NFL Week 12 Predictions: Projecting the Week's Top RB Performances

With all the injuries we've seen to quarterbacks lately, it's time for the league's best running backs to really earn their paychecks. 

Some teams will have to shift their offensive game plans to feature these runners as they jockey for playoff position or make a late push for the postseason. 

The following backs will shine the brightest in Week 12 action...

Matt Forte

While Matt Forte has been a fixture on just about every "best running back" list during the 2011 season, he hasn't been tremendously productive in the Bears' last two wins. 

He hasn't had to be. 

But with quarterback Jay Cutler sidelined with injury and Caleb Hanie making his first start, Chicago's coaching staff will develop a familiar game plan around Forte. 

The Raiders are surrendering a league-worst 5.2 yards per carry and are one of eight teams that have allowed 10 or more rushing touchdowns this season. 

It's a perfect recipe for Forte to have a monster game in Oakland on Sunday. 

Keep in mind that he's a great check down option, too. 

Prediction: 24 carries, 135 yards | 5 catches, 37 yards | 2 TDs

Arian Foster

Arian Foster's situation is eerily similar to Forte's. 

Matt Leinart is the new starter in Houston with Matt Schaub on the injured reserve list. 

You know what that means—lots and lots of Foster on Sunday against the Jaguars. 

Jacksonville has a respectable defense that can, at times, bail out their inept offense, but they are allowing a shade above 110 yards on the ground per game. 

Ben Tate will supplement Foster well, as he typically does, which will keep the Texans' feature back relatively fresh in this game. 

He's another huge threat in the passing game. 

Prediction: 21 carries, 112 yards | 4 catches, 60 yards | 2 TDs

Rashard Mendenhall

The Pittsburgh Steelers are more of a passing team than ever before, mainly because of the maturation of their speedy receiving trio—Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. 

However, if they need to pound the rock with Rashard Mendenhall, they can, especially in the red zone. 

Mendenhall was held in check against the Bengals last week, accumulating only 44 yards on 16 carries, but he reached the end zone twice. 

His matchup with the Chiefs could yield his first monster game since the 146 yards he gained against the Jaguars on Oct. 16. 

Kansas City is allowing 136 yards on the ground per game, and if the Steelers get out to a big lead, Mendenhall should pick up yardage to burn clock in the second half. 

Prediction: 20 carries, 105 yards | 2 catches, 34 yards | 2 TDs