The Jacksonville Jaguars got off to a strong start to the 2026 season, easily trouncing the Cleveland Browns in the opener. However, they weren't able to carry momentum into Week 2 and lost to the Denver Broncos. Next on their schedule, the Jacksonville Jaguars will welcome the New England Patriots at EverBank Stadium.
Although Jacksonville is a 2.5 favorite for Week 3, the Pats aren't the kind of opponent that you can scoff at. After all, quarterback Drake Maye has left a bit to be desired the past two games but was the runner-up MVP in 2025. He hasn't suddenly stopped being good and could end up having a favorable matchup against a secondary that struggled to contain Bo Nix.
If that wasn't enough, New England ranks first in the league in points allowed and fourth in total yards. The good news is that the Jaguars have enough firepower to repel the Patriots. Even though their run defense is the best in the league, Bhayshul Tuten has thrived and has a chance to break out in Week 3 if the coaching staff feeds him the ball.
Trevor Lawrence is coming off an underwhelming performance, but expect him to bounce back, while head coach Liam Coen makes the necessary adjustments to shred the New England defense. And with this in mind, here are three bold predictions for Week 3.
Brenton Strange will have 80 yards, 2 TDs vs. the Jaguars
Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. have the most targets among Jaguars players two weeks into the season. Washington most definitely has made the most of his chances, but Thomas has struggled. That should make the Jags adjust their strategy against the Patriots and make Brenton Strange a bigger part of the offensive plan.
Thus far, Strange has only caught four passes for 40 yards on five targets. He's an undervalued pass catcher and deserves more opportunities moving forward. He'll get them against New England. Expect him to haul in five catches for 80 yards and reach the end zone twice.
Parker Washington will cross the 100-yard mark and score 1 TD vs. the Patriots
Parker Washington has wasted no time cementing his place as the No. 1 target on the Jacksonville offense. He'll continue to prove he deserves it when he reels in six catches for 110 yards with a touchdown in Week 3. Sure, cornerback Christian Gonzalez will probably shadow him most of the game, but No. 11 will be up to the challenge.
Although the Broncos and Patrick Surtain managed to contain Trevor Lawrence in the second half of their Week 2 game, Washington was able to catch seven passes for 98 yards. He should enjoy the same kind of success against New England.
The Jaguars will keep Drake Maye under 200 yards (and force 3 interceptions)
Although the Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2, Drake Maye didn't play a big role in the win. Heck, he's been somewhat underwhelming this season, completing 67.3 percent of his throws for 386 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. While three of those came in the opener, his outing in Week 2 wasn't much better.
You can bet that Jacksonville defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile will churn out tape to see what's worked against Maye and will put his unit in a position to succeed.
The result? The Jaguars will limit Make to less than 300 yards, sack him five times, and pick him off three times.
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