NFL Week 7 Preview: Jaguars vs. Patriots – A Clash in London
As the 2024 NFL season heats up, Week 7 brings an intriguing matchup across the pond at Wembley Stadium: the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) will face the New England Patriots (1-5) during an early Sunday morning game at 9:30 a.m. ET. Both teams find themselves struggling at the bottom of their respective divisions, yet this London affair holds promise for a resurgence—if only for one of the franchises.
Recent Struggles and Season Context
The Jaguars, having recently faced a disappointing 35-16 loss to the Chicago Bears, are seeking to turn their season around. Following the game, concerns over consistency and missed opportunities have emerged, particularly around their defense, which currently ranks last in the league in Defensive Expected Points Added (EPA) and pass yards allowed per game. A week before, the Jaguars surrendered four touchdown passes to breakout rookie Caleb Williams, a performance reflective of their broader struggles.
On the other hand, the Patriots’ losing streak extended to five games following a lopsided 41-21 defeat against the Houston Texans last week. The game featured impressive moments from rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who made his first career start, hinting at potential improvement for the beleaguered New England offense. The challenge will be to build off that momentum against a Jaguars squad that has been vulnerable this season.
Betting Analysis and Game Lines
The odds for this matchup favor the Jaguars, who opened as 4.5-point favorites and have since moved to -6. The game’s total points line has settled at 41.5, suggesting that sportsbooks expect a lower-scoring contest.
- Spread: Jaguars -6
- Moneyline: Jaguars (-250), Patriots (+210)
- Over/Under: 41.5
- First Half Spread: Jaguars -3.5 (-115)
- Jaguars Total Points: 23.5 (Over -120/Under -110)
- Patriots Total Points: 17.5 (Over Even/Under -130)
These lines highlight the expectation that the Jaguars, playing in familiar territory after a stint in London, will secure a victory. However, with New England showing glimpses of potential improvement under Maye, the game promises to be closer than anticipated.
Key Player Matchups
One player to watch for the Jaguars is quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is projected to throw for over 224.5 yards with an expectation of at least 1.5 touchdowns. Meanwhile, rookie Drake Maye’s passing yards line is set at 199.5, offering insight into how much faith oddsmakers have in his ability to move the ball against a struggling Jaguars defense.
Furthermore, in the receiving department, Brian Thomas Jr. has emerged as a primary target for Lawrence, with his receiving yards total set at 59.5. Similarly, New England’s Rhamondre Stevenson may be called upon to shoulder the running game, with his rushing yards line at 44.5.
Insight from Betting Analyst Tyler Fulghum
Tyler Fulghum, a noted betting analyst, has taken an interest in the matchup, confidently endorsing the Patriots +6. He notes, “Drake Maye did enough last week against the Texans to show me that the Patriots offense can finally be taken seriously.” Fulghum’s confidence stems from the fact that the Jaguars have struggled defensively, allowing significant yardage to opponents.
Fulghum’s analysis indicates that while the Patriots may have lost their last five games, they are still a live underdog who could surprise the Jaguars in London. With Jacksonville’s glaring defensive issues, the suggestion is that Maye could have notable success if given time in the pocket.
Betting Trends to Consider
A look at betting trends adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup:
- The Patriots are 0-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last four games and 0-4 ATS following a loss this season.
- The Jaguars are also struggling as favorites, having failed to cover in their last three attempts and holding a 1-3 record ATS when favored in London.
- Historically, unders have prevailed in London games over recent seasons, with the current season showing signs of similar trends.
Conclusion: A Vital Game for Both Teams
This Week 7 battle holds significant implications for both the Jaguars and the Patriots. With both teams sitting at 1-5, a victory could breathe new life into their respective seasons. The Jaguars will strive to leverage home-field advantage, while the Patriots will aim for an upset and a morale-boosting win.
As teams prepare for kick-off under the bright lights of Wembley, the anticipation builds—not just for the game itself, but for the potential turnaround it represents for one of these struggling franchises. The early morning kickoff promises both a spectacle and critical momentum for whichever team can emerge victorious.
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