NFL Week 8 Predictions: Which Top RBs Could Struggle the Most?

In Week 8 of the NFL season, these running backs might struggle:

Peyton Hillis, Browns

Hillis has proved that the Madden Curse is alive and well in 2011. Week 8 doesn't look like the week he'll snap out of it, either. Not only is he still fighting a hamstring injury, but Hillis and the Browns running game are going up against 49ers—currently the second-best run defense in football.

LeSean McCoy, Eagles

This is another tough matchup, statistically speaking. The Cowboys are the top-ranked run defense in the NFL, and they haven't given up more than 84 yards to an opposing running back yet this season. McCoy has feasted off some poor run defenses to start 2011, but the 49ers held him to just 18 yards. Expect numbers above 18 yards but not what we're come used to seeing from McCoy.

Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants

Instead of running it down the throats of the Dolphins on Sunday, I expect the Giants to remain pass-happy. That makes the most sense considering how much better the Dolphins have been at stopping the run in recent weeks. There could be some garbage time opportunities here, however.

DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart, Panthers

It seems like every week these two rotate in terms of who is going to have a disappointing week, so I'm done trying to guess which it will be. One or both is almost guaranteed to struggle against the Vikings this Sunday. My money is on Williams, who has been quiet in recent weeks.

Jackie Battle, Chiefs

Battle has looked solid in two extended appearances for the Chiefs, but he faces a Chargers defense on Monday night that held Kansas City to just 35 yards rushing from its running backs in Week 3.

Arian Foster, Texans

Surprised to see Foster on this list just a week after one of the more impressive performances from a running back this season? Don't be. Foster faces a Jacksonville defense that has put the clamps on Shonn Greene, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Cedric Benson and Chris Johnson already this season.