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5 bold predictions for Patriots in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MA - MAY 23: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during New England Patriots offseason organized team activities at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on May 23, 2019. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - MAY 23: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during New England Patriots offseason organized team activities at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on May 23, 2019. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 20: On a fourth down and one yard to go, running back Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown past inside linebacker Reggie Ragland #59 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 20: On a fourth down and one yard to go, running back Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown past inside linebacker Reggie Ragland #59 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

1. Sony Michel will lead the NFL in rushing

If the Patriots are going to try to run opponents into the ground it’s reasonable to think they’re going to have a stable of really productive running backs. There’s no one on New England’s roster better positioned to take advantage of this philosophy change than Sony Michel.

If the former Georgia running back star can stay healthy, he’s going to be a fantasy superstar this season. This offensive line is filled with players who can really create holes in the run game. Michel is a back who can take small creases and turn them into long gallops down the field.

Michel isn’t just a home run hitter in the backfield though. He’s also a runner who has earned Belichick’s trust by turning average holes into good gains. Keeping the chains moving is going to be a big key for the Patriots in 2019. Michel has the ability to squeeze through small holes and turn them into crucial first downs.

Next. Rob Gronkowski has bad news for Patriots fans. dark

Belichick’s history juggling running backs from week-to-week puts Michel bringing a rushing title to New England into the territory of being a serious long shot. It’s still easy to envision a scenario where he goes crazy in 2019. Count on him being really productive even if he doesn’t end up being the top running back in the entire NFL.

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