NFL Picks Week 7: Chris Johnson and RBs Who Will Carry Their Teams to Wins

The running back position may not mean as much to teams as it once did.

Back in the day, teams relied on heavy running packages along with tough defenses to win games. Today you see teams going with a much heavier passing attack.

That said, there still are some special running backs in the league with the ability to change games.

Here are three running backs who will be difference makers in the upcoming games this weekend.

Chris Johnson (Tennessee)

This weekend will finally be the week that Chris Johnson will emerge back onto the scene as a premier running back in the NFL.

The Houston Texans are battling through some devastating injuries that are ruining their season.

The Titans are going to play a conservative style offense and rely on their defense and running game to carry them to victory.

Johnson may be relatively quiet most of the game, but expect that one huge play that will make highlight reels all next week. 

Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay)

Last week Earnest Graham got the start in the spot of injured running back LaGarrette Blount for the Buccaneers.

He ran for 109 yards on just 17 carries against the Saints.

This week he matches up against the Chicago Bears, who are allowing a league-worst 5.4 yards per carry.

Get ready for a heavy dose of running in London. Forte and Graham will be featured often. Graham will be the difference maker here.

Darren McFadden (Oakland)

It really doesn't matter if Kyle Boller or Carson Palmer gets the start at quarterback this weekend for the Raiders.

At the end of the day, it will be the league's leading rusher Darren McFadden who will have the biggest impact on the game against the Chiefs.

McFadden is having a breakout season, rushing for 610 yards and four touchdowns in Oakland's first six games.

Expect him to keep that 100-yard per game average against the Chiefs.