NFL Playoffs: Picks, predictions for Jaguars vs. Patriots | AFC Championship Game (1/21/18)

Welcome to the best Sunday of the NFL season!

The Championship Round features a marquee AFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 21, 2018 (1/21/18) when the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Kickoff is slated for 3:05 p.m. EST on CBS.

The Jaguars are led by head coach Doug Marrone, quarterback Blake Bortles, and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Jacksonville comes into the game off a Divisional Round victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Patriots are led by head coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski. New England is coming off a Divisional Round victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Here's how our experts see the game playing out.

Dan Duggan: There's been a lot of hype this week about a Jaguars defense that gave up 42 points last week to the Steelers. Yes, the Jags do have the pass rush capable of making things tough on Tom Brady, but I don't believe Blake Bortles can muster enough scoring to pull off the upset. Patriots 27, Jaguars 17.

Darryl Slater: Time is up for the Jaguars' magical run. It's been nice while it lasted, but Tom Brady and the Patriots will slap the Jaguars back to reality in New England, where Brady is almost unbeatable in the playoffs. He is now 18-3 in home postseason games. The Jaguars' defense will be a tough test for Brady, but he'll be able to overcome it. Patriots 35, Jaguars 10.

Connor Hughes: The Jaguars are the team that can disrupt Tom Brady. They can get pressure up the middle, and around the outside, with just their front four. Disrupt Brady, ruin his pocket, and usually you can keep him (reasonably) in check. The Giants won two Super Bowls using that game plan. Their coach those games (Tom Coughlin) is now calling the shots in Jacksonville. My question? Even if the Jaguars hold the Patriots to 17 points ... can the Blake Bortles-led offense put up 18? 19? 20? Patriots 23, Jaguars 13.

Ryan Dunleavy: I'm officially confused by the Jaguars. It's not that I'm surprised they beat the Steelers. I'm surprised they beat the Steelers by a score of 45-42 instead of 9-6. Quarterback Blake Bortles had to gain some much-needed confidence last week, but I'm not sure that's a good thing about the Patriots. If he tries to force some throws, expect a couple turnovers. In fact, I'll take a pick-six as the second-half difference in a game that should be closer than expected. Patriots 28, Jaguars 21.

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Joe Giglio: If a team is going to knock of Belichick and Brady, certain factors must come into play: Pass rush, commitment to running the ball, self-confidence and a quarterback able to make clutch throws. Jacksonville has the formula, but I can't see Blake Bortles rising to this occasion. Here comes another Patriots Super Bowl. Patriots 26, Jaguars 17.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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