EVENTS
 Sportsman of the Year
 Heisman Trophy
 Swimsuit 2001

CNNSI.com GROUP
 Sports Illustrated
 Life of Reilly
 SI Women
 SI for Kids
 Press Room
 TBS/TNT Sports
 CNN Languages

COMMERCE
 SI Customer Service
 SI Media Kits
 Get into College
 Sports Memorabilia
 TeamStore

Reactions: NFL "X" Factors

Users pick their unsung heroes for this weekend's games

The Raiders' Rickey Dudley could be Oakland's "X" factor this weekend. Doug Pensinger/Allsport

We wanted to know who you thought the sleepers, or "X" factors, will be in this weekend's AFC and NFC title games. We received a wide variety of responses, and we have posted a sample here.

I think Rickey Dudley, the tight end for the Raiders will make a big impact on the game. With the Ravens wanting to stop Gannon, Wheatley, Brown and Rison, I think that he will be open underneath and even deep down the middle once in a while. Mark my prediction, he will catch two touchdowns and have the game of his career, finally fulfilling the promise that made him such a high draft pick.
Dipak Patel, Vacaville, Calif.

If Tory James has a game like he did last Saturday, he could be a key factor for the rest of the playoffs.
Ryan Rutledge, Spencer, Ill.

Being that the Ravens are going to win the Super Bowl, or at least make it there, I think Chris McAllister, the Ravens' young cornerback, is going to make a big play -- whether it's defending the pass or stripping a runner!
Tavares Monroe, Atlanta

Watch for Chris Walsh of the Minnesota Vikings. He's like Steve Tasker of the old Buffalo Bills, only better. He is the best special teams player of the four remaining teams. He recovered the onside kick that eventually would beat the Giants when the Vikings won a playoff game in the Meadowlands in 1997. He can be the third receiving option when Moss and Carter are getting too much attention. If the Vikings defense lapses, this is a special teams player and a sleeper on offense that can turn a tight game into a Viking win.
Eric Ginter, Atlanta

I live in Minnesota, and still believe that if Kerry Collins plays well, the Vikings' defensive backs will find a way to let him have a field day. Besides, Dennis Green couldn't find the Super Bowl if it was wearing all his favorite foods.
Brian M., Minneapolis

With all the attention given to Randy Moss, Cris Carter and Daunte Culpepper (and rightfully so), there is one man who will make the difference Sunday, and his name is Robert Smith.
Terrance Patterson, Oklahoma City, Okla.

All things being equal, special teams are usually the "X" factor. My sleeper is the Ravens' special teams. In each of their playoff games, they have taken the pressure off of Trent Dilfer and Jamal Lewis by making clutch returns and blocks. They will make the difference against the Raiders!
David Reisinger, Fresno, Calif.

Out of all the players in the Fantastic Four, only one player knows how to rise to the occasion. With two Rose Bowl visits, and a NCAA rushing title, look for a little lightning and a lot of thunder in the Super Bowl. Ron Dayne has gone from Bucky Red to New York Blue.
Scott Thurik, Madison, Wis.

I believe Randy Jordan and Andre Rison will be the factors for the Raiders, as they travel to Tampa Bay after telling the Ravens to go home this Sunday. Quoth the Raider.
Hyped Raider, Oklahoma

The real sleeper has to be the Vikings defense! If they play the way they did against the Saints, or in any of the other 11 games they won, I certainly do not see the Giants beating them. If that happens, they match up very well against the Ravens' offense, which runs well but does not scare too many people with their passing. The Ravens' defense beat the heck out of the Titans, and I believe will do the same against the Raiders. But I believe the Vikings' offense presents a greater challenge than any other team for the Ravens. In case you haven't guessed, I'm a Vikings fan since birth and believe they have a shot this year!
Scott Dunn, Oakdale, Minn.

I think that Shannon Sharpe will be the difference, because he has been there before and he is a leader on the field.
Doug Moore, Lake Zurich, Ill.

Ray Lewis is everywhere. Teams that depend on the run will not do well against Baltimore. Thus, Oakland will lose in a close game. When the New York Giants remind Minnesota how awful their defense is this week, New York will try to run unsuccessfully against the Ravens. Is Ray Lewis the best defensive player ever? Definitely not, but there is no question that he is the difference-maker this year.
Brian Wilson, San Francisco

Copyright © 2001 CNN/Sports Illustrated An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines.