The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to play the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 11, 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 10 game vs. the Commanders:

Jeff Hartman

X-Factor: Russell Wilson

Why: The Baltimore Ravens offense is well-known and versatile. They put up points at a pace no other team in the NFL can match through the first 10 weeks of the regular season. With that out of the way, the Ravens defense is far from a perfect unit. While they sport the top ranked run defense in the league, their 32nd pass defense leaves plenty to be desired.

This is where Wilson comes into play. Can he keep pace with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense? And can he exploit a horrible pass defense to help pace the Steelers against Baltimore in the team’s first AFC North contest of the season?

If the Steelers are going to win this game in Week 11 they will need a big game from Wilson. He will have to be on-point out of the gate, and not warm to the task. If there is proverbial rust to start the game, there is always the chance the Ravens have already put multiple scores on the board. This is a big game for Wilson, and everyone who will be in attendance at Acrisure Stadium Sunday knows it.

Dave Schofield

X-Factor: Patrick Queen

Why: Facing the number one offense in the NFL, there’s almost everyone and everything that could be the X-factor. The bottom line is the Steelers need to slow down both Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. The one of players that might make the biggest difference to slowing down both is former Raven Patrick Queen. If he can go next level and have his best game in a black and gold uniform, it will make a big difference.

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 Ravens in Week 11.