The Dallas Cowboys X-Factor for the 2022 NFL Playoffs will play a key role in the franchise's chances to win Super Bowl 56. Dak Prescott is the leader of this team, but he needs someone else to step up if they hope to defeat the San Francisco 49ers during Wildcard Weekend. We go over what Dallas can do while keeping the X-Factor in mind.

Dallas has a legitimate defense that gets the job done. As long as that unit continues playing cohesively, they should be able to overcome the 49ers in the opening round of the playoffs. That means the Cowboys X-Factor is someone on the offensive side of the ball.

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Dak Prescott is the superstar who will lead the Cowboys throughout the postseason. However, he's going to need help doing so. Their passing game is elite and will be their strongest asset throughout the playoffs. Even so, the receivers have struggled a bit down the stretch.

With that said, here is our Cowboys X-Factor for their 2022 NFL Playoff matchup against the 49ers.

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Cowboys X-Factor vs. 49ers in 2022 NFL Playoffs

Amari Cooper

Although Amari Cooper is the team's top receiver, he hasn't been as involved lately. CeeDee Lamb has emerged as a legitimate threat and is on the path to becoming the top pass option for the Cowboys next season. However, for the playoff run, Dallas needs Cooper to get back in the groove.

There are a couple of key areas in which Amari Cooper could improve that will help Dallas exponentially. One of the reasons why the Cowboys' offense has taken a dip in the final stretch of the regular season is the lack of run blocking. Dallas hasn't looked great running the ball, but a lot of the blame can be put on the receivers.

In fact, Amari Cooper seems to have a disinterest in run blocking, as he's failed to make successful blocks on multiple runs. If Cooper can improve in this area, the Cowboys will be able to run the ball more effectively. Doing that opens up the passing game, which leads to more opportunities for Amari Cooper to see more targets.

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Another area of concern is Cooper's ability to get open. Whether it's his route running, or effort, is unclear. All we know is Amari Cooper isn't receiving as many targets as usual, as he seems to always be covered. That's why Lamb and the other receivers are getting more looks their way.

Amari Cooper is undeniably one of the best receivers in the league. However, he must improve his efforts on the field if the Cowboys hope to make a run for the Super Bowl. It'll be interesting to see how he does against the 49ers, as this is a favorable matchup for Dallas in general.

With the 49ers being one of the worst passing defenses in the league, Dak Prescott should have a field day during Wildcard Weekend. Keeping that in mind, this is the perfect opportunity for Amari Cooper to get back on track with Prescott and the Cowboys. If they can get Cooper going, he'll take that momentum into the second round of the 2022 NFL Playoffs.