The 2026 NFL season is upon us. Let’s talk about the x-factors leading into the season.

What is a x-factor? An unidentifiable, hard to describe quality that makes someone or something remarkably special, or an unknown variable that can change an outcome.

Who are the not so obvious players and/or coaches that will change the way we view the 2026 NFL season?

The Duff

The Los Angeles Rams have been the main story of the NFL off-season because they have built, a “Super Team”. There have been so many moves made by this team that the pick up of a 25-year old (soon to be 26), all-pro cornerback has somehow gone under the radar.

The Rams acquired Trent McDuffie away from the Kansas City Chiefs, with the addition of Myles Garrett and return of Aaron Donald, this move has gone under the radar. The opposing quarterbacks will be under constant pressure to throw the ball immediately after the snap.

If McDuffie and that Rams secondary can take advantage of that, by forcing turnovers. We may have an historically great defense in Los Angeles.

The Right Charge

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback, Justin Herbert, has been a polarizing topic among NFL fans since his rookie season. Some fans believe that Herbert is elite and has been held back by the circumstances around him. Other fans believe he is overrated and that his supporters make excuses for him. This season may be the year where the debate ends.

The Chargers have a new offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel. McDaniel was formerly the head coach of the Miami Dolphins and implemented his offensive scheme which led the Dolphins to some very productive seasons.

If McDaniel can improve the Chargers offense like he did in Miami, his first few years. We could see the best version of Herbert. A superb performance from Herbert could lead to the Chargers being a top team in the AFC.

Weeble, Waddle, and you don’t fall down

The Denver Broncos have a real claim that bad luck kept that out of the Superbowl last season. They were in the AFC championship against the New England but without their starting quarterback. Bo Nix suffered an ankle injury in their divisional round match-up against the Buffalo Bills.

We will never know if the Broncos would have won that game with Bo Nix in at quarterback but we do know that this offense should be even better this season, after the addition of Jaylen Waddle. Last season, the leading receiver for Denver was Courtland Sutton. Sutton finished the season with 74 receptions for just over 1,000 yards receiving.

The addition of Jaylen Waddle adds explosiveness to this unit and should make the job easier for all of the other receivers. If Waddle can prove himself to be a true number one receiver, the Broncos offense will improve in a major way to go along with that top defense. Waddle may be the factor that leads to Denver being the best team in the AFC.

Walker Kansas City Ranger

Last season, looked like the end of the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty. Their offense struggled the entire year and one reason for that, was the lack of an efficient rushing attack. None of the running backs on the roster, averaged more than four yards per carry.

So in the offseason, the Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III. Last season, Walker averaged 4.6 yards per carry, for a total of 1,027 rushing yards. He was this productive while splitting playing time for the Superbowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Walker will be the lead back in Kansas City, which could lead to a monster season. If he plays up to his potential, it would help the offense be more balanced, take some of the load off of Patrick Mahomes and open up their pass catchers off of play-action. Kenneth Walker III is the key to the Chiefs offense bouncing back this season.

The Mini Viking

The Minnesota Vikings were able to finish last season with a record of 9-8 despite their poor play on the offensive side of the ball. The blame for the dismal performance has been placed on the shoulders of young quarterback, JJ McCarthy.

Last season was McCarthy’s first year as a starter and things did not go well. He played in 10 games, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while completing only 57% of his passes. This simply isn’t good enough.

In the offseason, the Vikings acquired the former number one overall pick, Kyler Murray. Murray has had both ups and downs in the NFL. The two-time probowler can be very dynamic as a player. At his best he is a prolific dual threat quarterback.

If he can find that Probowl level form this season, the Vikings can be one of the teams that shocks the league and contend for the NFC North crown.

Did I miss any big time X-Factors that can change how this season will go?