Sizzling Week 13 Matchup: Patriots vs Giants Delayed 10 Minutes Due to Weather
Foxborough, Massachusetts – As the 2025 NFL season heats up, tonight’s clash between the New England Patriots and New York Giants at Gillette Stadium promises to be a thrilling Week 13 showdown. With the Patriots leading the AFC East at an impressive 10-2 record, and the Giants fighting for a playoff spot, both teams see this as a golden opportunity to solidify their standings. However, an unexpected announcement from NFL officials has altered the original schedule, forcing fans to adjust their viewing plans.
The original schedule had the game set for Monday, December 1, 2025, at 8:15 PM ET, airing live on ESPN. This is one of the most anticipated Monday Night Football matchups of the season, drawing millions of viewers worldwide due to the dramatic history between the two teams. The Patriots, under head coach Jerod Mayo, are on an unbeaten streak at home, while the Giants, with rookie quarterback Daniel Jones returning from injury, aim to pull off an upset.
However, just hours before kickoff, the NFL officially announced a 10-minute delay, shifting the start time to 8:25 PM ET. The decision came after weather experts forecasted a sudden heavy rain that could impact field conditions and player safety. “We prioritize health and game quality, but we’re making only a minimal adjustment to ensure fairness,” an NFL spokesperson stated in a press release.
The specific reason for the change stems from harsh weather forecasts in the New England area, where a cold front from the Atlantic is bringing up to 0.8 inches of rain in just one hour. Previous NFL games have been delayed for similar reasons, like Super Bowl LVII in 2023, and Gillette Stadium officials have activated emergency drainage systems to mitigate risks. Fortunately, the brief 10-minute delay won’t significantly affect international broadcasts.
The impact on fans is notable, especially for those gathered at sports bars or streaming via the NFL+ app. ESPN confirmed that the pre-game show will extend by 10 minutes for deeper analysis of both teams’ form, including statistical breakdowns and quick interviews with star players. Tickets remain valid, and the stands are expected to be packed with over 65,000 supporters, mostly backing the Patriots.
On the New England Patriots’ side, the team boasts the AFC’s strongest offense, averaging 28 points per game, led by running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver DeMario Douglas. Following a convincing 26-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals last week, Mayo emphasized that weather won’t shake their resolve. “We’ve trained in the rain all week, and 10 more minutes just gets us ready,” he said in today’s press conference.
The New York Giants, sitting at 2-9, are in a tough spot but undeterred. Under coach Brian Daboll, they’re focusing on a stout defense, particularly edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has notched 8 sacks this season. The Giants hope to use the delay for final tactical tweaks, turning the game into a chance to flip the script against a Patriots squad eyeing the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
In summary, despite the minor tweak, Patriots vs. Giants remains the centerpiece of Week 13, set to deliver edge-of-your-seat action under the stadium lights. Fans are urged to check the NFL app for the exact kickoff. With experts predicting a 7-point Patriots victory, can the Giants pull off a miracle? The answer comes tonight at 8:25 PM ET.
