The NFL Playoffs continue to roll along. Just as important as the passing game, running backs present a dynamic attack for some of these teams. Check out the predictions for which running backs will have the biggest ground games this upcoming weekend.
With no Adrian Peterson or Alfred Morris left in the playoffs, new running backs will be allowed to show off their abilities to race up and down the field. The running game won't necessarily mean a victory for the team, unless we're talking about the Seattle Seahawks, but it will be a great way to set up the passing offense.
Here are my three top candidates for the biggest rushing games in the NFL Divisional games.
#3 Arian Foster- Houston Texans
He didn't make the list last week, but Foster is a force during the playoffs. In three career playoff games, he has rushed for a total of 425 yards, most recently going for 140 against the Cincinnati Bengals last week.
In these three playoff games, Foster has scored four touchdowns. As the Texans get ready to face the New England Patriots, as always, look for their running game to set the play action in motion. The Patriots' had the third worst passing defense in the league during the 2012 regular season.
Don't be surprised if Foster makes it four consecutive playoff games with 100-plus rushing yards and a touchdown.
#2 Frank Gore- San Francisco 49ers
Maybe if the New York Jets had a back like Gore, then it wouldn't matter who they had a quarterback, but that's not the case. Gore has another 1,000 rushing season in his pockets after having a really great year on the ground.
He will be the backbone of the 49ers' offense against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. Collin Kaepernick has a strong arm and can scramble, but Gore will have to set the tone.
Though the Packers had a great beginning to their playoffs stopping Adrian Peterson for just 99 yards, the 49ers ability to pass will open up holes for Gore. Don't expect the veteran to miss any of these gaps.
For sure a 100-yard game lies ahead for Gore in a must-watch matchup of old NFC rivals.
#1 Marshawn Lynch- Seattle Seahawks
Though many give Russell Wilson all the credit for the 2012 success, Lynch hasn't stopped running all year long. He's posted back-to-back 1,000 rushing yard seasons and ran the Washington Redskins out of the playoffs with 140 yards on the ground and a 27-yard touchdown.
Lynch is a mix of agility and strength unmatched by many backs. Look for Lynch to have a feast, not of skittles, but of Falcons as they get ready to play in Atlanta this weekend.
The Falcons were 21st in rushing defense allowing just over 123 yards per game. Lynch will exceed that number as the Seahawks will be the birds playing in the NFC Championship week the following week.
