NFL Week 12 Predictions: Projecting the Best Ground Performances

There are a variety of great matchups for the league's best running backs in Week 12 of the NFL season. 

Which guys will have the best ground performances?

One pick may surprise you.

Matt Forte 

Matt Forte is going to have a huge day on the ground against the Oakland Raiders. 

Want to know why? 

Many reasons. 

With Caleb Hanie making his first start of the season, it's blatantly obvious that Lovie Smith will lean on his MVP-candidate feature back against a Raiders run defense that's allowing 5.2 yards per carry. 

Even if Oakland somehow limits Forte on the ground, he'll be a great check-down option that Hanie will definitely look for throughout. 

This prediction stuff is easy. 

Yeah, right.

Arian Foster 

Nearly the exact same situation awaits Foster against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

However, there are two differences. Firstly, Foster will share carries with Ben Tate. Secondly, he isn't facing as bad of a run defense. 

That being said, the Jaguars aren't especially stout against the run. 

They're surrendering 111 yards on the ground per game and allowed Foster to accumulate 124 yards on 19 carries in their first encounter this season. 

The Jaguars are obviously better at home, but now that Andre Johnson is back, they won't be able to zone in on Foster all afternoon. 

Chris Johnson 

This is my bold prediction of the week. 

Johnson had 13 yards on 12 carries last week, summoning some of the his early season demons. However, against the Buccaneers, Johnson will bounce back. 

Why?

Tampa Bay has given up 162 yards rushing and eight touchdowns over the last four weeks.

I still have faith in Johnson, mainly because I know what he's capable of.  

The Titans still must give CJ carries to allow him to get back into a rhythm. On Sunday, I believe they will do exactly that against the Bucs.