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X Factors for Every Team

The X Factor




Every team left in the Conference Championship games has many playmakers on both offense and defense, and they all have great players who can do some damage. These teams also have players who sometimes go under the radar, and here is who I believe will be an X-factor for every team during the football games this Sunday:

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons:
  1. Keanu Neal (Safety) - Atlanta Falcons - Neal is in the race for Defensive Rookie of the year, and is helping the Falcons become a better defense. He adds toughness and identity to the team, and has incredible tackling ability.
  2. Bryan Bulaga (Guard) - Green Bay Packers - Bulaga must stop Vic Beasley if they want to keep Aaron Rodgers upright. If he can guard the Falcons' pass rushers, Aaron Rodgers will have even more time to find a wide receiver who is open for a lot of yardage.
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots:
  1. Dion Lewis (Running Back) - New England Patriots - Lewis is a great pass-catching back who can also run, which will make him a vital asset against the Steelers who can pass the rusher very well. He gives Tom Brady someone to go to if there are no options and he is under heavy pressure.
  2. Bud Dupree (Pass Rusher) - Pittsburgh Steelers - The best chance for the Steelers to win this game not only depends on the play of the Killer B's, but also the play of the pass rushers, particularly Bud Dupree. If James Harrison and Dupree can get pressure on Brady, he will be put into tough situations and potentially help their offense out too.

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