If each NFL Conference Championship game was decided by one player or one aspect of the game, who or what would it be?
The X-Factor is the player or group of players that win the game for their team, above everything else that happens over the course of the game.
It’s the thing we can point to, and say “That player won the team the game!”
In the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, I picked four X-Factors that would decide all four games, and they actually were pretty spot on:
- “January” Joe Flacco
- Peyton Manning’s Noodle Arm
- Seahawks Secondary
- Cowboys Defensive Line
Flacco played out of his mind with four touchdown passes, and then threw the game-clinching interception in the fourth quarter.
Manning threw for less than 200 yards and looked completely lost the entire game.
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The Seahawks secondary picked off two Cam Newton passes, and Kam Chancellor returned one 89 yards for the game-clinching touchdown.
The Cowboys only sacked Aaron Rodgers twice, and Rodgers torched the ‘Boys weak secondary in the second half.
That’s just how it shook down last weekend.
Heading in to the Conference Championship Game, I’ve picked the X-Factor for each team.
If those X-Factors come through for their team, that team is going to be playing for the Super Bowl. If not, likely, their team will be staying home.
Here are the X-Factors for all four teams playing in for a spot in the Super Bowl.
Next: Seattle Seahawks