NFL Week 7 Preview: Patriots vs. Jaguars Clash in London

The National Football League (NFL) is set to capture the attention of global fans as the New England Patriots face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. This marks the continuation of the NFL’s international series, unfolding in front of enthusiastic spectators across the world.

This upcoming matchup features two teams grappling with challenging starts to the season. Both the Patriots and the Jaguars currently hold a 1-5 record, making their performances in London crucial for turning around their respective seasons.

For the Patriots, focus will be on quarterback Drake Maye. Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Maye delivered a mixed performance in his previous outing against the Houston Texans. Despite completing three touchdown passes, two interceptions considerably overshadowed his efforts, resulting in a defeat. Patriots’ fans, however, remain hopeful, encouraged by Maye’s promising highlights.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars are also searching for a spark. Their recent trouncing by an undisclosed opponent in Week 6 has intensified speculation surrounding the future of head coach Doug Pederson. While Pederson has received endorsement from certain areas, pressure is mounting, with Jacksonville’s disappointing start to the season exacerbating scrutiny on his job security.

Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET, making it a transatlantic treat for NFL enthusiasts. Notably, this encounter follows previous London fixtures this season, including games played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Television coverage will be available on NFL Network, alongside local broadcasts by CBS 47 in Jacksonville and ABC 5 in the Patriots’ local market. Additionally, streaming services such as NFL+ will offer live coverage, ensuring that fans can tune in from a variety of platforms.

As the NFL propels its international series in 2024, the focus sharpens on the performance of both teams as they aim to break free from their early season struggles. With both sides ranked low in Super Bowl odds, Sunday’s game in London represents more than just another fixture on the calendar; it is an opportunity for redemption and recalibrated ambition.

Contributing to the coverage is sports journalist Tom Viera. It should be noted that the USA TODAY Network where this report was developed, maintains its independence from commercial influence, despite affiliates linked in the content.