The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to play the Indianapolis Colts on the road in Week 15 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 Week 15:

Jeff Hartman

X-Factor: Najee Harris / Jaylen Warren

Why: Last week I chose Mitch Trubisky as the X-Factor, and I could have done the same this week but decided to go in a different direction. The reason I went with the running backs, and by proxy the running game, was to take the heat off Trubisky. When you watch Trubisky drop back to pass, he doesn’t look like a confident quarterback. Doesn’t look like a guy who is ready to go win you the football game. So, to ease the burden and pressure off the quarterback you typically lean on your running game. If Jaylen Warren can not just be utilized to the best of their abilities, but also establish the run against a not-so-great run defense, it could be just what the doctor ordered for both Trubisky and the Steelers offense.

Dave Schofield

X-Factor: Elandon Roberts

Why: Two weeks ago, the big change in the Steelers defense came when Roberts was knocked out of the game. Last week, the Steelers couldn’t figure out how to defend the middle of the field early unless Roberts was out there full-time. Hopefully Elandon Roberts has recovered enough from his groin injury to be able to take on the load of playing every snap once again and helping to secure the Colts tight ends in the passing game. If not, the Steelers defense is left with a gaping hole for their opponents to exploit in the middle of the field.

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 Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.