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The New Year will feature the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots in Week 17. It's time to continue our NFL odds series with a Jaguars-Patriots prediction and pick.
The Jaguars have just about lost all hope for this season. They have two games remaining on the year but it's safe to say their season ended weeks ago. Although, the last time these two teams faced off the Jaguars won 31-20 back in 2018. Both teams are coming off losses but the Patriots are the clear favorite to bounce back and win this game. Trevor Lawrence has just one touchdown pass in his last eight games. Yes, you read that right. The offense is awful and it seems like they aren't even trying. The defense is what keeps them in games and it will have another tough test against a good Patriots offense.
For more insight on the Jaguars-Patriots matchup in Week 17, listen below:
New England is 9-6 on the season and is coming off a loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Bills took reign of the division for now but the Pats still have a chance to win it. They will likely win this game and then need the Bills to lose at least one more in their final two games. New England has never lost to the Jaguars at home as they are 8-0 all time. The Jags have lost 16 straight away games which is the longest in the league. That should be all you need to know in this one.
Here is how FanDuel set the Jaguars-Patriots odds for Sunday.
NFL Odds: Jaguars-Patriots Odds
Jacksonville Jaguars: +16.5 (-110)
New England Patriots: -16.5 (-110)
Over: 41.5 (-110)
Under: 41.5 (-110)
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Why The Jaguars Could Cover The Spread
The Jags can cover this spread solely because of the 16.5 spread. That is a ton of points for an NFL game but the Patriots are clearly the way better team. Trevor Lawrence might have his toughest task yet going up against one of the top secondaries in the league. New England ranks third against the pass so there won't be much Lawrence can do. If Lawrence can't complete a touchdown against the New York Jets, then what will change against a better defense? With James Robinson hitting the IR and ending his season, that makes it even more difficult for them to play well. Don't be surprised if the Jags get shut out in this one.
Why The Patriots Could Cover The Spread
The Patriots will need to put up some points, but they should easily cover this spread. They can actually shut out the Jags rather easily with the elite defense, and they won't let up at all. This will be a much-needed win for New England to give themselves another chance at the division. I don't expect the Patriots to let up at all and even more because they lost the last time they met. It was two very different rosters then, but New England doesn't forget those kinds of losses. If Mac Jones plays well and the offense is moving, don't overthink betting on the spread in this game.
Final Jaguars-Patriots Prediction & Pick
I'm taking the Patriots to cover this large spread and win by at least three scores. Jacksonville just can't do anything right at this point in the season and New England will surely take advantage of that. I expect the under to hit in this game as I actually think the Jags could get shut out. Maybe they will nail a few field goals but nothing more unless it's a blowout.
Final Jaguars-Patriots Prediction & Pick: Patriots -16.5 (-110) & under: 41.5 (-110)
