NFL Predictions Week 5: Adrian Peterson and 3 RBs Guaranteed to Dominate

Whether NFL teams want to recognize and admit it or not, running the football wins games.

You throw the football to score points, but if you want to win, an effective ground attack is imperative.

That being said, the following three running backs will dominate in Week 5 and allow their respective offenses to become multidimensional. 

3. Chris Johnson, Titans (at Pittsburgh)

It's a stat that you have to double and triple-check, but the Pittsburgh Steelers currently are allowing 119.5 rushing yards per game, ranking them 22nd in rush defense this season.

And with that, Titans' running back Chris Johnson just got back on track in Week 4 by gaining over 100 yards in Cleveland.

Of course that was the Browns, and they're obviously not Pittsburgh, but Johnson was shut down in the first three games mainly due to his holding out through all of the preseason.

Well, Johnson is getting back to normal and Tennessee has a good passing game with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, so C.J. rolling over Blitzburgh will be expected, since The Steel Curtain has yet to really stop anyone on the ground.

Johnson will hit for over 100, but this time will score two touchdowns en route to another road win for Tennessee.

2. Mark Ingram, Saints (at Carolina)

Although he's technically not the starter, New Orleans' rookie running back Mark Ingram is the team's current leading rusher (184 yards on 53 attempts), and will receive more carries in Week 5.

The Saints' opponent is their NFC South rival, the Carolina Panthers, who rank second to last in rush defense (allowing 143.8 yards per game).

Therefore, anticipate Ingram to have his rookie breakout performance, as he will compile close to 150 yards and score two touchdowns.

For Ingram's fantasy football owners, this could not be a better week to put him in the starting lineup.

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (vs Arizona)

The Minnesota Vikings are 0-4 because they can't close out games and because they have yet to establish a passing game.

However, running back Adrian Peterson is still dominating, having averaged almost 100 yards per game, while the Vikings average 157 as a team (ranking  them third in the NFL).

And they're going up against the 1-3 Arizona Cardinals, who have the No. 26 and No. 16 ranked pass and rush defenses. Through four games, Arizona's opponents have feasted on their vulnerable linebackers.

This week, though, the Vikings don't have a choice, since that's all they do.

Except this time, it will be all Adrian Peterson, who will account for 150 total yards (120 rushing, 30 receiving) and score three touchdowns.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

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