Week 17 staff predictions: Jaguars vs. Patriots

GENE FRENETTE

Patriots 27, Jaguars 17

Even if the Patriots get a COVID-19 outbreak that takes out most of their defense and quarterback Mac Jones, I'm not sure Bill Belichick still doesn't find a way to beat the Jaguars. After all, the Jaguars are 0-6 against Belichick in Foxborough (playoffs included) and been outscored by an average margin of 33-13

Season record: 9-6

JOHN REID

Patriots 38, Jaguars 9

The Jaguars have no shot of pulling off a miracle in Foxborough by upsetting the Patriots, who need a victory to remain in playoff contention. The Jaguars are stumbling to finish line and with 27 players on the COVID-19 list, including 13 starters, this is one is going to get ugly in a hurry.

Season record: 11-4

GARRY SMITS

Patriots 31, Jaguars 10

The Jags have got to be demoralized, disheartened and now decimated by injuries and the league's COVID-19 protocols. At this point, one has to wonder if it's not smart to shut Trevor Lawrence down, rather than let him operate behind a line that will look like the second half of the third preseason games.

Season record: 9-6

MICHAEL DIROCCO, ESPN

Patriots 35, Jaguars 7

It wouldn't matter if the Jaguars were at full strength. This is a name-your-score game for the Patriots. Plus, playing the Patriots at Gillette Stadium after they're coming off a home loss is never good.

Season record: 13-2

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