NFL Predictions: Chris Johnson Will Rush for 1,300 Yards This Season

After a 190-yard performance in Week 12, Chris Johnson is once again primed to break out of his 2011 slump and become the running back the Tennessee Titans thought they were getting when they signed him to a long-term deal.

The Titans have a favorable schedule moving forward and with all the quarterback injuries in Houston, the Texans aren't looking like such a certainty anymore.

If Tennessee is going to take the division, Johnson will have to have a major impact like he did last Sunday.

Here's how Johnson will not only rush for 1,300 yards this season, but will help the Titans make the playoffs.

Week 13: Buffalo Bills

Coming off a tough loss to the New York Jets, the Buffalo Bills are a beaten team who will once again miss the playoffs this season.

Johnson, on the other hand, isn't beaten and instead is very motivated to show he deserves his new contract. Moving in different directions, Johnson and the Titans should be more than ready to run over Buffalo.

The Bills are sporting the 21st-ranked rush defense in the NFL, something that should help Johnson thrive in the Week 13 matchup.

Week 13 stats: 25 carries, 127 yards and a touchdown.

Week 14: New Orleans Saints

Without a featured back in their offense, the New York Giants only rushed for 73 yards against the New Orleans Saints.

In Johnson, the Titans have one of the most talented backs in the NFL lining up behind center for them on Sunday.

That being said, there's no reason the Titans shouldn't be able to move the ball on the ground against the Saints.

Tennessee will most likely get beat down by the Saints in this game, but New Orleans did have a let down game against the lowly St. Louis Rams in Week 8 which saw Steven Jackson break the 100-yard mark.

No matter what happens, the Saints defense doesn't normally shut down any team offensively so Johnson and the Titans will get their yards on the ground.

Week 14 stats: 20 carries, 83 yards and no touchdown.

Week 15: Indianapolis Colts

If Johnson wants to hit the said mark of 1,300 yards, he will need to take advantage of the horrid Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts are completely lost in every aspect of the game and will most likely have a new quarterback in this game.

Johnson should abuse the worst team in the NFL and will have his best output of the entire 2011 season in this one against the Colts 31st-ranked rush defense.

Week 15 stats: 28 carries, 207 yards and two touchdowns.

Week 16: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars will have the second-best rush defense of all the teams left on the Titans schedule, so this won't be an easy one for Johnson.

The Jaguars have allowed only three 100-yard rushers this season, one of which was against the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago. Cleveland has the 29th-ranked rushing attack.

So it isn't impossible for a team like Jacksonville who is playing out the string to give up a big day on the ground to a bad rushing attack, so Johnson will have his chance to have a big game.

The Jags won't be playing for much in this one which will help spring Johnson to a solid game on the ground.

Week 16 stats: 22 carries, 93 yards and a touchdown. 

Week 17: Houston Texans

This game against the Texans will be for the AFC South and a playoff berth.

The Texans have one of the best defenses in the NFL, but without a solid quarterback and a one-dimensional offense, they will have problems keeping their defense off the field.

If the Titans stay patient and give Johnson a steady dose of carries, he'll break a big run on a tired defense that could be the difference maker in this one.

Tennessee will shock the world with a win in Week 17 and stake their claim as a 2011 playoff team.

Week 17 stats: 31 carries, 106 yards and a touchdown.

Regular Season Conclusion

A lot of bad blood has been brewing between Johnson and the Titans' fan base because they don't feel he's deserved his contract this season.

Johnson will finish with over 1,300 yards which is the type of production any team would love to have from their back, but because of the hold out to start the year, expectations have grown greatly.

Still, the Titans fans will forget all about that if their team can get to the playoffs.

One thing's for certain: Tennessee's march to the playoffs must include their running back and a little help from the Texans.

Season-ending stats: 1,315 yards and seven touchdowns.