NFL Predictions Week 4: Ray Rice and the 3 RBs Due for Monster Games

With running backs Chris Johnson, Frank Gore and Arian Foster struggling in the early goings, a handful of unheralded guys have really stepped up and taken center stage. 

In Week 4, a few of these up-and-coming feature backs have great matchups and are primed for some monster games. 

I'm talking huge.

Ray Rice

There's no way the New York Jets defense turns in another embarrassing performance after what Darren McFadden did to them last week, right?

I mean, McFadden and Ray Rice are running backs with different styles. The Jets will be fine, right?

Wrong.

Sure, Rice won't pound the football between the tackles to wear down the defensive front. He'll do his damage another way.

Rice will get carries early to get into a rhythm, before scampering down the field on screen passes and check-downs from Joe Flacco.

No. 27 will further expose an overrated Jets defense this week.

Back to chalkboard, Rex.

Tim Hightower 

This one's easy—the Rams are last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. 

Washington is coming to terms with the fact that Rex Grossman is, well, Rex Grossman. 

Hightower has run hard in his first three games with limited success. 

This is the game they rely on the run and Hightower explodes onto the scene.

Adrian Peterson 

I don't care where the Chiefs rank in rushing yards allowed. 

Adrian Peterson was frustrated with the small amount of carries he received last week in the second half against the Lions. 

Angry Peterson means a huge game. 

Point blank. 

Period.