Patriots – Jaguars AFC Championship Game expert picks
The New England Patriots are the favorite in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, but how many experts are choosing the Jaguars instead?
Patriots v. Jaguars. Vikings v. Eagles. Those are the only two games on Sunday, and they are the biggest two games of the NFL season so far. Two teams will get to play in the Super Bowl, but first, they have to earn that spot with wins in the Conference Championship Games.
The Patriots are the heavy favorites in the AFC, but the Jaguars defense could pose some problems for Tom Brady and co.
Here, we’ve collected expert picks from around the internet for the AFC Championship Game. Would anyone dare to pick the underdog Jacksonville Jaguars? Let’s find out.
Fansided
Matt Verderame: Patriots 23, Jaguars 13
Bleacher Report
Andrew Gould: Patriots 23, Jaguars 16
"“Brady plays but has a quiet game that will delight Patriots fans more than fantasy backers. Bortles produces enough yards to appease fantasy investors, but some mistakes cost the Jaguars an upset. Touchdowns from (Dion) Lewis and (Rob) Gronkowski—and a few field goals from the reliable Stephen Gostkowski—carry the Patriots to another AFC title.”"
NFL Network
Willie McGinest: Patriots
Shaun O’Hara: Jaguars
Duane Brown: Jaguars
David Carr: Jaguars
Tony Jefferson: Jaguars
Cliff Avril: Jaguars
CBS Sports
Pete Prisco: Patriots 24, Jaguars 20
"“The Patriots will try and make Blake Bortles beat them. He was steady last week, and hasn’t turned the ball over in the playoffs, but this will be a real challenge. The Patriots will throw a ton of looks at him.”"
FOX Sports
Patriots 31, Jaguars 16
So, it seems like nearly everyone except for those working for the NFL Network is taking the Patriots to beat the Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game. Some scores are close, within 7-points, but others think Brady and co. can push that lead even higher. It will be a challenge sure, but it will be a major shock and upset in New England doesn’t come out on top in this game.
Next: Chowder & Champions AFC/NFC picks
The AFC and NFC Championship Games will be played this Sunday in Foxboro, MA and Philadelphia, PA. The winners will advance to play in Super Bowl LII in two weeks in Minneapolis, MN. The Vikings, from the NFC, are looking to become the first team to host and play in a Super Bowl. They’re the favorites to win their game this weekend, like the Patriots, and that could be a great Super Bowl matchup. For now, though, football fans need to just enjoy the two games on Sunday.