NFL playoffs: One X-factor on each of the 14 teams

With his extensive knowledge of the league, former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks offers astute

observations in his notebook. He highlights 14 players in today’s edition who have the ability to tip the odds in

the race for the Lombardi Trophy.

The NFL postseason is almost here! Super Wild Card Weekend presents an intriguing six-pack of games across

three days. However, before we get started with this single-elimination competition, I want to draw your

attention to a few individuals whose postseason play may be more important than you might think.

Though the postseason is undoubtedly a venue for football’s biggest stars to shine, it also presents a chance for

less well-known players to have a large impact.

Though Beckham is no longer regarded as a superstar, the three-time Pro Bowler is a “bright lights, big stage”

performer. The veteran led the Ravens with an average of 16.1 yards per catch this season, proving he remains a

serious threat to deliver a big play in the passing game on a crafty double move or catch-and-run concept. With

many opponents still uncertain how to best defend Baltimore’s multi-faceted attack, OBJ could turn back the

clock during the postseason with a sensational run that reminds the football world of his insane playmaking

ability in his prime.

Josh Allen’s heroics won’t be enough to get the Bills through the playoffs on their own. Cook is a powerful

runner/receiver with big-play potential who can provide some pop to the offense to lessen the quarterback’s

workload. As Buffalo’s primary back, the first-time Pro Bowler accumulated 1,567 scrimmage yards and six total

touchdowns. The Bills need the youthful playmaker to counterbalance an offense that too frequently relies on

No. 17 to provide one-man magic at crucial times.

The second-year pro has emerged as a capable sidekick to all-world DT Chris Jones, providing Kansas City with a

disruptive playmaker off the edge. With 10.5 sacks, 17 QB hits and seven tackles for loss in 16 games, Karlaftis is

a destructive force at the point of attack with splash-play potential. As the Chiefs engage in more grind-it-out

affairs due to offensive struggles, this energetic edge could tilt the game in K.C.’s favor with a strip-sack in

crunch time.