WHEN THE PATRIOTS HAVE THE BALL

Both teams have significant injuries and today's outcome will be determined by who wants it most. Rookie running back Laurence Maroney is listed as questionable with a back injury and could miss his third straight game. Veteran back Kevin Faulk is also listed as questionable with a knee injury. He left Gillette Stadium with a massive brace on his right knee after practice on Friday. That leaves Corey Dillon to handle the load. . . . With so many injuries to the running game, quarterback Tom Brady will likely dig deep into his arsenal and could make wide receiver Reche Caldwell his go-to guy. . . . Tight end Ben Watson, who missed last Sunday's game with a knee injury, is also listed as questionable. . . . When Brady does decided to go deep, he'll have to be aware of Jags cornerback Rashean Mathis, who ranks third in the league with seven picks. Jacksonville is ranked second in the league in total defense.

ADVANTAGE: New England

WHEN THE JAGUARS HAVE THE BALL

Jacksonville is dangerous on the ground. The Jags rank second in the league in rushing with 163.8 yards per game. Jacksonville will be without star running back Fred Taylor, who strained a hamstring against Tennessee last weekend. Fellow back Maurice Jones-Drew was also hurt last Sunday and is listed as probable with a knee injury. . . . Quarterback David Garrard had a difficult game last weekend against the Titans. He threw three interceptions, fumbled and was sacked four times, and is looking to rebound against the Pats.

ADVANTAGE: New England

SPECIAL TEAMS

With Faulk hampered by a knee injury, the Pats' Ellis Hobbs will see action in the return game again. He handled that role well last week returning a kickoff for a touchdown after Faulk was sidelined. Jags kick returner Jones-Drew (knee) is also banged-up. . . . Patriots rookie kicker Stephen Gostkowski has been consistent, connecting on 10 consecutive field-goal attempts, and 15 of his last 16. Jags kicker Josh Scobee ranks second in the AFC and fourth in the league with 110 points. He also leads the league with 20 touchbacks. . . . New England has its third new punter of the season. Todd Sauerbrun will make his Pats debut today and brings with him 12 years of experience.

ADVANTAGE: New England

COACHING

Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio has a 20-10 record over the last two seasons, but the Pats' Bill Belichick holds the advantage in this one. This is the time of year when Belichick and his players are at their best. If the Pats win today, it will be Belichick's fourth consecutive AFC East title.

ADVANTAGE: New England

INTANGIBLES

The road has been a successful place for the Patriots this season. They're in Jacksonville with a 5-1 road record and with another victory today they can clinch the AFC East . . . Injuries have hampered the Patriots . . . The Jags (8-6) are barely hanging on for a postseason berth and will need to win both of their remaining two games just for a chance to sneak in. . . . Until last week against the Houston Texans, the Patriots had their troubles with turnovers, losing the ball 19 times in six straight games. Against the Jaguars today, and the Tennessee Titans next week, New England must hold on to the football . . . The Patriots defeated Jacksonville, 28-3, in the first round of the playoffs last January at Gillette Stadium . . . The Jags have won eight of their last nine home games at Alltel Stadium . . . This could be a dangerous game for New England as Jacksonville is the only team in the league not to allow 20 or more points at home this season.

ADVANTAGE: New England

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340