For the most part, regional sports rivalries are generated less by the players on the field and more by the local media and fans, the latter of whom actually live and work together.

That will be the case this Sunday when the Giants “host” the Jets at MetLife Stadium. The two teams play in different conferences, so in terms of playoff positioning, they aren’t in direct competition. The same can be said about the Yankees and Mets, whose “rivalry” comprises one World Series (in 2000) and their annual interleague meetings. The...