Cowboys @ Rams: Determining who the X-factor players will be

When the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams take the field, both teams will be looking to get the upper hand early in the game. Each team has players that fit the bill as the possible x-factors of the game. Here’s a look at the x-factor players for both the Cowboys and the Rams.

Dallas Cowboys X-Factor Player - Xavier Woods

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The Cowboys secondary is seen by many as the biggest weakness on the team coming into this game. The Cowboys cornerbacks will be able to handle receivers Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, but the safeties are a different story. They will be facing off against the athletic Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett which is where Woods comes into play.

We know that he is dealing with an injury ever since the blue and white scrimmage a few weeks back. The Cowboys need Woods’ experience and play-making ability on the field to help stop the Rams tight ends. He also needs to help direct traffic for the less experienced players he will be taking the field with on Sunday night.

Los Angeles Rams X-Factor Player - Tyler Higbee

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When the Rams decided to release Pro Bowl running back Todd Gurley, they essentially put this teams possibility to succeed on offense in quarterback Jared Goff’s hands. Most teams know about Goff’s fondness for receivers Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, but the receiver that he could very well use the most in this game might be tight end Tyler Higbee.

The Rams know about the injury to safety Xavier Woods, and that he will be playing next to another safety in Darian Thompson who has very little live action game time under his belt. Higbee’s athleticism will give him the ability to attack and test out the health of Woods and the ability of Thompson to effectively cover him. If they are unable to do that, then it could be a very long night for them and Cowboys fans.