NFL Picks Week 5: 3 RBs Who Will Carry Their Teams to Victory

The run-heavy offense is a thing of the past in the NFL.

Teams used to play tough defense and play the possession game. Now, it's an accumulation of aerial assaults by most teams to win games.

However, a running game is still important, even if it isn't utilized the way it once was.

Here are three running backs who will carry their teams to victory in Week 5.

Adrian Peterson (Minnesota)

The Minnesota Vikings need to get something going if they are going to have any chance at making the playoffs this season.

At 0-4, it almost seems hopeless for the struggling Vikings right now, especially after last week's loss against the pitiful Kansas City Chiefs.

With Adrian Peterson, nothing is hopeless.

The Vikings will walk away this week with their first win of the season against the Arizona Cardinals—and it won't be because of Donovan McNabb.

Fred Jackson (Buffalo)

The Buffalo Bills have surprised many with their 3-1 start this season; just as many have been shocked by the 1-3 start by the "dream team" Philadelphia Eagles.

This weekend, the two meet up in what may be the most important game of the season for both squads.

It's a chance for Buffalo to show they are for real and a chance for Philadelphia to get things on track.

All season the Eagles have struggled with their run defense, and Fred Jackson is off to a fantastic start this season with Buffalo.

He'll continue it against the Eagles.

Arian Foster (Houston)

Arian Foster proved last week that he is back from injury and ready to go, rushing for 155 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries.

Expect Foster to be the work horse again in Week 5 against the Oakland Raiders, especially with star wideout Andre Johnson sidelined with a hamstring injury.

On top of that, after four weeks of action, the Raiders have the second-worst rushing defense in the league.