NFL Predictions Week 4: Frank Gore and the 3 Players Who Will Extend Slumps

San Francisco 49ers' running back Frank Gore has been extremely disappointing through three games this year, but he's not the only top-tier running back that is struggling.

These three star runners are slumping, and expect that to continue in Week 4. 

Frank Gore

Gore wanted a new contract before the season began, got it in late August, but hasn't lived up to his huge pay day yet. He has been nursing an ankle injury and hasn't been that "do everything" back that we've seen him be in the last few seasons for the 49ers. 

I don't know why, either. 

San Francisco spent early-round draft picks on offensive lineman that are essentially the same unit from last year, and Gore is averaging a mere 2.5 yards on his 58 carries this season. 

He was limited in practice on Thursday, but it looks like he'll go against the Eagles this week.  However, Gore is certainly not at 100 percent, and the 49ers are fine with giving rookie Kendall Hunter a good amount of carries. 

Gore will come around eventually, but it's not this week, with a bum ankle, splitting carries.

Chris Johnson

I guess if you complained about your contract situation prior to the start of the season, the football gods are willing to punish you. 

Johnson doesn't have 100 yards on the season, and he has been totally ineffective within a Tennessee offense that has become more of a pass-happy attack. 

I won't call Johnson lazy, but it's known around the league that he isn't the hardest worker, and he's really paying for not getting the live action in the preseason. 

He has been without his fullback Ahmard Hall (suspended the first four games), who usually springs Johnson's huge runs and creates holes for the shifty runner. 

The matchup against the Browns isn't a terrible one, but I'm waiting until his lead blocker is back.

Arian Foster

Not a great year for the big-name running backs from 2010. Jamaal Charles done for the year. Frank Gore, see above. Chris Johnson, see above. 

Foster has battled a nagging hamstring injury but should play this week against the Steelers. 

I'm not as sold on Pittsburgh's defense as I have been in previous years, that's for sure, but it's likely Foster will split carries with the underrated Ben Tate. 

Foster needs more time to get healthy, though he claims the issues with his hamstring are over.  Even if they are, splitting carries will lower his obviously lower his overall production.