X factors need to be easier to activate with multiple ways to activate. If I bust a big 50+ yard run my RB with First One Free he should be automatically activate just how DBs get activated for getting a pick. Maybe rushing for a 100 yards activates your rb as well. Your 3rd Passing TD activates your QB or you just threw a 60 yard piss missle for a TD so your player is hyped and now can feed that momentum to the rest of the team  and can turn a bad offensive performance around, that in my mind is what an X-factor is. In can be methodical performance that wears the other team diwn and lets them feel your presence or a flip if the switch that can turn the tide. Imagine you are down 14-0 at home and your star receiver just broke of a big TD, this would shift the momentum towards you and the crowd would be barreling down on visitors. 

The main thing for sure is removing unstoppable x-factors that don't require any in game accomplishment to activate (downs played shouldn't count).

DBs should get X factored for not getting targeted on pass plays. You haven't been targeted in 10-15 man plays called? You should get x factored for playing lockdown man. Passes defended makes sense but its also not a complete way since good CBs don’t get targeted as much. 

Thank you for coming to my TED talk!