Jacksonville is lucky to have an edge over most of those teams with a superior inter-conference record, but they have to get bye the Patriots in order to make the playoffs. Not easy considering the Jags haven\u2019t beaten New England since 1998.<\/p>\n
The Patriots are a win away from locking up the AFC East, and still have an outside shot at the number two seed in the AFC. The Randy Moss drama seems to have passed with last week\u2019s win over Buffalo, meaning New England is at full strength with very little distractions going into the final stretch. A dangerous combination.<\/p>\n
What The Jaguars Have To Do To Win<\/strong><\/p>\n Maurice Jones-Drew has been fantastic in his first full year as the Jaguars starter, and he\u2019ll be key to the Jags success this Sunday. The tiny running back has already reached a career high in yards with 1,246, and his 11 touchdowns lead the league. The Patriots own the league\u2019s 15th best rush defense, or 15th worse if you\u2019re a glass half-empty kind of person. MJD may have some extra motivation, considering his rushing counterpart on the Patriots is former teammate Fred Taylor. It\u2019s always fun to win against someone you used to view as a mentor.<\/p>\n What The Patriots Have To Do To Win<\/strong><\/p>\n If the Jags have the edge in the running game, the Patriots certainly have the edge in the air. Jacksonville owns the 27th ranked pass defense; not good when you\u2019re facing New England\u2019s vaunted passing game. Outlook & Pick<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite the fact that they are on the verge of yet another division title, the Patriots almost seem \u201cordinary\u201d this year. They\u2019re terrible on the road and seemed to have lost that unbeatable aura that surrounded them for so many years. The Jaguars are fighting for their playoff lives and played fantastic last week against a much better Colts team. If they can repeat last week\u2019s performance, they\u2019ll have a shot at victory. Unfortunately, they\u2019re on the road and probably won\u2019t be able to pull one out. The Patriots will be victorious, but Jacksonville should keep it close.<\/p>\n NFL Point Spread Pick: Jacksonville +8 & over 44<\/strong><\/p>\n Prop NFL Football Betting: Team To Score First And Score In First Seven Minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n Since they\u2019re on the road, the Jags won\u2019t try anything fancy early and will give the Patriots a steady dose of MJD early. The Patriots have been pleasantly surprised with the recent play of Lawrence Maroney, and that should result in more early touches for him. It won\u2019t take long, however, for the Pats to take to the sky.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/media.partners.betus.com\/BANNERS\/football\/sportsbook_football_250x250_mybanner3.gif\")
<\/a> Tom Brady may be coming off of his worst outing of the season against the Bills, but he is much better at home than on the road this season. Wes Welker leads the league with 109 receptions, and is four away from breaking his personal high. Keep the ball in the air and the Patriots will score.<\/p>\n