JaxonSmith-Njigba

News: 3 days agoSmith-Njigba had eight receptions on 12 targets for 95 yards and a touchdown while taking his lone carry for five yards in Sunday's 27-24 loss to Minnesota.

Spin: Smith-Njigba combined his rushing and receiving totals to reach 100 yards from scrimmage in addition to scoring his sixth touchdown of the season. The second-year pro has been a second-half sensation for fantasy managers, averaging 7.0 receptions and 96.3 receiving yards over his last eight contests. Despite the loss, it has become apparent that Seattle wants to build its offense around JSN and a talented group of starting wideouts. Smith-Njigba will look to stay red-hot in Week 17 on Thursday against a Bears defense that sits in the bottom third of the league in terms of yards allowed to opposing passing attacks.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Eventually finding his footing as the Seahawks' No. 3 WR, Smith-Njigba was largely deployed via the slot as a rookie (64.3% rate) working as a complement to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, both of whom finished inside the top 25 fantasy players at the position. Smith-Njigba is a smooth and reliable receiver who uses agility and crisp routes to gain separation, and at just 22 years old he figures to eventually grow into a starring role. With Lockett and Noah Fant returning, however, targets may be hard to come by in 2024. Seattle's new coaching regime figures to shake things up from a scheme perspective, but how many opportunities they'll immediately grant Smith-Njigba remains to be seen. An injury to the 31-year-old Lockett would pave the way for a potential JSN breakout, who presents with plenty of theoretical upside.