Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, UK
Time: 9:30 AM ET / 2:30 PM BST
Weather: 58°F, Overcast, Light Rain
Standings: Jaguars (1-5), Patriots (1-5)
Implications: Desperation to Salvage a Faltering Season
The Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots are set to clash at Wembley Stadium, both teams struggling with a 1-5 record. With their playoff dreams fading fast, this game is a big deal. A loss could pretty much end any hopes for either team, while a win might just kickstart a comeback. The pressure is on as both teams, facing challenges on offense and defense, aim to get their seasons back on track in London.
Jaguars Summary: Potential Awaiting Conversion into Victories
Record: 1-5
Key Player: Trevor Lawrence, QB
Offense Ranking: 20th Overall (YPG: 331)
Defense Ranking: 17th Overall (PPG allowed: 23.5)
The Jaguars had a solid run in 2023, but their 2024 season has been a letdown. Trevor Lawrence has shown some real talent but has also had issues with turnovers, racking up 9 interceptions in just six games. While he and WR Calvin Ridley have connected for a decent 532 yards, it hasn’t led to any touchdowns or victories. RB Travis Etienne is having a tough time too, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry, thanks to an offensive line that’s been struggling to open up running lanes.
The Jaguars’ defense is pretty average overall, but Josh Allen has been a bright spot with 5 sacks to his name. Still, their secondary has had its fair share of issues, allowing big plays when it really counts. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun is at the helm of a defense that really needs to raise its game to prevent another rough outing overseas.
Patriots Summary: Having a Hard Time Defining Themselves
Record: 1-5
Key Player: Mac Jones, QB
Offense Ranking: 27th Overall (YPG: 297)
Defense Ranking: 12th Overall (PPG allowed: 21.0)
The Patriots are having an unusual rough season with Bill Belichick at the helm. Mac Jones has been hit or miss, tossing 7 touchdowns but also racking up 8 interceptions. The offense is lagging, sitting near the bottom of the league rankings. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hunter Henry have been reliable but not exactly game-changers, while RB Rhamondre Stevenson has had a tough time, averaging only 4.1 yards per carry.
The Patriots’ defense is looking better lately, with Matthew Judon racking up 6 sacks and rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez making a name for himself in coverage. Still, injuries, like losing linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, have created some gaps that Jacksonville could take advantage of. The team will really need their defense to step up again since the offense is having a tough time getting into a groove.
Key Matchups
Trevor Lawrence vs. Patriots’ Secondary
Lawrence has a big test ahead with the Patriots’ solid defense. Christian Gonzalez is probably going to be on Calvin Ridley, which means Lawrence will need to look for other options like Evan Engram and Zay Jones. It’s super important for him to steer clear of turnovers, especially when they get close to the end zone.
Patriots’ Run Game vs. Jaguars’ Defense
New England really needs to rely on Rhamondre Stevenson to set the tempo. The Jaguars’ front seven, with Oluokun and Allen, will have the job of keeping Stevenson in check, which could push Mac Jones to throw against a shaky Jaguars secondary.
Josh Allen vs. Mac Jones
Josh Allen has a chance to shake things up for Mac Jones, especially since the Patriots’ offensive line is having a tough time. Jones has already been taken down 15 times this season, and if he faces steady pressure, it could lead to turnovers that might turn the game in Jacksonville’s direction.
This game probably won’t see a lot of points, since both teams have been struggling on offense while their defenses are good at keeping scores down. The Jaguars might have a tiny advantage with Lawrence and Etienne, but the Patriots’ defense, spearheaded by Judon and Gonzalez, will make it tough for them to gain any ground. In the end, it’ll come down to turnovers and field position, with Jacksonville’s offense managing to scrape together just enough points to win.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Jaguars 20, Patriots 16