New England Patriots @ Jacksonville Jaguars preview
The New England Patriots i Jacksonville Jaguars will meet on Sunday, with both sides looking to improve to 2-1 after losing one of their opening two games of 2026. NFL season
The Patriots have struggled to get their offense going, with Drake Maye throwing four interceptions in two games, but their defense has been one of the strongest units in the league.
Jacksonville, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing loss to Denver last weekend after letting a lead slip away, but the Jaguars remain slight favorites heading into Sunday’s contest.
New England ranks second in the NFL in defensive EPA per play and fourth in yards per play allowed. They held Pittsburgh to just three points in Week 2 and have allowed just 16 points in their first two games.
That gives the Patriots a chance to stay competitive in Jacksonville, even if their offense can’t find the best team.
The Jaguars, meanwhile, looked impressive in their season opener when they dismantled the Cleveland Browns, but couldn’t maintain that level against Denver last weekend.
Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville allowed the Broncos to rally from a deficit and eventually suffered their first loss of the season.
New England was among the best offensive teams in the NFL in terms of EPA per play last season, so there’s reason to believe their early struggles won’t continue at the same level into 2026.
The return of TreVeyon Henderson in Week 2 also gave the Patriots’ rushing attack a boost.