5 bold predictions for New England Patriots in 2020

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 24: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots reacts with teammates during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots carries the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

2. Sony Michel will rush for over 1,250 yards

If the Patriots do go with a ground heavy attack in 2020 then Michel is in line for a ton of touches. That gives him a chance to grind out a bunch of yards behind his terrific offensive line.

The key for Michel will be to stay relatively healthy throughout a full 16-game slate. If he does that, he should be in line for 300 or so carries. That gives him a real chance to blow by his previous career high of 931 yards rushing in a single season.

The only risk here is if the Patriots elect to draft another running back to share the load with Michel. That would be good roster management by Belichick and his front office, but it wouldn’t be great news for this prediction. Guys like Rex Burkhead and James White aren’t going to cut heavily into Michel’s carries. A rookie rusher could do just that.

The optimistic view is that Michel emerges as the lead back in New England for a healthy 2020 campaign. If that happens, he’s going to break out in a major way. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if he blows past the 1,250 yards rushing mark and really blossoms into a Pro Bowl running back.

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