Can Red Sox Continue Bizarre Trend After Patriots' Super Bowl Losses?

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The New England Patriots have now lost a record six Super Bowls, but that might actually be good news for the Boston Red Sox. After each of the Patriots' previous Super Bowl losses, the Red Sox have found success, making the playoffs or even winning the World Series. With the Patriots' latest defeat, the Red Sox will be hoping to continue this strange trend in 2026.

Why it matters

The Patriots' Super Bowl losses have become a source of frustration for Boston sports fans, but the Red Sox have managed to capitalize on the disappointment by finding success of their own in the aftermath. This trend speaks to the interconnected nature of Boston's sports teams and the city's passionate fan base.

The details

The Patriots' six Super Bowl losses have come in 1986, 1997, 2008, 2012, 2018, and most recently in 2026. After each of those defeats, the Red Sox have gone on to make the playoffs, win the pennant, or even capture the World Series title, providing a silver lining for Boston fans.

• The Patriots lost their first Super Bowl appearance in early 1986.
• New England's second Super Bowl loss came in early 1997.
• The Patriots didn't lose the Super Bowl again until early 2008.
• New England lost the Super Bowl again four years later, in early 2012.
• Following a pair of Super Bowl wins, the Patriots shockingly lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in early 2018.

What’s next

With the Patriots' latest Super Bowl loss, all eyes will be on the Red Sox in 2026 to see if they can continue the team's recent trend of success following their rival's big game defeats.