These will be the X-Factors for each game in NFL Week 3

Most NFL games come down to a few plays that make up the difference in the final score. As a result, teams can receive boosts from players that cumulatively or singularly help them win. We’ll take a look at one player from each of the Week 3 games who figures to be a key figure in the outcome.

Not many fans are giving New York a chance in this game considering the injury to Saquon Barkley and the overall strength of San Francisco’s defensive line. If the Giants are going to hang around in this contest, it would be because QB Daniel Jones finds gaps to scamper for first downs. Bosa’s athleticism will be one weapon the 49ers use to combat that.

Whether Anthony Richardson is able to clear concussion protocol in time for the game, or Gardner Minshew gets the start, Indianapolis will need to move the chains against an impressive Baltimore roster. Their running game has been stuck in neutral, so whomever starts under center will need to target Pittman often to maintain drives.

Cleveland is in a world of trouble thanks to two season ending injuries to right tackle Jack Conklin and running back Nick Chubb. Reserve rusher Jerome Ford stepped in nicely against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but expectations need to be tempered about his ability as a full time starter. Jones, who is Conklin’s replacement, will need to fortify his side of the line to help Ford out.

While no one was rooting for David Montgomery to miss time, his anticipated absence opens the door for his electric rookie backfield mate. Gibbs should assume most of the workload on Sunday, and has a chance to prove that he was worth the first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Detroit might try to use Gibbs on the perimeter more than they’ve done with Montgomery.

New Orleans will have to patch things together for one more week at running back before Alvin Kamara returns from suspension. The Saints lost Jamaal Williams to injury on Monday night, meaning that Tony Jones and possibly Kendre Miller will step in this week. Look for a heavy dose of Hill all over the formation, who also played well once Williams went down last week.

Jacksonville is becoming more of a passing team as the weeks go on, which means that Houston will need to find a way to slow down their air attack. It’ll be interesting to see whether Stingley matches up against Calvin Ridley, who played well in Week 1, or Christian Kirk, who showed out in Week 2.

Denver had some long pass plays against the Washington Commanders last week that helped them stick around in that game. Miami will look to thwart those explosive plays in Week 3, and Kohou will be an important figure in that game plan. The Broncos will probably shy away from testing Xavien Howard, which means Kohou should be targeted frequently.

Los Angeles at Minnesota is one of the most fascinating games of the weekend, as two playoff teams from a year ago will battle to avoid starting the season 0-3. The Vikings will need to keep quarterback Kirk Cousins upright if they have any chance of winning. Darrisaw has been banged off often in his brief NFL career, but his health and performance will be critical on Sunday.

Remarkably, the Jets have lost 14 straight games to the Patriots. It’s a depressing statistic for New York, but they were very much in many of those games. This figures to be a low scoring game given the talent on both defenses. It wouldn’t be surprising if a touchdown on defense, such as a strip sack from Judon, is the difference in the contest.

Buffalo rebounded in a big way last week, which has quieted the chatter about quarterback Josh Allen not being an elite player. Washington will have their hands full trying to limit Allen’s mobility, but it seems like Young is rounding back into the form he showed as a rookie. Young will be responsible for setting the edge on the perimeter of the line of scrimmage.

It doesn’t seem like Bryce Young and the Panthers are in position to win a shootout at this point in time, which means that Seattle can put Carolina away early. Look for the Seahawks to open up the offense with Smith, who will look to fully utilize his talented trio of receivers to jump on Carolina in the first half.

This contest appears to be a huge mismatch on paper, and there’s an opportunity for Dallas to salt the game away early. If they get out to the big lead many are predicting they will, the Cowboys will likely turn to Pollard and Rico Dowdle to milk the clock on the ground. Dallas has yet to play a close game in 2023, and it might not happen in Week 3, either.

Even though Kansas City hasn’t looked like their usual explosive selves so far in 2023, their ability to put points on the board quickly cannot be ignored. As a result, it might behoove Chicago to try and control the ball to limit the number of possessions the Chiefs get on Sunday. Fields’ rushing ability can help accomplish that goal.

It might seem like a misprint, but Jacobs ended last week’s game with -2 yards rushing. That’s hard to fathom considering that he was one of the best backs in the NFL a year ago. Jacobs and the offensive line will need to get their act together against Pittsburgh, who will also be looking to jumpstart a plodding ground attack.

Tampa Bay has had an effective formula that has allowed them to win the first two games of the season. The Buccaneers will continue to need effective, turnover-free play from Baker Mayfield, but may also need to take more shots down the field against a potent Philadelphia team. Evans is still the primary deep threat in Tampa Bay, and will play an integral part in the outcome of this game.

Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow reaggravated his calf injury in Week 2, leaving his status for Week 3 in the air. Even if Burrow is able to give it go, it will likely be at notably less than 100%. The Bengals will need to take pressure off their ailing quarterback, and a strong running game is one way to do that. Look for Mixon to be involved quite a bit on Monday night.