X-Factors For Each Week 14 NFL Game

Strategy matters in the NFL, as coaches work tirelessly to put their players in the best position to make an impact. However, when the game is on the line, the result comes down more to the ability of certain individuals than the scheme. We’ll highlight one player from each Week 14 contest that may be leaned on to make a play when the game is on the line.

There don’t figure to be a lot of points scored during this game, and Pittsburgh’s weapons may be even more limited with Najee Harris tending to a knee issue. Even without Harris’ ailment, Warren is the most explosive playmaker in the Steelers’ backfield, and new offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner will try to get the ball to him in space.

Much to the chagrin of Falcons fans and fantasy football managers, Robinson was an essential no show during the first meeting between Atlanta and Tampa Bay. The rookie runner dealt with a migraine headache, and the team opted to all but bench him. The Buccaneers didn’t really see firsthand what Robinson could do that day, which might give the Falcons a slight edge on Sunday.

Los Angeles is going to have its hands full with an improved Ravens defense on Sunday, but there are ways for them to remain competitive. It stands to reason that Baltimore will shade coverage in Cooper Kupp’s direction, giving Nacua a chance to operate one on one or find holes in a zone defense.

When these two teams met previously on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Bears quarterback Justin Fields ran wild. It’s easier said than done to contain him, but Detroit will try to come up with a better plan to limit his production on the ground. Anzalone might be able to suit up in Week 14, and will be a large part of the game plan to curtail Fields’ rushing.

Cincinnati approach early on in their last game involved a heavy dose of short throws to wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. It doesn’t seem like the Bengals would deviate from that moving forward with Jake Browning under center, which means Moore and the rest of the Colts secondary need to be ready to make tackles at the line of scrimmage.

This is going to be a fascinating display of two teams trying to piece together a plan of attack with likely two reserve quarterbacks. Jacksonville has to do this on a short week against a ferocious Browns defense. The Jaguars may feature Engram early and often considering the talent of Cleveland’s pass rush, and the loss of security blanket Christian Kirk.

When these teams first played back in Week 2, New Orleans unleashed Hill in the backfield without the services of Alvin Kamara. The Saints might utilize Hill quite a bit in the rematch as well, considering the uncertain health of starting quarterback Derek Carr. It wouldn’t be surprising for Hill to attempt a few passes in this game to keep Carolina off balance.

New York’s quarterback and much maligned offensive line situation has been well documented, which gives Houston a natural way to limit the Jets on Sunday. Anderson has had an impressive rookie campaign thus far, and could make a couple of game changing plays regardless of who is under center for the Jets.

Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores loves to blitz his opponents, which is something that opposing teams have to be ready for. Las Vegas quarterback Aidan O’Connell won’t have all day to throw, and should target Meyers in the slot to keep the chains moving. The wide receiver has had an uptick in production in his last two games.

San Francisco manhandled Seattle on Thanksgiving night, and the division rivals will see each other once more on Sunday. The Seahawks couldn’t get anything going on the ground in that contest, and Brown will have to try to keep the 49ers superb defensive line at bay. It would help if starting running back Kenneth Walker returned, but the secret starts up front.

Davis is one of the hardest players in the NFL to predict, but seems to play well in high profile games. Buffalo’s road tilt against Kansas City certainly fits that category, and Davis is no stranger to erupting against the Chiefs. Looks for the Bills to look for him deep down the field in a game that figures to be a shootout.

In many ways, Los Angeles and Denver are mirror images of each other on offense. Both rely on one primary wide receiver to make plays, and Denver will look to limit Keenan Allen’s impact with that in mind. Surtain left Week 13’s game early with a knee injury, but will have to lock in on Los Angeles’ crisp route runner if he’s able to suit up.

This is the best chance for the Cowboys to make a statement before the playoffs, and it’ll be up to Prescott to deliver in a huge spot. Dallas played well enough to hang around with Philadelphia in their first meeting of the season, but couldn’t find a late fourth quarter drive to take the lead. The Cowboys can tie the Eagles atop the NFC with a victory.

There’s been conflicting information about whether Tennessee running back Derrick Henry is in concussion protocol heading into Week 14. Be that as it may, the Titans are going to lean on their ground game in order to minimize the number of possessions Miami gets. Sieler is an underrated player in the middle of Miami’s defensive line, and will be looking to win consistently up front.

Green Bay came away with a crucial victory last week against Kansas City, but may have lost wide receiver Christian Watson to another hamstring injury. Even if Watson is able to give it a go, the Packers may turn to other players in the passing game. Look for Reed to step up on Monday night as Green Bay tries to continue their winning streak.