Raiders vs Broncos Monday Night: 6 Best Candidates for Player of the Game

The Denver Broncos welcome the Oakland Raiders to Mile High Stadium tonight as both sides look to take an early advantage in the AFC West.

With the Chargers already winning and the Chiefs being upset by the Bills at home, this game will quickly create a divide out West in the AFC.

Here are six players that could play crucial roles for whichever side wins tonight.

Jacoby Ford

Oddly enough, there were three kickoff returns for touchdowns on opening weekend for only the third time in the past 40 years. Jacoby Ford only needs one opening to take one, or even two, to the house as he proved last season.

Ford only had one reception in the preseason, but his speed could see him have one or two huge plays that will separate him from the pack off of a play action.

Jared Veldheer

How the Raiders handle the Broncos' pass-rush will be vital to this game. While very few fans will have their eyes on Veldheer as the Raiders staring left tackle, his performance could determine the outcome of this game more than anyone.

If Veldheer can shut down Von Miller without help, the Raiders offense should be able to dismantle the Broncos' defense with relative ease.

Darren McFadden

Neither the Raiders offensive line or the Broncos' front seven is all that impressive. However Darren McFadden is very impressive.

McFadden could see a lot of carries tonight, as well as being heavily involved in the screen game, as the Raiders look to nullify the Broncos' outstanding pass-rush.

Knowshon Moreno

Knowshon Moreno was fantastic in the preseason, never averaging below 4.7 yards per carry in a game. He is obviously benefiting from John Fox's new offense, and that will be put to test tonight for the first time in a real football game.

Moreno has all the talent but needs to stay healthy and run hard against the Raiders to take over this game.

Kyle Orton

The Raiders' defense is somewhat of an unknown entering the post Nnamdi Asomugha era. Asomugha's role in coverage was a difficult one, and a clear replacement across from Stanford Routt will need to prove himself before being anointed a successor.

Kyle Orton could be looking to take advantage of a guy like Demarcus van Dyke on his way to a big day.

Von Miller

The second overall pick in last April's draft has been a standout performer in the preseason—notching three sacks in three games. He has a huge leverage advantage over Jared Veldheer as he looks to attack Jason Campbell from the blindside.

Whether he or Dumervil is the focus of the Raiders' offensive line will determine which player makes the biggest impact.