New England Patriots took the lineal NFL belt on September 20, 2026, beating Pittsburgh Steelers 20–3 at home. It is reign 606 in the belt's history and the 22nd for the franchise.
Pittsburgh Steelers had held it since September 13, 2026: 7 days and 0 defenses.
New England Patriots last held the belt in 2019, 2,513 days before this one; that reign lasted 273 days with 8 defenses.
The reign lasted 7 days and 0 defenses, ending September 27, 2026 against Jacksonville Jaguars.
The game
Patriots Claim Belt with Dominant 20-3 Victory Over Steelers The New England Patriots seized the lineal championship belt with a commanding 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. TreVeyon Henderson got the Patriots rolling early with a 39-yard touchdown rush at 8:22 of the first quarter, setting the tone for a game dominated by the home team. Drake Maye managed the offense efficiently, completing 14 of 22 passes for 208 yards despite an interception, while Romeo Doubs provided the big-play threat with 3 receptions for 96 yards.