Jaguars vs. Patriots: Preview, score prediction for AFC Championship

AFC Championship: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots

The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of four current NFL franchises – along with the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and Houston Texans – that have yet to make an appearance in the Super Bowl.

Meanwhile, no team in the league has been to the “Big Game” more than the New England Patriots (9). The men from Foxborough are the defending Super Bowl champions and are looking to make it three NFL titles in four years – for the second time.

On Sunday in the AFC Championship Game, these two teams will meet looking to head to Minnesota for Super Bowl LII. What can we expect from Gillette Stadium?

Keys to Victory

Last Saturday against the Tennessee Titans, Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady threw 53 passes and wasn’t sacked. He threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns and the team did not commit a turnover.

But can New England’s offensive line keep the five-time Super Bowl champion out of harm’s way against a Jacksonville team that has totaled 59 sacks and 37 takeaways in 18 total games this season? That could be easier said than done despite all of Brady’s experience in these kind of games.

Meanwhile, can the Patriots’ pass rush (8 sacks vs. Tennessee) harass Jaguars’ quarterback Blake Bortles into a few turnovers?

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Patriots -7.5
Moneyline: Jaguars -120, Patriots +100
Over/Under: 45

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Conference Championship edition

Prediction

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense has drawn plenty of headlines. But the New England Patriots haven’t been too shabby since that 2-2 start. After giving up 128 points in their first four games this season, the team has allowed just 14 points per contest in their last 13 outings – including last Saturday’s win over the Titans.

Combine that with a Patriots’ ground attack that will keep those Jacksonville defenders on their heels and the defending champs come away with a hard-earned win.

Final Score: New England Patriots: 29, Jacksonville Jaguars: 15