Oakland Raiders: 5 Key matchups vs. Chargers in Week 6

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Bruce Irvin #51 of the Oakland Raiders reacts to sacking Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers late in the fourth quarter en route to the Raiders 19-16 win over Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders matches up against Brandon Shell #72 of the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Khalil Mack vs. Joe Barksdale

Khalil Mack will be looking to have a big day against the Raiders’ division rival. Mack has recorded four sacks so far this season, which ranks ninth entering Week 6. The Chargers have been one of the best teams at protecting their quarterback this season, only allowing six sacks through the first five games. Only the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars have allowed fewer sacks, and the Saints have only played four games.

Still, Mack might be able to find success against an offensive line suffering through injuries. The Chargers starting right tackle, Joe Barksdale, has been dealing with nagging injuries since training camp that already caused him to miss one game this season. Barksdale was also taken out of Los Angeles’ Week 5 game against the New York Giants due to a cramping issue.

It remains unclear if Barksdale will be ready to go for the Raiders game on Sunday. However, even if Barksdale plays, it is hard to imagine he will be at 100 percent as he continues to deal with leg injuries. If Barksdale is hobbled on Sunday, I expect Mack to attack at full force throughout the game to take advantage of the matchup.

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If Barksdale is unable to play in this game, it will fall on the shoulders of Michael Schofield to fend off Mack. Schofield started 29 games in his two years in Denver, but isn’t a great pass blocker. Whether Schofield or Barksdale is on the line, Mack is looking to have a huge getting after the quarterback on Sunday.

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