JaxonSmith-Njigba

News: 1 day agoSmith-Njigba brought in eight of 11 targets for 122 yards and a touchdown in the Seahawks' 13-10 win over the Patriots on Wednesday.

Spin: The reigning Offensive Player of the Year endured a relatively difficult first half after making a 13-yard catch on the second play from scrimmage, losing starting quarterback Sam Darnold to a hip injury after the first drive of the game and experiencing some trouble separating from Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez. However, JSN picked up the pace significantly as No. 2 signal-caller Drew Lock got into a rhythm, recording key third-down catches on consecutive second-quarter possessions and then delivering a dynamic 45-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the fourth quarter following Drake Maye's first interception. Smith-Njigba also subsequently managed a timely 11-yard grab on the drive that culminated with Jason Myers' go-ahead field goal that served as the final points for either side, and the star receiver ultimately delivered game-high totals in receptions, receiving yards and targets. Any extended absence on Darnold's part would stand to affect Smith-Njigba's week-to-week upside, but the standout receiver's chemistry with Lock as Wednesday's game unfolded was encouraging.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Smith-Njigba is fresh off a breakout season in which he paced all receivers in target share (36%), receiving yards (1,793), air yards (1,858) and yards per route run (3.8), while finishing no lower than fourth in targets, catches, touchdowns and fantasy points. JSN delivered top-10 fantasy weeks 10 times throughout 2025 and scored at least 13 points in 16 of 17 games. The 24-year-old is just now entering his prime and remains well positioned to handle one-third of the targets in Seattle's Sam Darnold-led offense. Smith-Njigba is an elite fantasy option who should be off the board in the early-to-middle part of Round 1.