3 bold predictions for the Patriots vs. Steelers Week 14 game

Bold prediction #2: Ezekiel Elliott will rush for 100+ yards

Because Rhamondre Stevenson has already been downgraded to out after suffering an ankle injury against the Chargers last week, most of the production out of the backfield will be placed on the shoulders of Ezekiel Elliott. It will be his first time as the RB1 since signing with New England this summer, but there's virtually no concern about the three-time Pro Bowler handling the work solo.

He was initially brought in to help make up a dynamic running back duo with Stevenson, which would have happened had this been a much more normal season. But because it has been uncharacteristically lousy, Elliott is having a bit of a down year production-wise, even though it's not due to a lack of effort or a regression of talent.

Now that the ground game will be all on him, boldly predicting that he will record 100+ rushing yards doesn't seem too bold. He nearly reached that in the first matchup with the Jets in Week 3, recording 16 carries for 80 yards, but hasn't gotten too close to that in the weeks since.

However, he won't be splitting snaps this week, not just because Stevenson will be out but because the Patriots don't seem to have much trust in the other running backs on their roster. Ty Montgomery hasn't seen the field much, and JaMycal Hasty has not been used in a game since signing with the team last month.