Bleacher Report defines an x-factor for each NFL team heading into 2021 as a “person that has a strong but unpredictable influence.” The pivotal word in this definition is unpredictable. Of course, Minnesota Vikings players like Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks, and Harrison Smith are “x-factors” as the team would travel into doomsday territory if some or all of those men underperformed. Those men are stars or damn close.
Patrick Peterson could have been classified as an x-factor, mainly because his presence in the cornerback room in 2021 will be vital with the probable absence of Jeff Gladney.