NFL Wild Card Weekend: X-factors for each game

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) looks to throw the football to Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) down field during the NFC Championship Game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles on January 21, 2018 at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Minnesota Vikings by the score of 38-7. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 18: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after rushing for a first down against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys

It’s pretty common knowledge that the Dallas Cowboys offense runs through Ezekiel Elliott. And so the Cowboys run game is our x-factor for this Wild Card matchup. Dak Prescott isn’t a Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. He won’t be able to carry this team on his shoulders without an impressive outing from Elliott.

The Seattle Seahawks have the league’s best rushing attack. Russell Wilson has played in two Super Bowls already in his young career. He knows how to win big games on the road. You could argue Wilson is a much more polished version of Dak Prescott. The presence of Amari Cooper has completely changed how the Cowboys offense looks and feels.

Make no mistake that their success still goes through No.21. Elliott will have to play at top level if he wants his team to win a big game in Dallas. On the other side of the ball is a playmaker who can and will control the outcome of this game. The Cowboys need to establish the run early and often. Time of possession will be huge on Saturday.

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