The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to play the Green Bay Packers at home in Week 10, 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 10:

Jeff Hartman

X-Factor: Najee Harris / Jaylen Warren

Why: The Packers defense isn’t horrible, but if they have their struggles it is stopping the run. This is a game when you see the Steelers running game not just round into form, but dominate a game. While the passing attack is the most modern mode of transportation in today’s NFL, this game will have throwback vibes with Kenny Pickett handing off to Najee and Jaylen as they run wild on the Packers’ defense. If that happens, everything else will fall into place en route to the team’s sixth victory of the season.

Dave Schofield

X-Factor: Elandon Roberts & Kwon Alexander

Why: This will be the Steelers first game since placing linebacker Cole Holcomb on the Reserve/Injured List. So far this season, the Steelers have been using Holcomb on most downs while using Alexander in a lot of passing situations and Roberts on run downs. But now that these two are the guys, the question will be how each of them handles the weaker part of their game. How will Roberts do against the pass or will the Steelers find a way to get him off the field? Can Kwon Alexander help out in the run game more than he’s shown this season? Will there be any issues with communication? If both players can do their jobs where they excel at what they do well and are adequate in the lesser part of their game, the Steelers defense should be just fine.

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 Green Bay Packers in Week 10.