New York Giants

Todd Bowles explains why he won't call Jets-Giants a rivalry

Published Dec. 1, 2015 3:30 p.m. ET

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For the first time in four years, the New York Jets and New York Giants will square off in a regular season game. Although they share a stadium, it's not often that fans in the Metropolitan area get treated to a showdown between these two teams.

In fact, that's exactly why Jets head coach Todd Bowles won't call them rivals.

"No, I don't think it's a rivalry because you don't play them as much," Bowles said, via Rich Cimini of ESPN. "They're not in the same division. You only play them once every [four] years. The fact that we're in the same city, same stadium makes it very interesting for the fan base, but other than that, no."

Rivalry or not, Sunday's game is a highly-anticipated one. Both teams are battling for playoff spots with the Jets (6-5) likely needing a wild-card berth to make the postseason. The Giants (5-6), on the other hand, are second in the putrid NFC East.

Additionally, the Giants have won the last five meetings with the Jets dating back to 1996. The Jets would certainly like to end that skid, but they may have to do so without Darrelle Revis. The cornerback is still in concussion protocol and is a question mark to play this week. Odell Beckham Jr. being covered by Antonio Cromartie probably won't bode well for the Jets.