5 Oakland Raiders to watch versus Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: Khalil Mack No. 52 of the Oakland Raiders strips Geno Smith No. 3 of the New York Giants of the ball for a turnover during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

. Defensive End. Buffalo Bulls. Khalil Mack. 2. player. 28

Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack had the play of the game last week when he strip-sacked Giants quarterback Geno Smith in the Oakland red zone shortly before the half. New York should have absolutely scored a touchdown on that possession that was set up by a terrible special teams play by the Raiders, but here we are.

Mack is the driving force of this defense and will need to play one of his best games of the season against the Chiefs on Sunday. He will be matched up across from Kansas City’s excellent right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, who signed with Kansas City to protect the quarterback from guys like Mack.

Stripping the ball out of Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith’s hands won’t be easy, but the Raiders have had a knack of forcing fumbles of late, so you never know. Regardless, Mack is the best player on this Raiders team. He is favored in every matchup he takes part in out on the edge of this Raiders defense.

Being able to affect the passer will be key in this game for the Raiders, as it is most games. Though the defensive backfield looks to be improving under John Pagano’s watch, this Raiders defense is still very much led by the front-seven and the elite pass-rushing talent of Mack. Look for him to have a big game on Sunday versus Kansas City.

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