Patriots vs. Jaguars player prop picks for NFL London: Best bets for Drake Maye, Ja’Lynn Polk

The New England Patriots will play in London on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. So prepare to wake up early and wager on what may be a rejuvenated Patriots passing game.

The New England decision-makers finally gave Drake Maye his opportunity to start in Week 6, and he passed for three TDs in his first NFL start. The Patriots scored a season-high 21 points in a loss to Houston.

Despite taking a one-sided loss in which they gave up 41 points, we saw glimmers of hope for the previously lifeless passing game. Now Maye’s first-year receiving partner, Ja’Lynn Polk, has to get more involved in the offensive flow.

We spotlight the best Week 7 NFL player props for the pair of New England offensive rookies, plus add a bonus Patriots player to wager on.

Best Patriots vs. Jaguars player prop bets for NFL London Game

Drake Maye Over 250 passing yards (alt line)

Best odds: +333 at BetMGM ($10 bet wins $33.30)

In his first game guiding the offense, we saw promise from the No. 3 overall pick, as he performed with tenacity and confidence behind a shaky offensive line. Maye won the favor of his teammates and provided a heartbeat to the passing game.

The Patriots new QB of the future did throw a pair of interceptions, and he will certainly be tested by defenses of the Jets and Bears in the upcoming weeks. But Maye did finish with 243 passing yards last week, and now has a very good matchup for wagering purposes in NFL Week 7.

The Jaguars have the lowest-ranked pass defense in the NFL, allowing an average of 276.7 passing yards per game.

Maye might take some big hits, as the Patriots have the fourth-worst pass blocking grade for an offensive line on Pro Football Focus in Week 7. But he has already shown the mettle to stand in and make quality throws, too.

This will be another game where we should see some highlights and some struggles. Take the good on this prop, because the bad won’t affect the wager. Maye will either keep his team in the game or pad his passing numbers when playing from behind.

Ja’Lynn Polk player prop pick

Alternate prop of 4+ receptions

Best odds: +425 at bet365 ($10 bet wins $42.50)

If you buy into the “squeaky wheel” cliché and narrative for WRs, then it’s time to apply it to Polk. He has been frequently invisible so far this season other than getting on the radar for dropped passes so early in his career.

The 2024 second-round pick has not caught more than three passes in a game so far this season. He has totaled just 10 receptions overall on 23 targets, and head coach Jerod Mayo called him out publicly for his spotty play.

Polk responded to Mayo citing his drops by assuring that he had “the best hands in the league.” We might not see a more preposterous statement by a wide receiver this season.

Mayo is obviously trying to motivate Polk, and he is reacting to the public criticism. In such situations, the QB and play-callers will make it a point to get the receiver more involved. Jacksonville has allowed the most receptions to WRs in the AFC.

DeMario Douglas Over 55.5 receiving yards (alt line)

Best odds: +140 at DraftKings ($10 bet wins $14.00)

While Polk’s play has stirred unrest, there is nothing but apparent good vibes between Maye and Douglas.

During a presser this week, the New England QB heaped praise on Douglas, talking glowingly about how tough it is to cover him. The wide receiver told MassLive that Maye inspired the offense with his confidence.

The second-year man posted a career-high total of 92 receiving yards with Maye at QB in Week 6. Jacksonville is vulnerable everywhere you can look in passing defense stats. The Jaguars have allowed the most receiving yards in the NFL to opposing WRs.

Douglas’ Week 7 WR/CB matchup grade against Jacksonville slot cornerback Darnell Savage is 85.6. That grade qualifies as “Excellent.”