JaxonSmith-Njigba

News: 5 days agoSmith-Njigba finished with two receptions on four targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 26-0 win over the Vikings.

Spin: Smith-Njigba's fantasy managers suffered through an unfavorable game script that saw Seattle's defense and rushing attack take care of Minnesota in Week 13. QB Sam Darnold completed just 54 percent of his passes while failing to establish any rhythm while the game was still competitive in the first half. The end result was Smith-Njigba's worst fantasy score of 2025, which comes on the heels of his most-dominant showing against the Titans last Sunday (8-167-2). JSN is still the clear WR1 in fantasy this season even with this dud, carrying a sparkling 82-1,336-7 receiving line into next Sunday's tilt against the Falcons.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Smith-Njigba is entering his third NFL season following a breakout 2024 in which he ranked top 10 among wide receivers in routes, receptions, yardage and fantasy points (19th in PPG). Operating primarily in a short-area role, "JSN" was, however, limited to six TDs and ranked 16th in end zone targets (11). The 2023 first-round pick got more downfield opportunities in 2024 than he did as a rookie and perhaps will get even more in 2025 with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett out and Cooper Kupp in as his wide receiver running mate. Smith-Njigba will also have a new playcaller (Klint Kubiak) and quarterback (Sam Darnold), which adds some uncertainty, but the bottom line is he's an emerging star and, at 23 years old, younger than some incoming rookies. Smith-Njigba is a WR2 who could crack the top 10 with another leap forward.