Biggest NFL x-factors for all 32 teams

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 10: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates in the second half against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 19-17. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Joe Noteboom, Los Angeles Rams. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Rams: LT Joe Noteboom

When Sean McVay took over as head coach of the Rams in 2017, one of general manager Les Snead’s key additions that offseason was veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth. A three-time Pro Bowler and 2015 All-Pro in 11 years with the Cincinnati Bengals, he earned both of those honors in his first season with his new team.

But after five years with McVay’s team, which includes winning a Super Bowl ring with Los Angeles, Whitworth has opted for retirement. Four-year pro Joe Noteboom is the heir apparent and he does have some starting experience under his shoulder pads. The 2018 third-round pick from Tulsa will now be counted on to keep quarterback Matthew Stafford out of harm’s way.

Miami Dolphins: QB Tua Tagovaiola

The speculation regarding the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft never seems to end. All told, Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has played in the total of 23 games (21 starts) in two seasons. He’s hit on a combined 66.2 percent of his throws for 4,467 yards and almost twice as many scores (27) as interceptions. He’s run for six touchdowns and lost just two of his 10 fumbles.

But the former University of Alabama standout figures to be a healthier player than the one who injured his hip late in the 2019 college season. He’s been surrounded by a lot of offensive talent, the biggest addition being six-time Pro Bowler Tyreek Hill. And there’s a new head coach in Mike McDaniel.

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