What football teams are the New England Patriots rivals?

There are several. For the past ten-plus years the strongest rival has been the Indianapolis Colts; both teams have made the playoffs a combined 23 times since 1994 and have knocked one or the other out more often than any other two teams over the same period. Also take into account that the Colts were in the same division as the Patriots until the league created the fourth divisions in 2002 with the introduction of the Houston Texans.

Another bitter rival of the Patriots is the Denver Broncos, who own a winning record against the Patriots since 1983 and have defeated the Patriots twice in playoff matchups.

The New York Jets have been the Patriots' most bitter divisional rival; the two teams have split 100 career matchups and hold one tie (in 1966), while the Patriots own a 2-0 playoff edge. Jets successes or lack thereof have also cost the Patriots playoff berths for 2002 and 2008 as well.

The San Diego Chargers emerged as a bitter rival at the start of the 21st century with wins in 2002, 2005, and 2008 and Patriot playoff wins in 2006 and 2007.