Week 7 Showdown: Jaguars vs. Patriots in London
As the NFL season continues to unfold, Week 7 brings us an intriguing matchup between two struggling franchises: the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New England Patriots. Both teams enter this game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, October 22, 2024, with identical 1-5 records and looking to turn their season around. Kickoff is set for 9:30 a.m. ET, and though both fan bases are anxious for a victory, there’s more than pride at stake—there’s a glimmer of hope for recovery and redemption.
Jaguars vs. Bears Recap
The Jaguars recently suffered a disappointing 35-16 loss against the Chicago Bears in their first game in London. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence struggled to find his rhythm, and the team’s defense fell apart, yielding multiple offensive threats from Chicago, including four touchdown passes from rookie sensation Caleb Williams. The Jaguars’ defensive woes have been well-documented, as they currently rank last in defensive expected points added (EPA) and are allowing a staggering amount of passing yards per game.
Patriots Struggling but Showing Signs of Life
On the other hand, the Patriots are reeling from their fifth consecutive loss, a 41-21 defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans. This game marked a significant moment for New England, as rookie quarterback Drake Maye made his debut under center. While the scoreboard may not reflect it, Maye showed flashes of potential that could inspire some hope among Patriots supporters. With each passing game, it feels as though the Patriots are taking gradual steps toward rebuilding their offense, even if the results have not yet shown in the win column.
Betting Insights
As anticipation builds before the game, oddsmakers have opened the line with the Jaguars as 6-point favorites, up from an initial 4.5 points. The total for the game is set at 41.5 points, indicating a contest that might favor offensive strategies amid the underlying defensive struggles both teams exhibit.
Latest Odds Overview:
- Spread: Jaguars -6
- Moneyline: Jaguars (-250), Patriots (+210)
- Over/Under: 41.5
Player Props and Predictions
In terms of player performances, several prop bets stand out for this matchup:
Passing
- Trevor Lawrence: Total passing yards at 224.5
- Drake Maye: Total passing yards at 199.5
Rushing
- Rhamondre Stevenson: Rushing yards set at 44.5
Receiving
- Brian Thomas Jr., emerging as a top target for the Jaguars, has total receiving yards listed at 59.5.
Betting analyst Tyler Fulghum suggests taking the Patriots to cover the spread at +6. He emphasizes that Maye’s promising performance against a historically weak Jaguars defense could lead to a competitive game, making the Patriots a live underdog. With Jacksonville’s defense notoriously allowing big plays, expect Maye to exploit these weaknesses effectively.
Key Betting Trends to Consider
For those interested in placing bets, consider these relevant trends:
- The Patriots are 0-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last four games.
- Meanwhile, the Jaguars are 0-3 ATS as favorites this season, failing to cover in their last four as such.
- The Jaguars also have a record of 1-3 outright and ATS in London.
- Historically, unders are 4-1 in London games across the last two seasons.
Looking Ahead
As the Jaguars and Patriots approach their pivotal matchup in London, both fan bases are eager to find momentum and perhaps rescue their respective seasons from further disappointment. With such low expectations for both teams, the outcome remains uncertain, but what is certain is that this matchup is one that fans will be closely watching.
In the unpredictable world of the NFL, many games can set the tone for the rest of the season, and this Week 7 clash could be the tipping point for either the Jaguars or the Patriots as they strive for relevance once again.
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