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When the New England Patriots host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, they will continue a rivalry that has delivered dramatic finishes, unusual plays, and a remarkably even history. The two franchises are deadlocked at 6-6 in regular-season matchups, and the Packers will visit Gillette Stadium for the first time since 2018.
New England has fared well at home in the series, holding a 5-2 advantage in Foxborough. That history gives the Patriots another opportunity to build on their success when the teams square off in Week 9.
The rivalry also includes a Super Bowl encounter and one of the most improbable special teams plays in Patriots history.
Recent Meetings Have Been Decisive
In the most recent regular-season meeting, Green Bay edged New England 27-24 in overtime at Lambeau Field on Oct. 2, 2022. The Patriots faced significant quarterback uncertainty that day: Mac Jones was unavailable, and Brian Hoyer suffered an injury, forcing rookie Bailey Zappe into action against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Despite the adversity, New England pushed the game into overtime before Mason Crosby's field goal settled the outcome.
The previous meeting went to the Patriots, who won 31-17 at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 4, 2018, in a marquee quarterback showdown between Tom Brady and Rodgers.
Super Bowl and a Memorable Return
The most consequential matchup between the franchises came in Super Bowl XXXI, when Green Bay defeated New England 35-21 on Jan. 26, 1997. That game remains the only postseason meeting between the teams and marked an important moment in Patriots history, occurring years before Brady and Bill Belichick turned New England into a championship powerhouse.
Another unforgettable moment occurred in December 2010, when offensive lineman Dan Connolly returned a kickoff 71 yards against Green Bay. The play stands as the longest kickoff return by an offensive lineman in NFL history, and New England won that game 31-27.
Another Chapter Begins Sunday
This meeting features different quarterbacks, with Drake Maye leading New England against a Green Bay team trying to strengthen its playoff position. Both teams enter at 5-3, giving the historical rivalry immediate significance in the standings. The Patriots also have an opportunity to start 4-0 at home for the first time since 2019.
Sunday's game will not settle decades of history, but it will break the regular-season series tie and add another chapter to a rivalry that has produced far more memorable moments than its infrequent meetings might suggest.
Originally reported by yahoo.