Above Image Credit: AS USA
When: Sunday, Oct. 20, 8:30 AM EST
Where: Wembley Stadium (London, England)
Channel: NFL Network (check your cable listings)
The NFL ends their international series of the season when the New England Patriots collide with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Pulling Double London Duty
The Jacksonville Jaguars have played in London more than any NFL team has. You might as well say that the country is their second home.
This season, they play two consecutive games in London. It is the second consecutive season that Jacksonville is in London for two games. They started last week and went through a mess of trouble in their 35-16 loss to Chicago in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Jacksonville now has a 6-6 record when playing in London.
They lost in their debut against San Francisco in 2013. Since that day, there’s been no shortage of ups and downs for Jacksonville. They simply wish there have been more ups than downs, especially in their state right now.
A Whole Lot of Troubles
Neither team is at a good stretch right now. Both are 1-5, in last place in their divisions, and they can’t seem to figure things out. The only positive note is that plenty of their best offensive players are probably making their return to the field after dealing with their injuries.
The only thing is that these players are still questionable, but they did have limited practice on Wednesday. Things could look up for them if Even Engram, Gabe Davis, or Travis Etienne, Jr., are able to play on Sunday.
As for the Patriots, the lack of defensive players has been a major obstacle. A majority of their best players including Sione Takitaki, Davon Godchaux, and Isaiah Bolden have been out due to injury. Their estimated return is this Sunday, but that still remains to be seen.
Even their quarterback situation looks bad. Drake Maye made his debut last week and completed 20 of 33 attempts for 243 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in the 41-21 loss to Houston. Jacoby Harris will most likely start this Sunday.
Patriots vs. Jaguars: Final Prediction
This is basically a game that determines which team has it worse. Between the Pats’ lack of defense and the Jags’ lack of offensive players, nothing looks good for either side.
If I had to pick who wins the quarterback battle between Trevor Lawrence and Harris, Lawrence would win this one. Even if Harris and Maye play this game, they still couldn’t match the skills Lawrence has.
The lack of star offensive players have been tough for the Jaguars, and the lack of defensive players in the Patriots have been tough too. This game is gonna come down to whose weak points will be strong enough to survive. Hard to say which one is weaker, but we will know when Sunday ends.
