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

Which Running Backs Will Emerge?

Heading into this matchup, it's difficult to pinpoint which running back will carry the load for their respective team.

On the Patriots' side, this is somewhat standard. Will it be Sony Michel touching the ball 20 or more times if the Patriots jump out to a big lead or will it be a James White game, where New England prioritizes a short passing game that White generally excels in. And don't forget about Rex Burkhead, who has averaged about nine touches per game since he returned to the lineup in Week 13. In the AFC Championship game, Burkhead had 16 touches for 64 yards and 2 touchdowns.

For the Rams, there's some genuine intrigue entering the Super Bowl. Against the New Orleans Saints, C.J. Anderson had 16 carries for 44 yards, compared to just 4 carries for 10 yards and a touchdown from Todd Gurley. Despite missing time during the regular season with a knee injury, Gurley said it was poor play that led to Anderson leading the backfield in the NFC Championship.

Regardless of whether the knee injury is still bothering him, or if it was just a poor game, an X-factor for the Rams come Sunday will be whether or not Gurley looks more like the back who compiled over 1,200 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns during the regular season.