The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to play the New York Giants at home in Week 8, 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 8 game vs. the Giants:

Jeff Hartman

X-Factor: Russell Wilson

Why: This should be obvious, but in case some are over-thinking this one, my X-Factor is Russell Wilson. As Dave Schofield said on the Steelers Preview podcast last week, “Two is a pattern.” What we saw from Wilson in his one-game sample was great, but it is worth saying you need/want to see it again. Against a sub-par Giants team, this is a game the veteran Wilson should be able to take care of business and do what is necessary to win. On top of all that, I like Wilson’s leadership to hopefully keep the entire room focused on the task ahead and not looking ahead to the bye week, or the gauntlet that awaits them after the bye. Let’s hope Wilson puts his best foot forward and has another stellar outing, hopefully with a better start to the game.

Dave Schofield

X-Factor: Joey Porter Jr.

Why: I don’t think I’m going out on a limb to say that the New York Giants offense does not strike fear in the hearts of other teams across the NFL. But if I were to pick one player on their offense who is particularly dangerous, it would be wide receiver Malik Nabors. Granted, being a wide receiver means Nabors needs to have quality play from his quarterback in order to make more of an impact. But if Giants quarterback Daniel Jones can get going for the offense to create problems for the Steelers, it’s likely going to come on the back of Malik Nabors.  And since he is the biggest threat at wide receiver, and Joey Porter Jr. has been matching up against the other teams biggest threat at the position, it’s his job to keep Nabors under control and crush all hopes of offensive production from the Giants on Monday night.

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 Giants in Week 8.