You can’t really talk about the NFL’s best performing running backs without first mentioning Adrian Peterson. Peterson topped last season’s list of rushing leaders and he’s already run for 272 yards and four TDs in the first two weeks of the 2009-10 season. You can bet that NFL props bettors are eager to see how he’ll do in Week 3 when the Minnesota Vikings host the San Francisco 49ers.

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Peterson will be the big target for a 49ers defense that currently ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. San Francisco has surrendered just 106 yards on the ground in two games, an average of just 2.7 yards per carry.

Look for linebacker Patrick Willis to take on the task of cutting Peterson’s runs short on Sunday. Willis has already racked up 15 solo tackles in 2009.

Vikes QB Brett Favre may have to open up and challenge a San Francisco pass defense that featured in the bottom third of the league last season.

Frank Gore of the 49ers is another hot running back; he’s coming off a 207-yard rushing performance against the Seattle Seahawks that featured one 79-yard TD run and one 80-yard TD run. But he’s had just six 100-yard rushing games since the 2006 season that saw him run for 1,695 yards, so to say he’s back after one big game might be taking a big leap of faith.

Mike Bell of the New Orleans Saints and Fred Jackson of the Buffalo Bills also have some impressive stats going into Week 3, but look for Tennessee’s Chris Johnson to put up another huge game as well. The Titans’ running back rushed for 197 yards and two TDs against the Texans on Sunday, plus he threw in 87 receiving yards and a TD. This week, however, the Titans travel to New York to play the Jets, a team that just held the powerful New England Patriots offense to three field goals.

Atlanta’s Michael Turner rushed for 105 yards on 28 carries and one touchdown in the Falcons' win against Carolina. (He was held to under 100 in their game against the Dolphins the week before, but if he can keep his health in check this season props bettors can expect good numbers all season by this Chicago native.) The Falcons host a New England side that’s been average at best against the run to start the season. And with QB Matt Ryan at the helm, they probably won’t be able to stack the box either.

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