2012 NFL Schedule: Running Back Battles You Can't Miss

Who said the NFL is run by quarterbacks, wide receivers and the passing game? 

Even though we're seeing more passing than ever, that doesn't mean there isn't a stable of terrific running backs that have a profound impact on every game they're in.

When can you find the best running back battles in the 2012? 

Week 2: LeSean McCoy vs. Ray Rice 

The Eagles host the Ravens on September 16th in a battle that'll pit two of the game's most shifty, agile and downright hard-to-tackle runners in the league against each other. 

McCoy was named to the renowned All-Pro team after he compiled 1,309 rushing yards with a ridiculous 17 rushing touchdowns last season. 

He also caught 48 passes for 315 yards with three receiving touchdowns. 

His immediate burst is unrivaled, his jump cuts are devastating, and now he enters the true prime of his career. 

Rice led the NFL with 2,068 yards from scrimmage and, despite his diminutive stature, was the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens' offense in 2011. 

In the pass-heavy NFL, the McCoy-Rice matchup will bring the game back to its running back roots.

Week 2 and Week 11: Arian Foster vs. Maurice Jones-Drew 

MJD was the league's rushing leader in 2011 with a hard earned 1,606 ground yards. Foster led the league in 2010 and finished fifth last year.

Both are versatile—catching balls out of the backfield is no issue—and they are able to pick up major chunks of yardage in the open field.

The Texans are much more well-rounded than the Jaguars are, but these two elite running backs will look to carry their team to victory in this one. 

Foster also faces off with Chris Johnson twice, the Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller duo, Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson in 2012.

Week 7: Marshawn Lynch vs. Frank Gore/Kendall Hunter 

Lynch was stupendous down the stretch for the Seahawks and consumed a copious amount of Skittles in the process. How awesome of a character is this guy?

He and Gore have a similar smash-mouth running style and aren't easily brought to the turf. 

Kendall Hunter provides the speedy spark plug to Gore's head down, straight forward game, and both clubs lean heavily on their powerful running attacks. 

Another showdown between a trio of prominently featured runners that should get the ball often. 

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