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#1 New England Patriots (1-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0)
This AFC championship rematch is going to be a much different game than the one in January 2018. The Patriots lost many key play-makers this off-season and the Jaguars also lost some pass catchers in offense, but they also added some key missing pieces. Both these teams started 1-0 in 2018 and remain the teams to beat in their respective divisions.
Patriots Luck
New England Patriots were lucky to get away with a win in Week 1, despite a very poor offensive outing by the Houston Texans. Thanks to a very bad officiating just before the half, a first down was given to Rob Gronkowski, while it was clear it wasn't a catch. The referees didn't stop the play in time to review, thus inadvertently helping Brady and the Patriots score another touchdown.
Despite going 21-6 into the half, the Patriots helped the Texans to make a comeback which they fell short of a hail-mary to tie the game. Patriots got out, thanks to a rusty Texans offense and the absence of Will Fuller. The big takeaway, though, for the Patriots in Week 1 will be that the defense played lights out in creating pressure on rusty Deshaun Watson.
The defense has another easy matchup as far as skill position players go. The Jaguars have one of the worst passing attacks in the league. But, after Week 1, they even lost their lead back Leonard Fournette to Injury. So that should help the Patriots' defense to force Blake Bortles to throw. But, Jaguars O-Line has improved and even if Fournette couldn't suit up, T.J. Yeldon could be dangerous. The Patriots allowed the Houston Rushing to accumulate 167 Yards.
On the other side of the ball, the Patriots are Patriots. They are again getting most out of the other teams cast-offs. A new player to get his career revived thanks to Bellicheck and Brady, is former Indianapolis Colts receiver, Phillip Dorsett. The latter went off with 7 catches for 66 Yards and a Touchdown in Week 1.
Gronkowski remains the lead receiver for the Patriots, who was seen wide-open many times against the Texans. That shouldn't be the case this week as the Patriots will face arguably the best defense in the league. Gronk will be covered by two of the best D-backs in A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey.
The Patriots Rushing is a Committee and took a big blow. With Hill being placed in IR, the Patriots will need James White to continue his presence with catching the passes and rushing. The Patriots had a tough time rushing against a stout Texans D-Line and will face an even stouter D-Line in the Jaguars this Sunday.
Jagged Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a rough outing in Week 1, narrowly escaping the Giants, thanks to the stout defensive performance. The Jaguars offense and Blake Bortles need to step up. With an improved O-line, Bortles has all the time to find his receivers. The receivers need to break away from the defenders and get open to give Bortles chances.
The Jaguars almost nearly pulled off the upset in the AFC championship game until Brady brought back the Patriots to win the game. But, this Patriots team is different from the one in the AFC title game. If the Jaguars defenders can hold off Gronkowski, they have a very good chance in winning the game.
The defense needs to be wary of the Running back James White who had more Targets in Week 1 than any other pass catcher. He could be the difference-maker in Win or Lose for the Jaguars this week.
With Fournette set to miss practices this week, there is a good chance T.J. Yeldon could get a start this week. Yeldon had an impressive outing against the Gaints, rushing for 51 yards and catching a Touchdown pass from the Bortles.
If the Jaguars stand a chance to win the game, they need to establish the run game and help the receivers get open and use a lot of Run-Pass option plays.
Fantasy Outlook
Must-Start
New England Defense: With Fournette injured and underwhelming receivers in the squad, the NE defense could have an amazing outing against the Jaguars.
Under the Radar
James White, NE Running Back: He remains to be a Flex starter in PPR leagues. He is leading the targets for NE.
TJ Yeldon, RB Jaguars: With Fournette injured, Yeldon could take the lead back duties if Founette doesn't suit up. Even with Fournette, Yeldon has a good upside to be a Flex starter in PPR leagues.
Caution
Tom Brady: He could have a hard time finding his receivers this week against the stout Jags defense.
NE WRs: Dorsett had a good outing in Week 1, but his chances of repeating are very slim and he could regress back to his own self in Week 2 against the Jags along with his fellow receivers.
Prediction
This has ugly written all over it. The Jaguars have a very good chance of winning the game this time around, but with not-so-good passing game and many turnovers, the Patriots could escape Jacksonville with a win, but an ugly one.
Patriots 17, Jaguars 10
