In NFL betting, there are two different ways to define “tough to tackle.” There are those guys who are difficult to wrap up simply because you can’t catch them – the shifty types like Chris Johnson and Reggie Bush – and there are the bulldozers. This top five list of NFL picks is dedicated to the latter group – the bruising runners who make opposing defenders afraid to engage because it hurts to tackle them.

5. Brandon Marshall, wide receiver, Denver Broncos

The lone wideout on this list, “Baby T.O.” has earned a rep from corners around the league as an extremely difficult load to bring down. He’s a beast at 6’4” and 230 pounds, built almost like a small tight end, and it’s almost unfair when he breaches the secondary after a catch.

4. Marion Barber, running back, Dallas Cowboys

The online betting odds of Barber getting hurt this season are pretty good. Why? Because he enjoys contact. He loves running into – and over – guys so much that Cowboys management has reportedly begged him to stop purposely initiating contact when he gets the rock.

3. Michael Turner, running back, Atlanta Falcons

Like Larry Johnson in his heyday a few years ago, Michael Turner runs with anger – anger over being stuck on the bench for several seasons when he was good enough to be a starter. He cooled his heels behind LaDainian Tomlinson just like L.J. waited for his turn behind Priest Holmes. After joining the Falcons in 2008 and getting the starting job, Turner ran like a bat out of hell, crushing anyone in his path in leading the league in rushing touchdowns with 17.

2. Adrian Peterson, running back, Minnesota Vikings

If tackling Turner is like tackling a bull, tackling Adrian Peterson, the NFL’s best running back, is more like tackling a stallion. He’s tall, powerful and fast, possessing the league’s best blend of power and breakaway speed. His career 5.2 yards per carry shows how often he explodes for big gains.

1. Brandon Jacobs, running back, New York Giants

I almost wonder if he should be allowed to play running back. Listed at 6’4” and 264 pounds, he’s an unstoppable freight train who flattens anyone – be it defensive back, linebacker or defensive tackle – brave enough to step in front of him. I’m betting management knew it had something in his rookie season when he scored seven times on just 38 carries. The man is a monster.