The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to play the Buffalo Bills on the road in the Wild Card Round of the AFC Playoffs, 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 first round of the playoffs:

Jeff Hartman

X-Factor: Running Game

Why: I probably could have said the offensive line was the X-Factor in this game, but to me it’s the big men up front being able to move bodies across the ball. Mason Rudolph isn’t a rookie, but when it comes to postseason play he absolutely is a newbie. What is the best way to help a quarterback who might not have a ton of experience in the playoffs? Run the rock. Take the pressure off him, just like they did the past two weeks. That recipe for success remains, no matter who is at quarterback, so the offensive line’s ability to open up holes, and for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to have solid games absolutely are my X-Factor. To add to that, Mr. Warren needs to secure the rock and not put it on the turf, like he did in Week 15.

Dave Schofield

X-Factor: Nick Herbig / Markus Golden

Why: It’s no secret that T.J. Watt will be missing this game. It’s also no secret that the Steelers have a terrible record when Watt is not in the lineup. But this year feels different. The Steelers have adequate backups to cut down the immense drop off from Watt to his replacement. So for the Steelers defense to get the job done in Buffalo, it’s going to be up to Markus Golden and Nick Herbig to minimize the absence of Watt as much as possible.

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 Bills in the playoffs.