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NFL Divisional Round weekend: X-factors for each game

By Dylan Broady

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals on October 21, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals on October 21, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Eagles QB Nick Foles
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 06: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles jogs across the field in the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints 

X-FACTOR: Nick Foles

We all know by now that Nick Foles is really good at winning playoff games. He has ice in his veins. He can play anywhere. He has thrown seven touchdowns in a game. He’s won a Super Bowl and been named a Super Bowl MVP. He has all the credentials to win this ball game. This particular ball game won’t be easy to win. The New Orleans Saints play hard on both sides of the ball.

Technically, the Philadelphia Eagles shouldn’t be here. Same story as last season. The Eagles on paper have no business winning championships and breaking hearts, but here we are for round two of Eagles vs. Saints. The first matchup was easily won by New Orleans. A 48-7 butt whooping really changes how you think of yourself as a team. We have a different quarterback and different stakes for round two.

Question is, will they matter? Will they affect the outcome of this game? Can Nick Foles go into New Orleans and do what Carson Wentz couldn’t? All the signs suggest he can. Something very important we have to think about for this year’s Eagles team, though, just like in Kansas City: They don’t have a true running game. Playoff games are won by tough defense and clock control. Only way to control the clock is to run the rock.

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