Raiders vs. Broncos: Darren McFadden Shows Why He's a Dark-Horse MVP Candidate

The Oakland Raiders defeated the Denver Broncos on Monday night despite getting just 105 yards from quarterback Jason Campbell.

Darren McFadden ran for 150 yards on 22 carries, and although he didn't find the end zone, the running back proved he's a dark-horse candidate for the MVP award.

McFadden finally shows signs of becoming the player Oakland thought it was drafting with the fourth overall pick in 2008. He struggled through two disappointing seasons before breaking out with over 1,600 total yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010.

Oakland swept the AFC West last season but went 2-8 outside of the division and failed to make the playoffs. If the Raiders have any hope of making a playoff run in 2011, it rests on the legs of McFadden.

Any doubt that McFadden would be the lead dog ended with his performance last night, as backup Michael Bush gained just 30 yards on nine carries. Being the full-time feature back is the only chance any running back has of winning the league's top individual honor.

While McFadden didn't contribute as much out of the backfield in the passing game as he usually does, his production in that aspect will improve when the Raiders are playing from behind and are forced to throw more than 22 times.

The Buffalo Bills are next up for McFadden and the Raiders. The Bills allowed Jamaal Charles and Dexter McCluster to average seven yards per carry in their Week 1 clash.

That means the Raiders will be leaning heavily on McFadden to start 2-0.

Buffalo surprised a lot of people with its destruction of the Kansas City Chiefs but is still one of the least talented teams in the league, and its performance last week was an aberration, not the new norm.

Oakland's schedule isn't overly difficult and gives it a chance to be a shocking member of the AFC playoff race, and that's the only chance McFadden has of being in the MVP discussion. If the Raiders go 7-9 or 8-8 (again), he won't be considered.

However, if they can go 9-7 or better and he can stay healthy, McFadden has a great chance to earn some votes.