Three running backs who will bounce back in Week 2

Week 1 of the NFL season was filled with low-scoring affairs. Many of the league's top offenses struggled to find any rhythm, resulting in underwhelming stat lines from several top stars.

While underperforming quarterbacks and wide receivers took most of the flak, not every team's running game was up to speed either. Yes, Bijan Robinson and Christian McCaffrey dominated as expected. But the same can't be said for every star rusher.

Whether due to a negative game script or inefficiency, a handful of featured backs struggled to make an impact. But there's potential to return to the mean in Week 2.

Here are three running backs who will bounce back in plus-matchups this week.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Week 1: Nine carries, 19 yards; 10 receptions, 31 yards

Jahmyr Gibbs' pitiful final stat line isn't all on him. The Detroit Lions, working with a new-look offensive line, couldn't do much of anything against the Green Bay Packers' defense.

Detroit's rushing attack was phased out early as the team played catch-up in the second half. David Montgomery outpaced Gibbs in carries, 11 to nine, but he failed to do much damage, either. 

Gibbs contributed frequently in the receiving game as Jared Goff was often forced to get rid of the ball quickly. None of his catches went for more than seven yards, though, as Green Bay seemed to prepare for everything the Lions threw at them.

Gibbs, and Detroit's offense as a whole, have a prime opportunity to return to form against the Chicago Bears next week. Chicago boasts an improved run defense, but after Minnesota Vikings RB Jordan Mason gashed the team for 68 yards, Gibbs should have no issue involving himself in Week 2.

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals

Week 1: 12 carries, 39 yards; four receptions, five yards, TD

Unlike Gibbs, whose team was playing from behind throughout, James Conner and the Arizona Cardinals led the New Orleans Saints the entire way in a contest that ended up closer than expected.

Despite the positive game script, though, the veteran back didn't contribute much on the ground. He didn't even lead Arizona's backfield in rushing. Outside of a four-yard touchdown reception, Conner was held in check by a respectable Saints defense.

The two-time Pro Bowler may have the best matchup in the league next week, though. The Cardinals will take on the Carolina Panthers, who were surprisingly gashed for 143 yards by Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne.

In another contest Arizona should capture easily, all signs point to a huge day from Conner.

Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 1: 14 carries, 37 yards; four receptions, eight yards, TD

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to squeak out a 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons following some late-game dramatics, but Bucky Irving didn't put much of a stamp on this one.

Posting a nearly identical stat line to Conner, Irving was incredibly inefficient with his touches. Despite being arguably the Bucs' most talented skill player, though, it wasn't Irving's time to shine. Instead, it was the Baker Mayfield show.

Mayfield carried Tampa Bay with his legs and an early-season connection with first-round rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka. It shouldn't be long before Irving returns to being a focal point of the offense, though.

Taking on the Houston Texans in Week 2, Irving should be in store for a more prominent role. Expect the second-year starter to garner closer to 20 carries in a very winnable game for Tampa Bay.