NFL Predictions Week 4: Adrian Peterson and 4 RBs Due for Big Games

So far this season, the RBs have taken a deep backseat to the QBs and WRs when it comes to contributing yardage.

With the exception of Darren McFadden in Oakland, it seems that the NFL has officially become a passing league; although it has been pass-dominant in recent years, 2011 appears to be the deal-breaker.

To that end, an RB's chances of really having a solid breakout performance are limited.

Therefore, here are four RBs who are set to have a legitimately big game in Week 4.

Adrian Peterson

He rushed for 120 yards and scored two TDs against the Tampa Bay Bucs in Week 2, but we all know Adrian Peterson is much better than simply just being good.

Yes, that's a solid day's work for most NFL RBs, but for Peterson it's nowhere near a breakout performance by his standards.

This week, Minnesota plays the 0-3 Kansas City Chiefs, and with safety Eric Berry being out, the Vikings offense will be able to be more dynamic.

In addition, Peterson will get more yards on more touches, and will rack up yards on screen passes and check downs.

By game's end, he should account for over 150 yards rushing, two TDs, and 50-plus yards receiving, including one more TD.

Rashard Mendenhall

It's no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers haven't been themselves throughout these three weeks of football, and RB Rashard Mendenhall is no exception.

Last season, he compiled over 1,200 rushing yards and scored 13 TDs, but after three games in 2011, he only has 148 yards and one TD.

Although the Steelers are playing the upstart Houston Texans on the road this week, if Pittsburgh wants to slow down the Texans, pounding the rock with Mendenhall is the key, since Houston's defense allows almost 106 rushing yards per game.

Regardless of how the game plays out, Rashard will have compiled 100-plus rushing yards with two TDs and an addition 50 yards receiving.

Ahmad Bradshaw

In Week 3, Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw almost had his breakout game of 2011 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

He combined for 139 yards and scored one TD on 20 touches (15 rushes, 5 catches).

This week, though, New York travels across the country to play the Arizona Cardinals, who arguably have the NFL's worst defense (25th and 27th in pass and rush defense, respectively).

Therefore, Bradshaw and Co. should be licking their chops, as this game could get really ugly for Arizona.

Since New York will be able to establish a run-first or pass-first game plan, Bradshaw is going to have a field day.

Expect at least 125 rushing yards and another 75 receiving yards, as well as a total of three TDs.

Ryan Grant

Right now, it's uncertain if Packers RB Ryan Grant is going to play on Sunday against Denver—however, if he does, expect big things.

The Broncos do have an improved defense, but for as explosive as the Packers are, they're no match to compete with the Super Bowl favorites.

However, be aware that if Grant does play, he will start off slowly as Green Bay will most likely revert to airing it out early on.

That being said, once the game concludes, Grant should have over 125 rushing yards with two TDs.

He's not much of a receiving back, and last week in Chicago he gained 92 yards on 17 carries.

It's apparent that Grant is gradually getting back on track after missing out on 2010, and he's anxious to put up some numbers in 2011.

Week 4 is his statement game, and Green Bay rolls in addition to that.

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