The Jacksonville Jaguars got approval for massive stadium renovations . Now they need a win in the worst way against another 1-5 team, the New England Patriots .
The Jags are playing in London for the second straight week. Their last game went about as poorly as it could as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears torched them 35-16 . A week after Trevor Lawrence had a career-high in passing yards, he tossed two touchdowns and an interception and was sacked three times. Running back Travis Etienne injured his hamstring while dealing with a shoulder injury in the game, leaving Tank Bigsby in line to start Sunday.
The Patriots turned the offense over to their own rookie quarterback, Drake Maye. The No. 3 overall pick threw for 243 yards, three TDs and two picks in a 41-21 loss to the Houston Texans, leading the Pats to their highest point total this season. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson missed the game with a foot injury and hasn't practiced yet this week, either.
Can the Jaguars come back from London with a win? NFL reporters and analysts weigh in with their picks:
All four members of USA TODAY's panel picked Jacksonville. Lorenzo Reyes predicted a 23-13 final score with a warning: "I would not touch this game at all. With Drake Maye starting at quarterback, the Patriots are a massive uncertainty, and they’re traveling to London, where the Jaguars have been for a week already. But Jacksonville has been one of the most disappointing teams of the season. Still, I think they have the better roster, so I will back them, though not with any confidence."
Sporting News : Split between Jaguars, Patriots
Vinnie Iyer picked New England 27-24: "The Patriots have renewed confidence with Drake Maye at quarterback, unlocking their key passing weapons at just the right time before seeing Jacksonville's putrid pass defense in London. The Jaguars have been in an absolute fog in coverage all over the field. Whether they use Trevor Lawrence or Maye's first-round QB predecessor Mac Jones, the Jaguars will lose a high-scoring affair that might be the real last game for Doug Pederson."
Bill Bender picked Jacksonville 24-19: "The Jaguars will stay in London after a blowout loss against the Bears. New England has failed to cover in five straight losses, but Drake Maye showed potential in his first start with three TDs. He also had two interceptions and took four sacks. These are two bad teams, but the Jaguars are a little better at run defense and have had a week to acclimate to London."
Watch Jaguars vs Patriots live on Fubo (free trial)
CBS Sports : Another Jaguars-Patriots split
Pete Prisco picked Jacksonville 29-21: "This is the dog game of the week. Both teams have major issues, but at least the Patriots have the excuse of starting a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye. With Jacksonville being the last-ranked passing defense, he might hit them with some big plays. But Jacksonville is the better team and Trevor Lawrence will play a little better."
Tyler Sullivan picked New England 23-20: "In his first start, Drake Maye gave the offense more juice than it had in the previous five weeks combined. While it wasn't perfect, the No. 3 overall pick showed an ability to push the ball down the field and now has an ideal matchup against the Jaguars in London. This season, Jacksonville's defense ranks 30th in yards per play allowed and is giving touchdowns on 76% of their opponents' red zone trips (worst in the NFL). Sure, the Patriots defense struggled mightily against C.J. Stroud and the Texans last week, but now they face a Jags offense that is lost, ranking 28th on third down and 22nd in the red zone. Patriots get the first win of the Drake Maye era and might end Doug Pederson's coaching tenure in Jacksonville in the process."
Though Bleacher Report's consensus pick was for Jacksonville, five of Bleacher Report's eight-member panel picked New England. Maurice Moton writes: "The Jaguars have the advantage of staying in London, going against a team led by first-time head coach in Jerod Mayo. The Patriots defense hit a low point in Mayo's short tenure against the Houston Texans last week, which drew his ire . They also turned the ball over four times with Maye at the helm. In full desperation mode, the Jaguars put together their best game of the season in a matchup with a highly flawed Patriots squad."
Mike Florio predicted a 24-14 final, with Chris Simms picked a 23-17 final. "If the Jaguars lose this one, they should just stay in London," Florio wrote.
Jaguars vs Patriots game odds, spread and lines
Jacksonville is favored to defeat New England, according to the BetMGM NFL odds . Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024 .
All odds as of Thursday, October 17.
- Spread: Jaguars (-5½)
- Over/under: 41½
- Moneyline: Patriots +200, Jaguars -250
Where to watch Jaguars vs Patriots: Time, TV schedule, streaming info
- When: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, October 20
- Where: Wembley Stadium (London, England)
- TV: WJXX (ABC Channel 25) in Jacksonville, NFL Network
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
Jaguars vs. Patriots will broadcast nationally on NFL Network in Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season. The game will be broadcast locally on WJXX/ABC 25. Chris Rose and Joe Thomas will call the game from the booth at Wembley Stadium, with Steve Wyche reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include Fubo , which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars predictions vs New England Patriots: NFL experts pick London game
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