Here are all the X-Factors for the NFL final four this weekend. A lot has been said about the star players who’ve reached Conference Championship Sunday. But here’s a look at the more under-the-radar names and situations to watch.
EAGLES X-FACTOR: FOURTH DOWN
The Eagles were one of the most aggressive teams on 4th down this season and it was a big advantage for them.
They went for it on 4th down 29% of the time, 4th highest in the NFL, and converted 69% of the time, also 4th
highest.
The Eagles scored 100 points on possessions with a successful 4th down try, most by any team this century. The other 3 remaining teams scored a combined 66 points on drives with a successful 4th down try.
49ERS X-FACTOR: ROBBIE GOULD
The 49ers led the NFL in scoring defense this season (16.3 PPG allowed), and they ranked 2nd in scoring offense (29.8 PPG) following the trade for Christian McCaffrey ahead of Week 7. Given how good the offense and defense have been, it makes sense that their x-factor may be on special teams.
Robbie Gould is 1 of 4 players in the NFL this season who played a game at 40 years old. He also happens to be the most reliable kicker in postseason history. Gould is 29-of-29 on postseason field goals in his career and 38-of-38 on postseason extra points. He has attempted the most fields without a miss in postseason history.
CHIEFS X-FACTOR: OFFENSIVE LINE
Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a high ankle sprain, which could limit his mobility. His highlight reel plays on the move may overshadow just how good his offensive line is.
The Chiefs sustained their blocks through 2.5 seconds 75% of the time this season per ESPN Analytics’ Pass Block Win Rate. That’s the best win rate recorded since the metric was created in 2017.
BENGALS X-FACTOR: LOU ANARUMO
No team may be better at making defensive adjustments at halftime than the Bengals. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is a big reason why the Bengals’ defense has worked so effectively despite ranking outside the Top 5 in points and yards allowed.
The Bengals’ defense has struggled in the 1st half of games the last 2 seasons, but have been among the best in the NFL after halftime. Just ask Patrick Mahomes: he has 0 Pass TD in the 2nd half/OT in 3 games against the Bengals the last 2 seasons.
We will have all sorts of other nuggets, predictions, prop bets and lots more later today on Shemon and Sheppard 2-6pm.
Eli Apple on Twitter is Gold
The Cincinnati Bengals are in the AFC Championship... again. It was a surprise in the 2022 playoffs. Not so much this year. The phrase "act like you've been there before" het said all the time in football. Most of the time it's in reference to a player scoring a touchdown or getting a sack. But in Eli Apple's case, he doesn't want to hear that. Since Cincinnati's convincing win over the Bills on Sunday, Eli has been a total savage on twitter. And I am here for it. Eli Apple on twitter is gold. So far he has gone after Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Bills Mafia, and maybe even Damar Hamlin. I think we all agree that Hamlin is the one person here who shouldn't be brought down to twitter barking. But, that's where we're at.
Eli Apple has turned himself into a solid football player. After stints with the Giants, Saints, and Panthers, Eli has found a home in Cincinnati. And it's fitting for the Ohio State product to find success so close to where he played his college ball. He is a good player. However, he is acting like he just won the Super Bowl on twitter. Now, most old curmudgeons will say this is out of line, and that he should be focusing on his game with the Chiefs. I 100% disagree. We need more of this in the world of sports. It's not real hate- it's sports hate. And sports hate is a good thing. It's great that athletes are becoming friends off the field/court. But there is something to rivalries, and Eli is creating a ton moving forward. Eli Apple on twitter is gold. Here are some of his best tweets since the Bills game.
Retweets
Digging at Diggs
And Josh Allen too
He retweeted the rest of these:
