Patriots-Jaguars Week 3 Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) -- The New England Patriots look for their third straight win to start the 2015 season on Sunday, as they host the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium.
This is the first time the two teams will square off since 2012, when the Patriots beat the Jags 23-16 in Jacksonville. This will be the 11th meeting all-time between the two teams, with the Patriots holding a 9-1 edge overall (6-0 in regular season, 3-1 in the playoffs). Tom Brady is 4-0 in his career against the Jaguars, who visit Gillette for the seventh time on Sunday. The Patriots have won all six matchups against Jacksonville in New England.
Read: Patriots-Jaguars Preview
Here is how the WBZ-TV, WBZ NewsRadio 1030 and 98.5 The Sports Hub sports teams see Sunday's game playing out:
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV Sports
Can the unbeaten stay perfect? That's what the Patriots are trying to do.
New England is looking to start the season 3-0 for the ninth time in team history, and they should have no problem doing just that against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Tom Brady is one touchdown away from No. 400 for his career, and he should get that Sunday afternoon in front of the home fans. The question is, who will catch it? Julian Edelman? Rob Gronkowski? Danny Amendola?
Maybe it will be running back Dion Lewis. After all, it is his 25th birthday on Sunday.
Patriots 31, Jaguars 17
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
This has all the makings of a trap game, with the Patriots facing a relatively unknown opponent following an emotional win in Buffalo last week. Not to mention, the bye week is looming.
However, the Patriots have Tom Brady and don't often fall for trap games.
Patriots 45, Jaguars 21
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
So before we get started, I do think the Pats are going to win this game. I just don't think they are going to walk over the Jaguars.
Jacksonville can run the rock with TJ Yeldon and right now the Pats are last in the league in stopping the run. They are letting up close to six yards per carry and that could eat up the clock and force them to play faster than they want. Plus, this game will be a big test for New England's secondary.
View: Patriots vs. Jaguars Matchup
The Jaguars rely on Allen Robinson and the big play. The wide receiver is one of those players that even when he's covered, he's open. Jacksonville is going to throw him the ball and the Pats are going to have to cover him over the top. Mercedes Lewis is still part of their offense and he's still a solid tight end. This will also be another game that the Pats will see a moving quarterback in Blake Bortles. The good news there is, they have faced so many running quarterbacks over the years, they are pretty good at staying in their lanes and containing the QB.
With all of that said, the Pats are the better team and Gus Bradley and his group have to try to stop Brady and Gronk from making history. Good luck with that. Expect a solid day from the Patriots offense. They will go into their bye week undefeated and then it's time to get set for the long road ahead.
Patriots 37, Jaguars 24
Adam Kaufman, 98.5 The Sports Hub/WBZ NewsRadio 1030AM
The Steelers and Bills provided a challenge. The Jaguars aren't ready yet, especially not in Foxborough. Tom Brady is 6-0 in his career against the Jags and the Pats haven't dropped a game versus Jacksonville since the Clinton administration. The last time the Jaguars won on the road, the Red Sox were World Series champs. Get ready for the first of two straight bye weeks.
Patriots 41, Jaguars 14
Mike "Sarge" Riley 98.5 The Sports Hub/WBZ NewsRadio 1030AM
The Patriots' D shouldn't under-estimate second-year quarterback Blake Bortles, who is coming off the biggest win of his pro career with an upset victory over Miami last Sunday. But, the Pats are too hot right now.
Tom Brady is on a mission and he'll pick up where he left off, throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns. Dion Lewis will run for the century mark and, unlike last week, LeGarrette Blount will get more than two carries and a handful of yards. He will also get his first touchdown of the season.
The Pats are 9-1 all-time against the Jaguars; you can make that 10-1 after this week.
Patriots 34, Jaguars 21
Rob "Hardy" Poole, 98.5 The Sports Hub
As Lyle Lovett once said...
Now there was two little imps
And they was black as tar
And they was trying to get to heaven
In an electric car
And that car wheel slipped
On down the hill
Instead of going to heaven
They went to Jacksonville
Hallelujah.
Patriots 2, Jaguars 0
Tune in to Sunday's Patriots-Jaguars game on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV — the flagship stations of the New England Patriots. Pregame coverage on 98.5FM begins at 10am, with a full postgame show following the game. WBZ-TV's coverage begins with Patriots GameDay at 11:30am, and after the switch to myTV38 for Patriots 5th Quarter!
