Patriots vs. Jaguars prediction, props: Drake Maye will rebound from awful start

A pair of 1-1 AFC teams collide Sunday, as the Patriots take on the Jaguars in Duval County. Last week, both teams had a tale of two halves. Drake Maye and New England got back to basics, beating the Steelers 20-3 in Foxborough behind their stout defense. Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville blew a 10-point lead in the second half, losing to the Broncos 20-13 on the road. DraftKings has the Jags as narrow 2.5-point favorites in a matchup between last season’s Coach of the Year, Mike Vrabel, and runner-up Liam Coen.This game is appointment viewing, as both teams are coming off dream turnaround seasons and heightened expectations in this year’s AFC gauntlet.In Week 2, the elements of New England’s defense that made them a Super Bowl representative were on full display. The interior duo of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore seized the day, with Barmore accounting for a strip-sack and score in the fourth quarter to shut the door on Pittsburgh. This is vital, given that the Jaguars’ offensive line struggled in Week 2 to protect Lawrence against the Broncos and entered Week 3 ranked 27th overall, according to Pro Football Focus. Coen would love to give Lawrence some extra time in the pocket, and when he drops back, he’s looking for Parker Washington, who’s burst onto the scene as the Jags’ WR1, outproducing Brian Thomas Jr.and Jakobi Meyers of late.Washington likely draws Christian Gonzalez, one of the league’s toughest matchups (just ask DK Metcalf). Right now, the Patriots have a defensive advantage, and while Maye hasn’t yet channeled his 2025 version, TreVeyon Henderson’s reintroduction in the backfield benefited the Patriots’ offense last week.Expect Josh McDaniels to dial up some read-option plays to create open space for Maye against Anthony Campanile’s cover-6 defense, opening the door for a play on his rushing total. Romeo Doubs also rebounded in Week 2, hauling in three passes for 96 yards, and Hunter Henry continues t...