Khalil Mack, DE, Oakland Raiders
When: The star pass rusher forced two game-changing turnovers — a picksix, and a strip sack and fumble recovery — in the Raiders’ win over Carolina last weekend. Since bouncing back from a so-called slump this season, Mack leads the NFL with 60 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
What’s up: A first-round draft pick in 2014, Mack has morphed into one of Oakland’s biggest stars and is a big reason the Raiders are finally good again. Last season, he was the first player in history to be selected all-pro first team at two positions — outside linebacker and defensive end.
Background: Mack ensured his name wouldn’t be one easily forgotten by Broncos fans. In a December 2015 game in Denver, he ripped through the Broncos’ offensive line to sack Brock Osweiler five times, tying Howie Long’s singlegame franchise record (1983).
Jhabvala’s take: Mack is the rare athlete in a league founded on rare athletes. Only three years into his NFL career, he has quickly become one of the top pass rushers — if not the best — in the game, besting even Von Miller according to some experts. In a division stacked with elite pass rushers, Mack continues to stand out and will, again, be one of the Broncos’ biggest obstacles in the final stretch of the season.