Oakland Raiders: 5 matchups to watch vs. 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) /

Khalil Mack vs. Mitchell Schwartz

Though he’s nowhere close to that lofty goal of 30.0 quarterback sacks this season, Mack has had three in the last three games to get to 7.5 on the year. His role in the Raiders defense had changed in some capacity earlier in the year, as Mack was asked to be a great run stuffer out on the edge.

However, Mack is back to doing what he does best in bring opposing quarterbacks to the turf. Mack already has a half of a sack against Alex Smith this season. He does realize that he will have to work his way around an excellent right tackle in Mitchell Schwartz for Kansas City.

Overall, Kansas City has not been as good as it should be on the offensive line. Though solid out on the edge, this team is vulnerable in the offensive interior. It has been a microcosm for why Kansas City has lost six of its last seven games. It’s hard to run the football when you struggle to pound the rock up the middle.

Should Mack have his way with Schwartz in this game, it could get ugly and be heavily in Oakland’s favor. The Chiefs may look to have a tight end line up next to Schwartz to help him chip Mack from coming off the edge. This Raiders pass rush is really cooking. Look for Mack to do what he does on Sunday.

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