NFL Playoff Predictions: 3 RBs Built for Postseason Football

NFL running backs come in all shapes and sizes, but there are a group of runners that are especially built for postseason football. 

However, there's not one specific characteristic that makes one great in the postseason. 

As we've seen, big backs and smaller backs have been successful in the NFL playoffs. 

Let's examine who the best "postseason" runners are and look at what they might be up against in this year's second-season. 

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers will likely finish in that No. 2 spot in the NFL playoffs. 

What does that mean? 

They'll host a second-round playoff game against a Wild Card winner, then will likely travel to Green Bay in the NFC Championship game. 

Yes, some bold predictions. 

But does any defender ever necessarily welcome Frank Gore running at him full speed?

I don't think so.

The 5'9'', 220-pound bowling ball is a bruising runner but is dangerous because he possesses the lateral agility to make defenders miss.

Running behind that youthful and talented offensive line, Gore is ideal in any weather and won't have a problem if he is forced to play in the cold in January.  

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

At 6'2'', Forte is taller than your average runner, but he has a special combination of power and elusiveness that has made him one of the best backs in the league. 

What makes him a fantastic postseason back is his versatility. 

While Gore is a great pass-catching option, no one is better than Forte. 

On a blustery day in Solider Field or in Lambeau, the Bears' feature back helps their passing game considerably.

Can't throw it downfield into the wind?

Dump it down to Forte or utilize him on screen plays—he'll do damage.

He's also shown that he can handle a ton of carries and doesn't slow as the game progresses.

Someone I want in my backfield in the playoffs. 

Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

Bush has never been to the postseason, but he's the ideal, old-school postseason runner. 

If it's 10 degrees in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh or New England, Bush (6'1'', 245 pounds) will be excruciatingly painful to tackle.

A real bulldozer. 

He isn't especially shifty and can't jump cut against the grain with great quickness—he'll just locate you and run you over. 

Talk about bone-crunching hits. 

Bush can certainly deliver them as the Raiders runner. 

Darren McFadden is the more talented running back, but if I need a guy to tote the rock 25 times in a blizzard, Bush is my guy.