The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to play the Cincinnati Bengals at home in Week 18, and there are certain aspects of the game which can be difficult to predict. Of course, the outcome of the game is paramount, but there are players or position groups who could be viewed as X-Factors.

What is an X-Factor? That definition is an important part of this exercise. If I were to give you a player who was the ultimate X-Factor in Steelers history, it would be Troy Polamalu. Polamalu was able to take over a game almost single-handedly. Whether it being a tackle made where he looked like a heat-seeking missile, or a clutch interception. A game could tilt the Steelers’ way because of Troy. With the definition out of the way, let’s see who are the X-Factors for the Steelers in the Week 18 game vs. the Bengals:

Jeff Hartman

X-Factor: George Pickens

Why: This week has been another episode in “As The World Turns”, featuring wide receiver George Pickens. Regardless of your personal feelings about Pickens, you cannot deny his freakish ability. It’s been a while since Pickens took over a game, and that is what the Steelers need from their most dynamic playmaker. Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and if he wants to be paid big money he’ll need to show he can take over a game. When you look at the league’s best receivers, they are never eliminated from the game. The same can be true for Pickens, but he has to show it. And against the porous Bengals defensive secondary could be just what the doctor ordered to propel him, and the offense, into the playoffs.

Dave Schofield

X-Factor: The 4th Quarter Defense

Why: I know this is kind of cheating for this article, but this is such a big deal I have to bring it up. Steelers defense hasn’t been able to stop anybody in the fourth quarter for quite some time (the offense hasn’t scored either, but Jeff takes something from the offense and I do the defense). In the last six games, the Steelers have surrendered 65 points in the fourth quarter. Yes, you read that correctly. That’s just shy of 11 points each game they’re giving up in the final 15 minutes. In fact, since their bye week, the Steelers have only “won“ the fourth quarter one time which was their game coming out of the bye against Washington where they outscored them 7–0 to win the game by a point. Since then, the Steelers have been outscored in the fourth quarter every game. Even if the Steelers have the lead in the game, they can’t just let the Bengals easily put up points and get back into it at the end. The Steelers defense should be well rested since the last game and can’t just let their opponents impose their will on them over the final quarter. If they allow the Bengals to do so, they’re probably finishing the season on a four-game losing streak.

Who is your X-Factor for the game? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Bengals in Week 18.