An X-Factor is simply defined as a single variable, in this instance – a player, whose individual success can directly lead to a much bigger achievement, in this instance – the entire team succeeding. Every team competing for the playoffs (sorry Dolphins fans I didn’t include you because if no one else respects you I don’t have to pretend to) has an X-Factor who I believe can dictate their entire season, whether it’s making the playoffs, or going on a championship run.

NFC

Packers 4-6-1: Aaron Rodgers

I tried not to pick too many QBs, but this one is easy. If the Packers go on to win the Super Bowl, they’d do so on a nine-game win streak, and let’s be honest, there’s no player in Green Bay other than Aaron Rodgers who can be that large of an X-Factor. If it’s going to happen it’s strictly based on #12 carrying an entire team.

Eagles 5-6: Josh Adams

The Eagles are alive in the lowly NFC East but need to figure it out quickly. Last year, they were the third-ranked rush attack with a collection of running backs. However, this year, due to injuries and inconsistencies, Josh Adams is becoming the lead back. If he takes that role and thrives in it, the Eagles might just return to the playoffs.

Redskins 6-5: Josh Norman

Let’s be real. The offensive spearhead of Colt McCoy and Adrian Peterson isn’t going to be the difference maker. Someone on defense is going to determine the team’s success, so I decided to pick the highest paid player and the man who’s supposed to the leader of this unit. Josh Norman has to step up and make plays, or it’s all over in D.C.

Cowboys 6-5: Tyron Smith

This is definitely more of a health concern, but nonetheless, it boils down to Tyron Smith being the X-Factor. The Cowboys have looked good on both sides of the ball, but come playoff time, Dak is going to need Smith protecting his blindside if they want to accomplish anything. I think Smith is always phenomenal when he plays, it’s just a case of if he will.

Panthers 6-5: Donte Jackson

I know Jackson is hurt, but this is bigger than the injury. The Panthers have been assaulted in the air the past month. Carolina has given up 80+ yards to wideouts six times in the last four games. They need Jackson to get back out on the field and then show the abilities that we’ve only seen in flashes this year. If he remains injured and inconsistent, Carolina might continue their massive slide.

Seahawks 6-5: Doug Baldwin

There was a time where Doug Baldwin was among the top receivers in the game. I’d say that’s no longer the case and that Seattle’s offense can succeed without him. That’s what makes him such an X-Factor. They can succeed without him, so he’s like an extra weapon that also might still be their best. If teams forget about him and we see vintage December Doug, the Seahawks will be in great shape.

Vikings 6-4-1: Dalvin Cook

I know what Dalvin Cook can do when he’s healthy. We all do. He’s a real special talent, but he still hasn’t fully recovered from his list of nagging injuries. If he plays at his highest level the Vikings are real Super Bowl contenders. If he remains hampered, the Vikings offense lacks that special something. A true X-Factor.

Bears 8-3: Roquan Smith

I don’t think there’s one player on offense that can be highlighted because, in reality, it’s just Matt Nagy pulling the strings. So on defense, I decided to not choose a star but a potential one. Roquan Smith came into the league NFL-ready and has looked sharp. Let me remind you he missed a lot of camp with his contract holdout and lost valuable reps. If he starts to come around sooner rather than later, the Bears have an almost hole-less defense.

Rams 10-1: Aqib Talib

This may be more of a hunch, but I think it’s the perfect X-Factor. If Talib returns and struggles, the Rams defense will continue to as well. If he steps in and plays well while simultaneously taking pressure off Marcus Peters, the Rams can start thinking about beating New Orleans.

Saints 10-1: Marcus Williams

We know the story, we know the play, we get it. I think because of it all Williams started the season tentative and suffered as a result. His play and overall confidence have risen the past few weeks, however, and if he can continue to contribute at that level, the Saints will just add another great layer to their defense like a midseason acquisition.

AFC

Broncos 5-6: Case Keenum

The Broncos have no shortage of playmakers on both sides of the ball, but the deciding factor of their season is free agent acquisition Case Keenum. The Broncos are going to need Case to find some of the magic that got him a job in Denver, probably having to win five or six games down the stretch. If he struggles, no matter how good everyone else is, the Broncos will too.

Bengals 5-6: Joe Mixon

Without Andy Dalton, the Bengals don’t stand much of a chance of making the playoffs, but I’ll entertain the idea. Cincy will almost certainly lean on Joe Mixon to provide an offensive spark. If Mixon can somehow reach his full potential as a runner, then maybe, maybe, he can carry the Bengals to the playoffs. Maybe.

Titans 5-6: Corey Davis

Tennessee is undoubtedly the most baffling team in the NFL. On paper, the Titans have a solid roster, yet they haven’t put it together for more than two weeks at a time. I think it’s obvious that the Titans need a playmaker on offense to step up. To me, Corey Davis is an easy choice. We’ve seen him shine in wins (161 yards against Eagles, 125 yards against New England), but he’s also struggled in losses. A consistent Davis that puts up big numbers might be the missing piece in Tennessee.

Ravens 6-5: Lamar Jackson

For better or worse, Lamar is the only rookie QB competing for a playoff spot right now. What he’s done as a runner has been extraordinary. 190 yards in two games is unheard of from the quarterback position, but what makes him an X-Factor is his passing. He’s been up and down so far, but if he can become more efficient and turn it over less, all while continuing his dominance as a runner, the Ravens could soar to new heights.

Colts 6-5: Malik Hooker

I can’t pick an X-Factor on offense in Indy, because quite simply, their offense could thrive and they’d still lose. What could take them to another level is another defensive star. The Colts thrive on takeaways (20, good for fifth in the league) and that’s without Malik Hooker really contributing. All he did at Ohio State was take the ball from opposing quarterbacks, but it hasn’t quite translated to the next level. If Hooker finds a way to unlock that in the NFL, the Colts defense could be very dangerous.

Steelers 7-3-1: Ben Roethlisberger

What makes Ben such a variable is quite simply his road vs home stats. At home, he looks like the two-time Super Bowl winner, with 14 TDs and just three interceptions. On the road, however, he can be the guy who throws game-sealing picks to defensive tackle (ouch). What makes him such an X-Factor is the potential for MVP numbers, with a slight chance of complete disaster.

Texans 8-3: Jadeveon Clowney

The Texans are 8-3. That can’t be taken away from them, but I remain skeptical. Many wins were basically handed to them, and if they want to prove their record in the AFC, their playmakers will have to step up. Jadeveon Clowney has seven sacks this year, certainly nothing to discredit, but also not quite the amount a first overall pick should have. Clowney and J.J. Watt together at full power could be enough to topple any of the AFC powerhouses. Jadaveon just has to get there.

Chargers 8-3: Mike Williams

Mike Williams is quietly second on the Chargers in touchdowns with seven. His value as a red zone monster has been on display at times, but we haven’t quite seen the guy who was once seen as a Calvin Johnson lite version. Williams could pose a consistent problem for DBs across from Keenan Allen if the Chargers find ways to use him. If not, I don’t believe the Chargers will be reaching their full offensive potential, which won’t be enough against teams like New England or Kansas City.

Patriots 8-3: Stephon Gilmore

Stephon Gilmore has been fantastic for the Patriots, but the margin for error on defense is razor shin. We’ve seen instances where he looks like a top-10 corner in football (see AFC Championship) and times where he looks like Corey Davis’ son (90 yards and a TD when being covered by Gilmore). Gilmore has to be the former if New England is going to return to the Super Bowl.

Chiefs 9-2: Justin Houston

It wasn’t too long ago that Justin Houston was in the conversation with J.J. Watt and Von Miller as the best pass rushers in football. Houston hasn’t kept quiet, however. He has four sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception, all occurring in his last five games. If Houston has anything left in the tank, it could be all the difference for the offensive juggernaut Chiefs.

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