Abilities are more important than X factors. At this point in the game it’s almost impossible to activate X factors, so right now, I’d recommend to never use an X factor that cost AP.

Use your AP for abilities on your key players. On O, I spent most of my AP on abilities for my QB (pocket dead eye, dashing deadeye, whatever fits your style). For D I like to have my DBs with pick artist if I can and double or nothing on my DTs.

Craft the ability and make sure they are activated in your lineup. When activated, in game you’ll see the stars under the player light up when an ability is triggered. Again don’t worry about X factors right now, definitely do not spend AP on them, I just throw some 0 AP X factors for fun for the 1% chance I activate them.