One X-factor for every NFL team heading into 2020

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 12: Strong safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during player introductions before the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 12: Strong safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during player introductions before the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Every team needs a guy who can make a difference when the game is in the balance. Here’s one X-factor for every NFL team heading into 2020.

Listen to any NFL head coach talk about his roster for very long and you’re going to hear the subject of difference-makers come up. The league’s obsession with maintaining parity puts a premium on players who have what it takes to win a single game with their exceptional talents.

Another way to classify those sorts of players is by referring to them as X-factors. This piece will identify one such player for every NFL franchise. The players listed here frequently won’t be the best player on their respective rosters. Instead, they will be the guy who has a chance to turn a game on its head with their unique set of skills.

Every effort will be made to identify players who don’t play the quarterback position. It’s no secret that any NFL team with dreams of success needs to have a quality signal-caller at their disposal. The goal here is to name a guy whose impact might be a bit more subtle.

Everyone understands how crucial quarterback play is in the modern game. It might take a little more nuance to select a safety that’s able to wield significant influence on his team’s fortunes.

As such, every effort will be made to select non-quarterbacks on this list. Without further delay, let’s jump right into four guys who have the ability to be make or break players in the NFC East in 2020.