NFL Predictions Week 8: Which Star RBs Will Struggle Most?

In this day and age in pro football, it comes as no surprise when any running back struggles to produce, regardless of whether he's considered elite or not.

Much can be attributed to the pass-happy evolution that's changing the game, but also because offensive lines are not preparing to run block nearly as much as they are to pass block, making it that much easier for the defenses.

So, with that said, here are three RBs who will struggle in Week 8.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville (vs. Houston)

MJD may be one of the most diverse and studly RBs in the game, but he's going to struggle on the road in Houston, who has a top-10 rush and pass defense.

Although Jacksonville bested the Ravens last week, rookie QB Blaine Gabbert still has a lot of room for improvement, so expect the Texans to force the Jags into many passing situations.

The Texans' best bet is to isolate Jones-Drew and force the rookie to beat them. Otherwise, Jacksonville will get a big divisional road win.

Prediction: 85 total yards

LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia (vs. Dallas)

This is going to be one awesome game to watch because it's the No. 1-ranked rush offense and defense going at it.

If Philly does have any success on offense, it must be in the passing game against Dallas' No. 14-ranked pass defense.

QB Mike Vick still has to prove himself this season, but it's a safer call than giving LeSean McCoy the rock all game long. In this huge NFC East matchup, expect McCoy to be a decoy more often than not, because succeeding against a disciplined Dallas defense won't be easy.

McCoy will get some carries, but it will mostly be to keep the Cowboys honest so the pass rush lets up a bit.

Prediction: 95 total yards

Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh (vs. New England)

Make no mistake about it: Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall is going to be a big part of Pittsburgh's game plan in upsetting the Patriots.

However, his role will only be to set up the play-action pass and send WR Mike Wallace deep against the league's worst pass defense.

Now, whether Big Ben and Wallace connect is another story, but establishing Mendenhall to set up said long ball will be required.

Other than carrying the rock to set up the pass, Mendenhall will be used in pass protection as well. If New England wants to decrease any chance of being vulnerable defensively, the Patriots must get pressure on Roethlisberger.

In turn, Rashard also blocks to allow Ben more time to go deep.

Prediction: 65 total yards

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