Raiders: 5 matchups to watch vs. Cowboys in Week 15

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: Justin Ellis No. 78 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after a play against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Justin Ellis vs. Travis Frederick

Again, here is another matchup where the game can ultimately be decided. Nose tackle Justin Ellis will need one of his best games of the season to help the Raiders win. Why you ask? Because he’ll be lined up across from arguably the best center in football in Dallas’ Travis Frederick.

Frederick is the anchor of this Cowboys’ offensive line. No, it isn’t as formidable as it was a year ago, but Frederick, left tackle Tyron Smith and right guard Zack Martin are perennial Pro Bowlers. Odds are that Ellis will have to deal with the talented Martin as well in some capacity in this game. He will most certainly have his work cut out for him.

It’s not just the talent in the trenches that makes this matchup so tough for Ellis on Sunday, it is that the guys playing behind the Dallas offensive line are also awesome football players. Dak Prescott may be experiencing a sophomore slump at quarterback, but he is more than capable of winning road games behind this Dallas front-five. Alfred Morris isn’t Ezekiel Elliott, but he could run the ball down the Raiders’ throat if they aren’t ready to stuff the run.

Ellis may not have a ton of tackles in this game, but if he takes up enough space in run defense, guys like inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman and safety Karl Joseph could garner all the tackles their hearts desire. Slowing down the Dallas running game before it gets started will be huge in a victory for the Raiders.

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