:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/253375/20120923_pjc_bs4_278.jpg)
The Oakland Raiders have to run the football effectively if they hope to push for the playoffs this season. After struggling to establish the ground game in their first two contests of the year, Darren McFadden broke out in Week 3 against the Steelers for 113 yards and a touchdown score.
With the Denver Broncos coming to Oakland in Week 4, McFadden and the offensive line need to duplicate the success that led to a win last weekend. Veteran quarterback Carson Palmer believes the team has the pieces to ensure McFadden is successful every Sunday.
"It's fun to watch Darren run. We weren't as worried about the running game as everybody else was," Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer said after the win against Pittsburgh.
Through three games in 2012, the Broncos rank 14th in the league in rushing yards allowed, surrendering an average of 98 per game. They've also given up an average of 25.6 points, which is one of the worse marks in the league. If the Raiders are able to get McFadden going early this weekend, you have to like the team's chances to put up quite a few points.