5 Oakland Raiders to watch vs. Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 17: Khalil Mack No. 52 of the Oakland Raiders sacks Dak Prescott No. 4 of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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

No doubt that defensive end Khalil Mack has been the Raiders’ best player this season. He’s been the team’s best player for the last three seasons, as he is starting to emerge as a viable Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate if he keeps this pass-rushing pace up.

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Mack will certainly have his hands full on Monday night, as he will have to deal with arguably the best offensive lineman the Eagles have to throw at him in right tackle Lane Johnson. Philadelphia is stacked on its front-five. Though left tackle Jason Peters is out for the year, Johnson might be as good as the perennial Pro Bowler at right tackle.

Center Jason Kelce is playing out of his mind, but this offensive line in Philadelphia goes as Johnson goes. Mack is one of those players where the matchup doesn’t really matter. In essence, he’s matchup proof. However, Johnson may be one of the only right tackles that can honestly challenge the Raiders’ best player.

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Though outside linebacker Bruce Irvin could have an easier team going up against Halapoulivaati Vaitai on the other side, Mack versus Johnson has to have football analytics people’s intrigue for sure. If Mack can get around Johnson and sack Foles, look for the Raiders to at least make this game with the Eagles interesting.

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