Pittsburgh Steelers X-factor for NFL Playoffs revealed

It’s going to be all hands on deck for the Steelers on Sunday. When the sun goes down and the lights go on, Pittsburgh will be looking to pull a huge upset over the Kansas City Chiefs.

In what could be Ben Roethlisberger’s finale, the Steelers will give it their all as huge underdogs. Prior to the game, NFL analyst Bucky Brooks revealed who the team’s X-factor is for the playoffs.

“Yeah, Minkah’s a former first-round pick with two All-Pro nods, but I just had to include him in this file, given how crucial a role he plays,” wrote Brooks, choosing safety Minkah Fitzpatrick as the team’s X-factor. “The safety is one of the most important defenders on a defense that will need to play A+ football in order for Pittsburgh to advance in the tournament.

“Fitzpatrick is an instinctive center fielder with a nose for the ball and enough range to cover the field from numbers to numbers. As the rare ballhawk with big-hit ability, Fitzpatrick could be huge as a pass and run defender, alternating between the deep middle and the box, based on play calling.”

Since joining Pittsburgh via trade, Fitzpatrick has been the best defender for the Steelers not named Watt. The former Alabama star has single-handedly won Pittsburgh multiple games and is the face of the team’s secondary.

If Pittsburgh wants to pull a gigantic upset, Fitzpatrick will have to be at the forefront. Against the vaunted Kansas City passing attack, the star safety will be all over the field.

Steelers officially activate star wide receiver for playoffs

In addition to Fitzpatrick, another star will be joining the safety to help the Steelers attempt to get the win. Shockingly, the team has activated wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for Sunday’s showdown.

“We have activated WR JuJu Smith-Schuster from the Reserve/Injured List and released P Corliss Waitman,” revealed the Steelers on Saturday.

The Steelers passing game has struggled with Smith-Schuster sidelined, but the former USC star gives them another weapon to think about. If Pittsburgh wants to pull the upset in Kansas City, it’s going to be all hands on deck for the Steelers.

As the news broke, Smith-Schuster took to Twitter to share how grateful he is to take the field once again.

“God answered my prayers & I’ve recovered from my season-ending shoulder injury earlier than expected,” Smith-Schuster wrote on Twitter. “I can’t believe I get another chance to take the field with this team and play in a playoff game to keep our season alive. Steelers Nation, Here We Go!”

Prior to his injury, Smith-Schuster amassed 15 receptions for 129 yards. As the Steelers’ offense looks for a jolt, the star receiver will hope to provide a big boost for Pittsburgh against the vaunted Chiefs. If he can do it, perhaps one of the biggest upsets in recent memory could take place.

JuJu Smith-Schuster scratched and clawed his way back from a shoulder injury for the playoffs. Now, he has one last shot with Ben Roethlisberger to pull off a miracle.