As the New England Patriots prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium this Sunday, both teams are desperate for a turnaround after disappointing starts to their seasons. With a kickoff time of 9:30 a.m. ET, fans are eager to see if the Patriots can secure their first win of the year.

Struggles and Opportunities for Both Teams

The Patriots (1-5) are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, now led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who was elevated to starting QB after showing promise despite a tough loss to the Houston Texans. Maye threw for three touchdowns but also faced challenges, including two interceptions and a fumble. He aims to bring his team back to a winning record against a Jaguars defense that has struggled significantly this season.

In contrast, the Jaguars (1-5) are seeking to revitalize their season under head coach Doug Pederson, who faces increasing pressure. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has also struggled, boasting a 1-10 record in his last eleven starts. Jacksonville’s offense has been hindered by receiver drops and a lack of consistent play, ranking 22nd in points scored per game.

Key Players to Watch

Drake Maye (Patriots): This will be a critical game for Maye to demonstrate his potential and secure his first career win. With a boosted passing attack, he showed improvements last week and has the opportunity to capitalize on Jacksonville’s weak pass defense, which allows a league-worst 276.7 yards per game.

Tank Bigsby (Jaguars): With starter Travis Etienne sidelined due to injury, Bigsby has the chance to shine, leading the NFL with an impressive 7.2 yards per rush average this season. His performance will be crucial for Jacksonville’s ground game.

Christian Gonzalez (Patriots): As a standout cornerback, Gonzalez will likely be matched up against Jacksonville’s emerging star, Brian Thomas Jr. This matchup could be pivotal in determining which team comes out on top.

Game Predictions and Betting Odds

The Patriots are currently 5.5-point underdogs in this matchup, but with the recent momentum from Maye’s performance and a favorable matchup against Jacksonville’s struggling defense, New England fans are hopeful. Projected score: Patriots 23, Jaguars 20.

With both teams looking for redemption, this game promises to be an exciting start to Week 7. The Patriots hope to rally their fans in London and secure a crucial victory to kickstart their season.