The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to play the Cleveland Browns at home in Week 14, 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 14 game vs. the Browns:

Jeff Hartman

X-Factor: Running Game

Why: The Pittsburgh Steelers want to dictate the pace and tempo of the game, and there is no better way to do that than to run the football down the throats of the opponent. Having a stellar running game will also set up the team’s play-action passing for chunk plays down the field. When it comes to chunk plays the Steelers haven’t discriminated on who gets those chunk plays. George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and even Van Jefferson have been in the mix. But it all starts with the running game. The team is due for a dominant performance upfront which will equate in a dominant performance from all the running backs. All three putting their hands in the proverbial pile to help the offense win the time of possession, and ultimately the game. It starts with the ground game in Week 14 for me.

Dave Schofield

X-Factor: Joey Porter Jr.

Why: After being flagged six times last week, it’s difficult for Joey Porter Jr. to fly under the radar. Not only do the officials know to look for Porter to play “grabby” the Steelers opponents will likely look to throw in Porter’s direction in order to get more calls. With the Browns passing attack now seeming to be their strength, I look for them to go after Porter regardless of who he is matched up against. To counteract this move, Joey Porter needs to play cleaner and make the Browns pay for passing in his direction. Whether or not he can will be a big part of this matchup.

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 Browns in Week 14.