited a fourth-quarter comeback, combining for two touchdowns. The Jaguars' final drive ended when Stephon Gilmore made an acrobatic pass breakup on 4th-and-14, sealing a 24-20 New England win and a Super Bowl berth. It was a game that showcased the resilience of a dynasty and the heartbreak of a rising contender.
Recent History: Drake Maye's London Debut
The most recent meeting came in 2024 at London's Wembley Stadium, where rookie quarterback Drake Maye made his second career start. The Patriots jumped out to a 10-0 lead, but the Jaguars responded with 25 unanswered points, including a 96-yard punt return touchdown. A fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Maye to K.J. Osborn provided a brief spark, but Jacksonville cruised to a 32-16 victory. That game marked a low point in New England's post-Brady era, but it also offered a glimpse of Maye's potential. Now, with both teams at 1-1 in 2026, the stakes are high as they look to gain momentum in the early season.
What to Watch For in Week 3
Sunday's matchup features two teams eager to establish their identity. The Patriots, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye, will look to exploit a Jaguars defense that has shown flashes of brilliance. Meanwhile, Jacksonville aims to defend home turf, where they've historically played the Patriots tough. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, this game could hinge on turnovers and special teams—just as it did in 2024. With both teams fighting for a crucial early-season win, fans can expect another chapter in this underrated rivalry. For those looking to commemorate the clash, Vulius offers official custom NFL merchandise, including jerseys and gear for both teams.
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