2017 AFC Championship: Jaguars vs. Patriots Game Guide

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The New England Patriots host the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game Sunday, Jan. 21.

Much focus will be placed on the right hand of Tom Brady, which has been scrutinized following a reported incident at Wednesday's practice session. According to reports, running back Rex Burkhead accidentally ran into Brady, causing a bad cut on the quarterback's hand that caused a bloody mess. Reports from Friday say that Brady was throwing the ball well, but a new report from ESPN's Mike Reiss says Brady needed 10 stitches near the inside part of his throwing hand, near the thumb.

On the NFL Network, team owner Robert Kraft said the incident was a freak accident and wasn't as severe as they thought it would be.

Brady will have to be quick with his releases as he'll be facing one of the best defenses in the league. The Jags are here following a 45-42 upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jaguars ranked second in interceptions (21), second in points given up (268), second in yards given up (4,578) and second in sacks (55). The team has a tendency to bend but not break with the league's second-best points against average of 16.8.

Here's what you need to know about the championship game:

Broadcast Information

TELEVISION: This week’s game will be broadcast by CBS and can be seen locally on WBZ-TV Channel 4 in Boston. Jim Nantz will handle play-by-play duties with Tony Romo as the color analyst. Tracy Wolfson and Jay Feely will work the sidelines. The game will be produced by Jim Rikhoff and directed by Mike Arnold.

NATIONAL RADIO: This week’s game will be broadcast to a national audience by Westwood One and locally by WEEI-FM. Kevin Kugler and Dan Fouts will call the game with Ed Werder providing sideline analysis.

LOCAL RADIO: 98.5 FM, The Sports Hub, is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. Play-by-play broadcaster Bob Socci will call the action along with former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who will provide color analysis. The games are produced by Marc Cappello.

The Betting Line

Here's what the odds makers have to say about Sunday night's game via ESPN.com:

• Westgate - New England by 7.5 points
• Caesar's - New England by 7.5 points
• William Hill - New England by 7.5 points
• Wynn - New England by 7.5 points
• CG Technology - New England by 7.5 points
• Unibet - New England by 6.5 points

What The Experts Say

• The Boston Globe: Chris Gasper and Nora Princiotti - Jacksonville; Jim McBride, Scott Thurston, and Ben Volin - New England
• ESPN.com - Six of seven experts pick New England
• Sports Illustrated - Four of six experts Pick New England
• FiveThirtyEight - New England have an 81 percent chance of winning
• Benjamin Hoffman, New York Times - New England (against the spread)

Parking Information

Stadium parking lots open four hours before kickoff. Parking is $40 for cars and motorcycles and $150 for buses, RVs and limos. For more parking information, visit the Gillette Stadium parking FAQ.

Allow for Plenty of Time Around the Stadium

With a capacity crowd expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow for plenty of time when traveling near the stadium. The usual traffic restrictions will be in place on local roads before and after the show. Fans must use Interstate 95, Interstate 495 or Route 140 to access Route 1 and Gillette Stadium.

Clear Bag Policy In Effect

Fans attending the game are reminded that bags larger than a small wristlet or handheld wallet will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium, per the venue's clear bag policy, which is in effect at all ticketed events. If carrying a bag into the stadium is necessary, there are two options: a clear plastic bag the size of a 1- gallon Ziploc bag or a small wristlet or handheld wallet not exceeding 8" x 5" x 2" (approximately the size of a hand).
Please note that bags larger than the permitted size, including purses, shoulder bags, diaper bags and backpacks, will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium on event day. Further, bags exceeding the permitted size will not be held or stored by the venue and must be returned to a vehicle before entering the stadium.
For more information on the clear bag policy, click here.

Banned Items

Prohibited items at Gillette Stadium include, but are not limited to: selfie sticks, GoPro cameras, camera bags, umbrellas, coolers, fanny packs, outside food and beverage, balloons or beach balls, noisemakers, signs larger than 11 x 17 and any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate by stadium management. For more information on prohibited items, check the stadium security protocol.

If You Need Help

Guest service booths located on the 100- and 300-level concourses at midfield/50-yard line for all stadium events. If you need immediate assistance during the event, please contact the stadium hotline at 508-384-9205.

If you require anonymous assistance during the event for behavioral or conduct related matters, please send security operations a text message at 508-928-3838 or text the word, CONDUCT to 78247 followed by all the relevant details.

Information from Patriots Media Relations was used in this story.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne