Oakland Raiders: 5 matchups to watch vs. Buffalo Bills

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: Michael Crabtree No. 15 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: Michael Crabtree No. 15 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Trevor Siemian No. 13 of the Denver Broncos is sacked by defensive end Mario Edwards No. 97 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Trevor Siemian No. 13 of the Denver Broncos is sacked by defensive end Mario Edwards No. 97 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Mario Edwards Jr. vs. Richie Incognito

The big key for the Raiders is to slow down the Buffalo ground game. It is menacing and multi-faceted. The Bills are strongest on the offensive interior. Their most notable offensive lineman is Pro Bowl left guard Richie Incognito.

Incognito has revitalized his NFL career since the Miami Dolphins fiasco in Western New York. He’s the driving force behind the stout running game of the Bills up front. Behind him, he has three former Pro Bowlers than can run in running back LeSean McCoy, fullback Patrick DiMarco and mobile quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

Trying to slow down the Bills rushing attack will be Raiders defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. He’s played well this season now that he is finally healthy. Edwards’ size and speed allows him to play a multitude of roles on the defensive line. From rushing the passer to stopping the run, he can do it all.

Since Incognito plays with a bit of a mean streak, it will be important for Edwards and company to keep composure and not let him get inside their head. Fortunately, the Raiders already have an abrasive left guard the defensive line goes up in practice daily in Pro Bowler Kelechi Osemele.

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