We’ve got more action from across the pond this Sunday. The Jacksonville Jaguars are there for yet another game, but this time, they’ll look to bounce back from a brutal loss to the Chicago Bears with a win against the New England Patriots. While you’re here, I recommend checking out our guides to NFL expert picks!
Patriots-Jaguars Player Props & Anytime Touchdown Bet for NFL London Game
Patriots-Jaguars Player Prop Pick for Demario Douglas
The New England Patriots entered a new era last week when they opted to start rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Although they lost in his debut, falling to the Houston Texans by a 20-point margin, he managed to throw for 243 yards and three touchdowns. There was a lot to be optimistic about.
One of the most notable data points from Maye’s debut was the usage of slot wide receiver Demario “Pop” Douglas. Douglas may not see the field much on rushing downs, but his route participation rate (90.3%) and slot rate (77.1%) paint a clear picture of how the Patriots intend to use him. Maye threw his way nine times, too.
The Jaguars have not been able to do much against opposing receivers, especially those who work in the slot. Last week, Keenan Allen racked up 41 receiving yards and two receiving scores. In Week 5, Josh Downs caught nine es for 69 yards. Both players spend 50% or more of their snaps in the slot.
With Douglas seeing most of his action in the slot and drawing significant attention from Maye, his receiving yardage prop (45.5 at Hard Rock; 49.5 or higher in most other spots) stands out as a sharp over. Pinnacle, a sharp offshore, has the 46.5 priced at -110. Lock in the over 45.5 for -115 before the value disappears.
Patriots-Jaguars Player Prop Pick: Demario Douglas Over 45.5 Receiving Yards -115 at Hard Rock
Patriots-Jaguars Anytime Touchdown Bet for NFL London Game
The Jacksonville Jaguars do not do much well defensively, but they’ve been especially bad at stopping tight ends in the red zone. They have allowed an NFL-high four receiving touchdowns to the position this year. This includes last week’s two-touchdown explosion from Cole Kmet and Week 5’s score by Mo Alie-Cox.
Jacksonville’s defensive weaknesses create an opportunity for tight end Hunter Henry. The Patriots have often called Henry’s number near the goal line. He is tied for the team lead in red-zone targets with five, including a red-zone target (which he caught for a touchdown) from Drake Maye last week.
Henry is simply New England’s best red-zone option in the receiving game. Unlike Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne and Ja’Lynn Polk, Henry boasts a 6-foot-5 frame that makes him an excellent jump-ball option in the end zone. If New England can consistently get to the red zone against this bad Jacksonville defense, Henry should score.
The odds for Henry to find paydirt vary substantially across the market. He is as short at +250 at anytime touchdown scorer betting strategy, so let’s apply it to this game and back Henry.
Patriots-Jaguars Anytime Touchdown Bet: Hunter Henry +340 at FanDuel
