The Patriots’ loss to the 49ers in Week 15 of 2012 brought an end to a 20-game winning streak at home in December that dated to Dec. 22, 2002, a 30-17 defeat to the Jets. That first loss doomed their playoff hopes as they sought to defend their Super Bowl XXXVI title. The next loss occurred almost a full decade later.

In between, the Patriots were unbeatable at Gillette Stadium in December -- and very difficult to beat there in any other month. The Patriots went 68-11 at home overall in the regular season between that loss to the Jets and the loss to the 49ers.