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Three NFL running backs who will bounce back in Week 4
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Three NFL running backs who will bounce back in Week 4

While this week of NFL football was largely dominated by late-game defensive heroics, Week 3 was also filled with surprise performances from underrated skill players. 

Seeing the Indianapolis Colts' Jonathan Taylor and the Buffalo Bills' James Cook near the top of the league in rushing yards this week is hardly a surprise. But David Montgomery, Jordan Mason and Quinshon Judkins rounding out the top five is a different story. 

Alongside unexpected breakouts also came underwhelming showings, though. Several of the game's top backs failed to make an impact — especially on the ground — in Week 3. But the momentum could quickly swing the other direction for several runners with positive matchups in their next contest.

Here are three running backs due to bounce back in Week 4:

Breece Hall, New York Jets

Week 3 at TB: Nine carries, 21 yards; four receptions, 31 yards

The final score (29-17) won't show it, but the New York Jets were being dismantled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before a valiant fourth-quarter comeback. As a result, Breece Hall wasn't involved much as a runner.

Even when he did get the handoff, though, Hall managed a measly 2.3 yards per carry against what has proved to be a stifling Bucs defense. His receiving contributions was nothing to call home about, either.

Hall will have a prime opportunity to take off in a Week 4 bout with the Miami Dolphins. The 'Phins have struggled to keep up with opponents on the ground throughout their 0-3 start as they've been steamrolled to the tune of 145.0 rushing yards/game.

Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

Week 3 vs. LAR: 18 carries, 46 yards; four receptions, nine yards

The Philadelphia Eagles completed one of the more improbable comeback wins in recent memory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. However, a negative game script meant Saquon Barkley had to take advantage of every touch, a task he failed to do in his worst outing of the young season. 

Barkley still got his opportunities, garnering 22 total touches. But his ineffectiveness with them put most of the pressure on Jalen Hurts, who finally showed off his capabilities as a passer in Week 3.

Barkley doesn't have an easy individual matchup against the Buccaneers next week. The Eagles should have an easier time containing this injury-riddled opponent, though, setting up Barkley for his usual monstrous workload.

Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

Week 3 at CLE: 16 carries, 30 yards; five receptions, 44 yards

The Green Bay Packers offense was slowed to a standstill against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3. Posting just 230 yards of total offense en route to a wild 13-10 loss, everyone on the offensive side underwhelmed for the Packers. Josh Jacobs was no exception.

Jacobs' Week 3 performance was easily his most inefficient of the season as the Browns once again showed off a formidable defensive unit. The veteran back gets his best matchup of the year in Week 4, though.

With a contest against the spiraling Dallas Cowboys looming, Jacobs should feast with plenty of touches. Determined to redeem themselves from an inexcusable Week 3 loss, the entirety of Green Bay's offense should find success. Jacobs could be in line for his first triple-digit rushing performance of the year.

Dylan Edenfield

Dylan Edenfield has covered professional sports for several different outlets over the last eight years. As a Michigan native, he brings expertise on Detroit and Michigan sports. Dylan has spent most of his career covering the NBA, but is also passionate about baseball and football

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