NFL Playoffs Potential X-Factors

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 3, 2013

NFL Playoffs Potential X-Factors

T.Y. Hilton

A little-known third-round draft pick out of Florida International, Hilton emerged as one of Indianapolis's most dangerous receiving threats and one of quarterback Andrew Luck's favorite targets. Opponents will have to focus predominantly on Reggie Wayne, but Hilton will get his looks ? he has been targeted at least four times in 14 of 16 games, and logged over 100 receiving yards in five games. Without a powerful running game, Luck will be throwing the ball, which means Hilton could be on track for a big game.

Doug Baldwin

Baldwin probably isn't a star receiver yet ? he only had 323 receiving yards in the regular season ? but he has a knack for the big play. He has had a catch for 20 yards or more in three of the last five games, and he showcased his ability to make multiple highlight-reel catches (four catches, 53 yards, 2 TDs) in the Seahawks' Week 16 blowout of San Francisco. Now Baldwin will attack one of the league's worst secondaries in Washington and could be primed for a major performance if running back Marshawn Lynch struggles.

LaMichael James

Until December 9 against Miami, James was another casualty of coach Jim Harbaugh's policy of not playing rookies. Now he is one of 49ers most important weapons on an offense debilitated by injuries. James has yet to see the end zone, but he showcased some of his trademark speed in San Francisco's regular season finale against the Cardinals and could work well with Colin Kaepernick in any read-option packages.

Santana Moss

Most know Moss as a household name and the Redskins' longest-tenured receiver, but the veteran has assumed a far different role this year ? and he has become significantly more dangerous as a result. Pushed down the depth chart in favor of Pierre Garcon, Leonard Hankerson and Josh Morgan, Moss emerged as an infrequent and unexpected threat. Operating primarily out of the slot and sometimes out wide, Moss finished with more touchdowns this season (eight) since 2005, despite a dramatic drop in targets. With Robert Griffin III still hobbled by a balky knee, Moss may see his activity go up and could be a notable presence for the Redskins.

Dennis Pitta

Pitta's importance has vastly increased with the recent struggles of wide receiver Torrey Smith. If Smith and Anquan Boldin have trouble getting going, Pitta could become the most important receiver in the red zone for quarterback Joe Flacco. With reliable hands and tremendous upper body strength, Pitta will be a key target for the Ravens in the playoffs.

Jacob Tamme

Peyton Manning makes anybody with hands a receiving threat, and Tamme is again thriving as one of his main targets. The tight end arrived in Denver with Manning and has been a critical short-yardage target. Tamme has caught 29 throws for first downs this season and has in turn opened the offense up for vertical threats Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. Tamme is one of Manning's most trusted colleagues, and the hunkering tight end can make life difficult for any defense.

Chandler Jones

Jones should see plenty of snaps after a strong Week 17 for the Patriots and he may have solidified a starting role on the Patriots' defensive carousel. The first round pick out of Syracuse has loads of potential that he has demonstrated this season ? albeit inconsistently ? but should thrive off his recent momentum.

Thomas DeCoud

It wasn't long ago that DeCoud started for one of the worst secondaries in the NFL. Just a couple of seasons later, the fifth-year player out of Cal has emerged as one of the most feared safeties in the NFL as well as a sure tackler. DeCoud's last two interceptions came off two of the league's best quarterbacks (Drew Brees and Eli Manning) and he helps command a defense with a +13 turnover differential.

Mason Crosby

Unless the Packers travel to Atlanta, Crosby will be playing exclusively in unfriendly outdoor conditions (starting Sunday in Green Bay). The formerly heralded kicker has endured a disastrous season for the Packers, making only 63.6% of his kicks and hitting only two of nine from beyond 50 yards. If the Packers find themselves in difficult fourth downs in a close game, coach Mike McCarthy may not depend on the player who had established himself as one of the game's best.

Antonio Smith

While everybody focuses on NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate J.J. Watt, Antonio Smith has been a disruptive force on the end for the Texans. The veteran finished with a career high in sacks and forced two fumbles for Wade Phillips' defense this season. While Watt is facing double teams, Smith will see almost all one-on-one coverage. With three sacks in his last five games, he could very well exploit the lack of attention.

Jarius Wright

It's no secret that Adrian Peterson might be the sole reason the Vikings are in the playoffs, and the Vikings lack any significant receiving threats to help out an inconsistent Christian Ponder. With eight catches and 143 yards over his last two games, Wright may be the guy to help diversify Minnesota's offense if Michael Jenkins and Jerome Simpson struggle.

Geno Atkins

Atkins is one of the several unheralded names who have made the Cincinnati defense dominant, and he might be the best of the bunch. Once a reliable defensive tackle, Atkins became a force in 2012, logging 12.5 sacks and anchoring the Bengals' pass rush and run stuffing.