The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to play the New York Jets at home in Week 7, 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 7 game vs. the Jets:

Jeff Hartman

X-Factor: Najee Harris & Jaylen Warren

Why: The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line has undergone some tremendous change this season, and it’s just Week 7. But their running back tandem should be back, and back to full strength. While we all likely agree Warren struggled in his first game back last week, Najee Harris picked up the slack and had a tremendous game. With Ryan McCollum filling in for Zach Frazier, it will be both backs who will have to step up their game and control the game on the ground. The Russell Wilson game plan will still stem from the Steelers ability to run the football, and the success, or failure, will again be based on the running game. When you remove Justin Fields running ability, that is why the running backs will need to be on top of their game.

Dave Schofield

X-Factor: Alex Highsmith

Why: While T.J. Watt could be the X factor for the Steelers defense every week, sometimes it is those around him that can change how the Steelers defense is able to operate. Getting Alex Highsmith back at the other outside linebacker position hopefully improves the Steelers entire defensive front in the process. If Highsmith can get the job done against the Jets struggling left tackle, it could mean that the Jets have to pay just as much attention to him as they do T.J. Watt. And if you take an eye off of T.J. Watt, he’s going to make you pay. So the more the Steelers get from Highsmith, the better it’s going to be all around.

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 Jets in Week 7.