As the playoffs take shape and the regular season winds to a close, I'm taking a look at players with captivating storylines.
From players who could affect the playoff picture to veterans who have questions about their futures to rookies making impacts, here are the most intriguing players down the stretch:
Players who could affect the playoff race
Khalil Mack, OLB | Oakland Raiders
Mack, who has had nine sacks and a pick-six in his past seven games, is making a case to be the Defensive Player of the Year. His closing ability down the stretch could push the Raiders to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Imagine the Raiders' defense if Mario Edwards Jr. (hip injury) and Aldon Smith (suspension) return soon to help Mack rush passers.
Thomas Rawls, RB | Seattle Seahawks
Rawls' running style fits perfectly in an offense that has missed power running while Rawls has been out. But that's the problem: His battering style leads to injuries, so the week-to-week question is whether he can consistently stay healthy and give the Seahawks the running game they will need to get to Super Bowl LI.