LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 04: A general view of the atmosphere at “The X Factor” Finalists Party at SLS Hotel on November 4, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/WireImage)
Who is the X-Factor for every team this week in the playoffs? Will they show up?
Baltimore Ravens: Rashod Bateman
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 21: Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a 49-yard pass from Lamar Jackson #8 for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
With Zay Flowers out, Bateman is the new WR1 and will see plenty of coverage from Joey Porter.
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
He’s been tremendous thus far, but how will he fare in his first playoff game in difficult conditions?
Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Quentin Johnston #1 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs the ball in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at SoFi Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Ladd McConkey is sure-handed, but Johnston has been highly inconsistent. Can he make the critical catches on third and long?
Houston Texans: Diontae Johnson
HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 25: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #18 of the Houston Texans stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell are out with injuries. Johnson has been a Pro Bowl-caliber player in his career. Can he step up and give C.J. Stroud another option?
Buffalo Bills: James Cook
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Buffalo is a run-first offense, and Cook has been the central part of that all season. Can he keep it up in the playoffs?
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders rushes against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Tampa’s run defense will contain Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler, so Daniels is going to have to be accurate with his downfield passing to pull off this upset.
Tampa Bay Bucs: Jalen McMillan
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 21: Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates his touchdown catch with Jalen McMillan #15 during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Mike Evans is going to be shadowed by his nemesis Marshon Lattimore, which means that McMillan is going to have to continue his stellar late-season play.
Pittsburgh Steelers: George Pickens
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 24: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers leaps for a reception over Natrone Brooks #35 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Simply put, if Pickens has a bad game, the Steelers have no chance of pulling off this upset.
Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 29: Jordan Addison #3 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers in the first half at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson are superstars in their position. Addison has all the talent to be at the next level. This is a game where he can show that talent off.
Los Angeles Rams: Cooper Kupp
INGLEWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 21: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball after a catch during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
He’s been irrelevant in the passing attack over the last few weeks. Will this be the weekend when he returns to form?
