Saturday, December 22, 2012

Week 16 AFC East game picks: Patriots at Jaguars

Lead writer Nick St. Denis and AFC East Daily contributors Dan Begnoche and Sean Donovan pick the New England Patriots' road matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Nick's take:
Upset Alert: Just kidding. Cecil Shorts, who leads the AFC in yards per reception, is up against a Patriots defense that has given up the league's most passing plays of 20 yards or more. That's all the Jags have going for them in a game that will likely be over at halftime.
Prediction: Patriots 40, Jaguars 17 (Nick's record: 34-12)

Dan's take:
The Jags are 0-3 against the AFC East, and now they get to face a Patriots team coming off a loss of its own. Jacksonville has had trouble stopping any offense this season let alone New England's, which is touting the league's No. 1 squad. This should be a cakewalk for the Pats.
Prediction: Patriots 44, Jaguars 20 (Dan's record: 27-19)

Sean's take:
The Patriots hope to re-establish some momentum after their wild loss to the 49ers. Fortunately, the Jaguars qualify as one of the league's worst teams and should allow the AFC East champs to get back in a groove. New England cruises to a routine win.
Prediction: Patriots 31, Jaguars 10 (Sean's record: 36-10)