Merriam-Webster defines “rivals” as “one of two or more striving to reach to obtain something that only one can possess” and “one striving for competitive advantage.”
The Vince Lombardi Trophy certain classifies as that something only one can possess and the New England Patriots absolutely comply with one striving for a competitive advantage. Coincidence for the New York Jets? I think not.
The Jets have had so many rivals through the years diehard hockey fans often get them confused as an NHL organization. Wait a second… (see the Winnipeg Jets).
Seriously though, the football Jets’ rivals over the last six decades easily mirror what the New York Rangers or Islanders have gone through when dealing with the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils or each other.