TORONTO — Sometimes the biggest game-changers are the ones you’d least expect.
Plenty of players around the CFL can change a game in one play and many times we see names like Adarius Bowman, Greg Ellingson and Emmanuel Arceneaux play the role of hero for their respective team.
Not everything goes according to script though. You saw our X-factors in the division semi-finals — who are the ones to keep an eye on this Sunday as teams vie for a spot in the Grey Cup?
In a league so unpredictable, we look at one defensive and one offensive X-factor on every team playing this weekend:
| EDMONTON ESKIMOS | |
| OFFENCE | DEFENCE |
| Shakir Bell, RB | Brandyn Thompson, DB |
 Will Shakir Bell get his opportunity this weekend against the REDBLACKS? |
|
Shakir Bell, RB
After finding a way to dress both international backs, the Eskimos seldom used Shakir Bell in an Eastern Semi-Final win over Hamilton. What better time for him to slip under the radar?
Bell is a dynamic back that can also provide a punch in the return game; don’t forget about him in an Eastern Final that has no shortage of big-time weapons on all sides of the ball.
Brandyn Thompson, DB
The Eskimos’ secondary rose up against Zach Collaros and the Ticats and will have to do the same against Ottawa’s relentless passing attack. Who better than the former REDBLACK in Brandyn Thompson to help close the door?
Thompson played a key role in Ottawa’s Grey Cup run a year ago and now has a chance to do the same against the likes of Greg Ellingson, Brad Sinopoli and Ernest Jackson — players he’ll already know very well.
| OTTAWA REDBLACKS | |
| OFFENCE | DEFENCE |
| Mossis Madu, RB | Cleyon Laing, DT |
 Ottawa’s receivers take centre stage but Mossis Madu can do damage (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca) |
|
Mossis Madu, RB
He might not yet be a household name among starting CFL running backs, but Mossis Madu has made the most of an extended chance to start.
The veteran fill-in has averaged more than 15 carries per game since taking over the REDBLACKS’ backfield and is now a critical cog in one of the nation’s top offensive attacks.
Cleyon Laing, DT
A late-season signing in the nation’s capital, Cleyon Laing has an important role in the middle of the REDBLACKS’ defensive line.
Even though he’s a late-comer, expect to see plenty of Laing in the face of Mike Reilly, who has plenty of history with the former Toronto Argonaut.
| BC LIONS | |
| OFFENCE | DEFENCE |
| Shawn Gore, REC | Chandler Fenner, DB |
 Word is Shawn Gore appears set to return as the Lions play in the Western Final (CFL.ca) |
|
Shawn Gore, REC
While Stephen Adekolu showed well as a replacement, the return of Shawn Gore could do plenty for the Lions’ offence.
Gore was in the midst of a career year before a late-season injury and provides a valuable third option in the offence for Joanthon Jennings — even if he’s far less talked about than Manny Arceneaux or Bryan Burnham.
Chandler Fenner, DB
No longer an unknown, Chandler Fenner has emerged as an important part of the Lions’ secondary.
Fenner recorded 29 tackles and a forced fumble in eight regular season games but the 26-year-old seems to be coming into his own. Look for the Stamps’ offence to target the first-year CFLer and how Fenner responds will be critical.
| CALGARY STAMPEDERS | |
| OFFENCE | DEFENCE |
| Roy Finch, RET | Micah Johnson, DL |
 Roy Finch will be the Stampeders’ answer to return man Chris Rainey (The Canadian Press) |
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Roy Finch, RET
The Stamps’ dynamic returner should be a go for the Western Final and can provide some much-needed assistance in the return game.
Roy Finch ranks up there with the league’s best returners in every category, ranking second in the CFL in both kick and punt return average. He’ll go toe to toe with Chris Rainey in an unheralded battle on the Western front.
Micah Johnson, DL
All eyes will be on the chase between Charleston Hughes and Jonathon Jennings, but also responsible for the 24-year-old Lions quarterback will be Stamps’ defensive lineman Micah Johnson.
Johnson is considered one of the more underrated players in the game and after a seven-sack season, he’ll look to carry his regular season success forward and truly put his name on the map.
