NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: RBs Who Will Shine in Divisional Round

Having a good running back can make life a whole lot easier for a team.

It not only gives the passing attack more space to operate, it also can control games and keep the defense off the field.

The Divisional Round sports a few star running backs who should have big games for their respective teams.

Here are three running backs who will shine in the Divisional Round.

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Gore has been a rock for the 49ers this season, rushing for over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns.

Gore faces the New Orleans Saints, a team that ceded 5.0 yards per carry in the regular season, tied for second-worst in the NFL.

The 49ers know they're going to have to control the clock against the high-powered Saints attack and you can expect them to use Gore regularly.

Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Foster has been a monster this season, continuing to prove that he's one of the best running backs in the league.

He rushed for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season while racking up 617 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He backed that up by rushing for 153 yards and two touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round.

The Baltimore Ravens may have a dominant rush defense, but Foster has rushed for 420 yards in his last three games and he's simply hard to stop these days.

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Ray Rice rushed for 1,364 yards (second most in the NFL) and 12 touchdowns this season to go along with 704 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He's simply been an animal.

The Texans have been decent against the run this season (giving up 4.1 yards per carry), but they are no match for Rice. Rice rushed for 101 yards and caught five balls for 60 yards against them in Week 6.

Expect a heavy dose for Rice in the Divisional Round and a Ravens victory.