NFL 2015: The X-factor for all 32 teams

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Detailed view of a Salute to Service military appreciation logo on an official Wilson football during the NFL game between the St. Louis Rams against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Every National Football League has one. Most have a few. While we all know the stars of the NFL, there are the players who are expected to rise up and join the elite, showing they have the skills to be included in those fun pregame intros with Carrie Underwood and the like.

Fans and pundits look at these players and know that the success of their team rests on them taking “the next step.” While some do, and lead their teams to greater heights, others fail to ever make that quantum leap. The classic example of that is Michael Vick. Vick was always great entertainment and even got the Atlanta Falcons to the 2003 NFC Championship game, but he could never fill the gaps of his abilities.

On the other side, there is a man like Jim Plunkett. Plunkett was the first-overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft and flamed out with both the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers. However, Plunkett latched onto the Oakland Raiders, found himself, and won two Super Bowls before retiring.

Going into the 2015, there are a bevy of X-factors waiting to make or break the season for their team. Let’s run down the one on each squad and attempt to figure out whether he will boom or bust.

Also, to keep things from being quarterback-dominated, that position is excluded from our list.

Next: AFC East X-factors

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