As the Patriots (9-6) welcome the lowly Jaguars (2-13) to Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m., the expectation is that New England will snap a two-game skid and either strengthen its playoff odds or officially clinch a berth.
Anything else would be a surprise and a major disappointment to a team in serious need of a win. With a Week 18 matchup with the Dolphins looming, the Patriots have to first get by a Jaguars team with an up-and-down rookie quarterback, head coaching drama, and little direction as a franchise.
Here’s a closer look at the Jaguars, who have looked decent at times but haven’t been able to string wins together this season.