NFL Predictions Week 2: Darren McFadden and the Top 5 Running Backs

Through Week 1 of the NFL regular season, Darren McFadden has been the league leader in rushing yards. His stature among the top rushers in the league should be no surprise as he ranked in the top five running backs in 2010.

There were, however, surprising names in the top 10 rushers in the league after Week 1.

Ahead are a few surprises as I predict the top six running backs for Week 2.

6. Cedric Benson

Cedric Benson got off to a surprisingly hot start against the Cleveland Browns last week when he carried the ball 25 times for 121 yards and a touchdown.

Benson has a favorable match up in Week 2, as his Cincinnati Bengals face off against the Denver Broncos.

Denver allowed 190 rushing yards in Week 1 against Darren McFadden and the Oakland Raiders. Cedric Benson should have plenty of opportunities to branch off of his Week 1 performance.

Prediction: 108 yards rushing, 10 yards receiving, one touchdown

5. Rashard Mendenhall

Rashard Mendenhall faced a tough test in his Week 1 match up with the stingy Baltimore Ravens defense.

Mendenhall only rushed for 45 yards on 12 carries as Baltimore shut down every facet of the game.

In Week 2, Mendenhall faces Pete Carroll's Seattle Seahawks, who allowed 85 yards rushing and a touchdown to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Steelers are a proud organization and have an outstanding pass attack, which should open up the running game for Mendenhall.

Prediction: 115 yards rushing, 25 yards receiving, one touchdown

4. Peyton Hillis

The Cleveland Browns offense as a whole got off to a slow start against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.

Standout running back Peyton Hillis only rushed for 57 yards on 17 carries and failed to produce a score.

The struggling Indianapolis Colts defense allowed 167 yards on the ground to the Houston Texans without Arian Foster, so Hillis should have plenty of room to run all afternoon.

Prediction: 120 yards rushing, 25 yards receiving, two touchdowns

3. Adrian Peterson

The Minnesota Viking cleaned house during the offseason, but locked up their workhorse, Adrian Peterson, to a long-term deal.

Peterson showed his worth in Week 1 against the San Diego Chargers, as he rushed for 98 yards on 16 carries.

The Vikings have another challenge with the stifling Tampa Bay Buccaneer defense in Week 2. Tampa Bay allowed 126 yards rushing against the Detroit Lions in Week 1 and should be feast on by arguably the best running back in the league.

Prediction: 135 yards rushing, 30 yards receiving, two touchdowns

2. Ray Rice

When the Baltimore Ravens played against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ray Rice was one of the toughest players on the field.

Rice rushed for 107 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries as the Ravens devastated the Steelers.

In Week 2, Rice will get the Tennessee Titans, who are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars as Maurice Jones-Drew rushed the ball 24 times for 97 yards.

The Titans are returning defensive ends Jason Jones and Derrick Morgan, but Rice should still run all over the Tennessee defensive line Sunday afternoon.

Prediction: 120 yards rushing, 40 yards receiving, two touchdowns

1. Darren McFadden

Expect Darren McFadden to enter Week 3 just like he is entering Week 2: as the leading rusher in the NFL.

McFadden looked phenomenal in the Raiders Monday night opener, rushing for 150 yards against the Denver Broncos.

Oakland will travel to play against Buffalo, where the Bills allowed 108 yards rushing on 18 carries last week. Buffalo got an early lead, thus slowing Jamaal Charles and the Kansas City Chiefs run game.

McFadden will look to get carries early and win the time of possession battle.

Prediction: 145 yards rushing, 20 yards receiving, two touchdowns

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