Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots Matches: What Really Happened in This Coastal Feud

When you talk about Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots matches, you aren't just looking at a cross-country schedule quirk. You're looking at the bookends of the greatest dynasty in modern sports history. It’s wild to think that the same two franchises defined the start and the near-end of the Tom Brady era, yet they play in different conferences and barely see each other every four years.

Honestly, the Rams should probably hate the Patriots more than they do. New England has basically been a giant roadblock for the Rams’ trophy room for over two decades.

The Night the Dynasty Was Born: Super Bowl XXXVI

Let’s go back to February 2002. The "Greatest Show on Turf" was a juggernaut. Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, and Isaac Bruce were essentially playing Madden on rookie mode against the rest of the league. They entered that game as 14-point favorites. Most people thought the Patriots—led by a scrawny kid named Tom Brady—were just happy to be there.

The game was a defensive slugfest. Bill Belichick did something no one else could: he bullied the Rams’ receivers at the line of scrimmage. Ty Law’s 47-yard interception return for a touchdown is still one of the most iconic plays in Foxborough lore.

It looked like the Rams might pull it off late. Warner led a furious comeback to tie it at 17-17 with only 1:30 left. No timeouts. Most coaches would have kneeled and prayed for overtime. Not Belichick. Brady marched them down, Adam Vinatieri nailed a 48-yarder as time expired, and the world changed. That single match didn't just end a Rams era; it launched a twenty-year reign of terror by the Pats.

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The 13-3 Snoozefest (Or Defensive Masterpiece)

Fast forward to Super Bowl LIII in 2019. It was a rematch nearly twenty years in the making. Sean McVay was the new "boy genius" coach, and Jared Goff was the rising star. On the other side? The same old hoodie and the same old quarterback.

This match was... weird.

It’s officially the lowest-scoring Super Bowl ever. If you like punting, this was your Super Bowl. For three quarters, it was a 3-3 tie. The Rams' high-powered offense, which averaged over 30 points a game, looked completely lost. Belichick used a 6-1 defensive front that totally neutralized Todd Gurley and the Rams' outside zone run.

The game turned on two plays:

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1. A 29-yard dime from Brady to Rob Gronkowski that set up the only touchdown.
2. Stephon Gilmore’s interception of Jared Goff at the 2-yard line to seal the deal.

Final score: 13-3. It wasn't pretty, but it gave the Patriots their sixth ring and proved that experience usually beats hype when the lights are brightest.

Head-to-Head: By the Numbers

If you look at the all-time regular season record, the Rams actually hold a slight edge. As of 2026, the Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots matches history sits at 16 wins for the Rams and 12 for the Patriots.

• Largest Rams Win: A 31-0 shutout back in November 1970.
• Largest Patriots Win: A 45-7 blowout in 2012 where Brady threw four touchdowns in London.
• Postseason Record: 2-0 in favor of New England (both being the Super Bowls mentioned above).

Recent history has shifted toward the West Coast. The Rams have won the last three meetings. Most recently, on November 17, 2024, the Rams took down the Patriots 28-22 at Gillette Stadium. Matthew Stafford threw four touchdowns in that one, including scores to Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. It felt like a bit of revenge, though it’s hard to trade a regular-season win for two missed Super Bowl rings.

The 2026 Wild Card Update

You might have missed the most recent chapter. Just a few days ago, on January 11, 2026, the Patriots (now in the post-Belichick era under Mike Vrabel) finally broke their postseason win drought. While they didn't play the Rams in this specific round—they actually beat the Chargers 16-3—the Rams were busy in their own NFC bracket with Matthew Stafford still slinging it at a high level.

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The rivalry today looks very different. The Patriots are rebuilding their identity with a focus on a "suffocating" defense, reminiscent of the early 2000s. The Rams, meanwhile, continue to be the "all-in" franchise, trading picks for stars and keeping their window open as long as Stafford’s arm holds up.

What Most People Get Wrong

There’s a common myth that the Patriots have always dominated the Rams. While they’ve won the games that matter the most, the Rams have historically been a tough out for New England. In the 80s and 90s, the Rams won four straight matches against the Pats.

Another misconception is that the 2019 Super Bowl was just "bad offense." In reality, it was a tactical clinic. Rams receiver Brandin Cooks was actually open on a potential touchdown play late in the game, but Goff was a split-second late on the throw, allowing Jason McCourty to make a miraculous recovery. One second faster, and the Rams might have a second LA-era trophy.

Key Stats to Remember

• Average Score: Typically stays low, around 19-18 in favor of LA.
• Turnover Margin: In their two Super Bowl matchups, the Patriots were +4 in turnovers. That’s the whole story right there.
• Passing Leaders: Kurt Warner still holds the record for most passing yards in a single game between these two, throwing for 401 yards in a 2001 regular-season meeting.

Actionable Insights for Fans

If you're betting on or watching future Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots matches, keep these factors in mind:

1. Watch the Front Six: Historically, the winner of this match is decided by whoever stops the run without committing a safety to the box.
2. The "West to East" Factor: The Rams traditionally struggle with 1:00 PM EST starts in Foxborough. Check the kickoff time before making any picks.
3. Scheme Over Stars: These two teams often try to out-coach each other rather than out-talent each other. Look for "trips" formations and how the secondary adjusts; that's usually where the game is won.

Keep an eye on the 2026-2027 schedule. With both teams trending toward the top of their respective divisions again, a third Super Bowl meeting isn't as crazy as it sounds.