NFL

5 Super Bowl LIII X-Factors for the Patriots and Rams

Every year, an unexpected star emerges in the Super Bowl. Who are some players who could come through with a big game in Super Bowl LIII?

Entering Super Bowl LIII, much of the media attention has been centered around the coaching and quarterback matchups, and deservedly so. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady represent one of the greatest dynasties ever seen in all of pro sports, while Sean McVay and Jared Goff are the much younger duo looking to topple the Patriots' reign on the NFL.

At 41, Brady is 17 years older than Goff, and he's started 39 postseason games, one more than Goff has ever started in his three-year career. Experience is clearly on the Patriots' side, which makes for some intriguing storylines revolving around the new and the old entering Super Bowl LIII.

But every year, there's a surprise player who pops up for a big game, tilting the final result in his team's favor. For some examples, look at the past two seasons. In Super Bowl LI, James White had just 5 touches through the Patriots' first two playoff games before he exploded for 20 touches, 139 yards, and 3 touchdowns in a Patriots win against the Atlanta Falcons. Last season, it was Corey Clement who turned in a massive performance. The then-rookie running back had 108 yards and a touchdown on just 7 touches.

So while much of the pre-game discussion centers around Brady vs. Goff and McVay vs. Belichick, who are some of the other players who could surprise with a big game Sunday?