Dion Lewis may not look the part of an NFL power back. But he has filled that role this season.

The Patriots’ leading rusher (117 carries, 607 yards) is built more like a scatback — a guy who comes in on third down and to offer a change of pace in the running game and reliable receiving option. And while he can serve in those capacities, the 5-foot-8-inch, 195-pounder has proven he can play on any down.

Lewis has a compact running style with thick, muscular legs allowing him to drive through defenders with surprising pop, while also possessing the skill set to change directions and speeds fluidly.

Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward referenced another so-called undersized back when asked about Lewis’s rare combination.

“He’s got a little bit of Ray Rice in him, where he may be small in stature but plays very big in his role,’’ Heyward said. “He’s able to fall forward as a running back, and that’s always good, and he’s able to catch the ball out of the backfield, too. He’s become a good target for [Tom] Brady. He’s an every-down back, and he’s finally showing it.’’

Lewis, who looks very much like the electric back that burst onto the scene in 2015 before being slowed by knee surgeries, is well aware of his dimensions, but he’s never dwelled on it.

“I feel big when I’m out there,’’ said Lewis. “That’s just the way I’ve always been. I’ve always been the smallest guy on the field, so I’m used to it. But when I’m out on that field, I don’t feel small at all.’’

He appreciated the comparison to the 5-8, 208-pound Rice, a player he followed closely.

“Ray Rice was a great player. He’s definitely a lot different than me as a player, a lot bigger — probably 20 pounds heavier than me,’’ said Lewis. “But he was definitely someone I looked up to watching when he was at Rutgers, and when he was in the league with the Ravens.’’

Lewis, who like a lot of his teammates is looking forward to erasing the bad memories of last week’s loss in Miami, is confident the Patriots will bounce back Sunday against the Steelers.

“This is a big stage and you want to be on the big stage,’’ said Lewis. “So, you play your whole career to try and play in games like these, so we look forward to it and you have no choice but to be ready.’’

This is a homecoming game for Lewis, who rushed for 2,860 yards in two seasons at the University of Pittsburgh.

“Pittsburgh is a great city,’’ said Lewis.

“Those were two of the best years of my life when I went to Pitt, so it’s going to be great to get back there, back at Heinz [Field]. I’m definitely looking forward to it.’’

He knows the Steelers faithful will bring their A-game, and he plans to bring his, as well.

“Can’t wait, it’s going to be a great game,’’ Lewis said. “They have a great fan base. Living there for two years, I know they’ve very serious about their sports. They’re just like Patriots fans. They really care about their players. They’re all into it. The whole city will be watching. It’ll be fun.’’

Brady 2nd in voting

True to his running style, the Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell waited until the last second to pull ahead of Brady in the final fan balloting for the Pro Bowl.

The Pro Bowl roster will be revealed Tuesday. Players are selected by a consensus of votes of fans, players, and coaches.

Bell, the NFL’s leading rusher, finished with 855,539 votes. Brady was second with 833,481. Bell’s teammate, receiver Antonio Brown (832,446), finished third.

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (829,174) and Saints quarterback Drew Brees (743,355) rounded out the top five. Wentz was placed on season-ending injured reserve last week after tearing his ACL.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski was the only other Patriot to finish in the top 10, with his 551,058 votes good for ninth.

Van Noy out again

Linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who has been dealing with a balky calf muscle, was downgraded to out for Sunday. It’s the second straight game he’s missed. Special teamer Brandon King (hamstring) was also declared out . . . Bill Belichick (247-118-0, .677 winning percentage) and Mike Tomlin (114-58-0, .659) rank 1-2 among active coaches in winning percentage (50-game minimum) . . . The Steelers have gone for 2 points after a touchdown 37 times since Tomlin took over in 2007. They have converted 23, including 2 for 4 this season.