NFL Week 8 Predictions: Chris Johnson and RBs Who Will Rebound

Whatever the reason, Tennessee Titans star running back Chris Johnson is having an abysmal season so far.

Through six games, Johnson is averaging 44.7 rushing yards per game and has one lone touchdown.

In the Titans' 41-7 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 7, Johnson carried the ball 10 times for 18 yards and had just 27 receiving yards.

But there is hope on the horizon for Johnson, as well as two other running backs.

3. Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins

After busting out in Week 4 to the tune of 135 rushing yards and a touchdown, Ryan Torain has curiously been limited by head coach Mike Shanahan the last two games, receiving a total of 12 carries (just two in Week 7).

But with Tim Hightower out for the season now with a torn ACL, Shanahan is going to have to get Torain more involved if the Redskins are to have any kind of running game.

Torain faces the Buffalo Bills in Week 8, a team giving up 5.1 yards per carry this season. I expect him to get back on track.

2. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

There is not much in Chris Johnson's past games to suggest he'll have a good game all of a sudden.

Facing a favorable Texans rush defense, Johnson rushed for only 18 yards.

But Johnson faces the 0-6 Indianapolis Colts in Week 8, a team that has historically had trouble stopping the run. The Colts have been better against the run as a whole this season, but that didn't stop them from giving up 236 rushing yards to the New Orleans Saints in Week 8.

It's only a matter of time before a running back as talented as Johnson busts out.

1. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers

Rashard Mendenhall has basically played up to his potential in just one game this season, Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Other than that, he's been virtually silent.

But Mendenhall faces a New England Patriots rush defense giving up 4.4 yards per carry this season. The Steelers should also be able to get near the goal line quite a bit given the Patriots' forgiving secondary. That will allow Mendenhall to bulldoze his way through the line and into the end zone.

Mendenhall has largely been disappointing this season, but he won't be in Week 8 at Heinz Field.