Jaxon Smith-Njigba
vs Ashton Jeanty

“Last week, with backup QB Drew Lock starting in place of the injured Sam Darnold (who’s expected back soon), Smith-Njigba had nine catches for 155 yards and three touchdowns. Smith is the Renoir of route runners. The Seahawks were featured in this summer’s HBO “Hard Knocks” series, and there was a fascinating segment that showed Smith-Njigba practicing his routes alone as teammates and coaches talked about his talents.”

“Through two games, Smith-Njigba has caught 17 of 22 targets for 277 yards and four TDs . That is a 77.3% catch rate while averaging 138.5 receiving yards per game , making it abundantly clear that he is picking up right where he left off as one of the premier WRs in fantasy. Next up is Washington, and as a Commanders fan, I am already preparing for the reckoning.”

“Jaxon Smith-Njigba – 11 targets, 9 rec Much like ARSB, I don’t need to go into much detail for JSN. He was drafted to be a stud and is paying off through two weeks. He has seen over a 40% target share in both games so far, and there’s no reason to believe that will come crashing down anytime soon, if at all.”

“IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Jaxon Smith-Njigba – 11 targets, 8 rec Another familiar name on the list, JSN’s 11 targets equated to a massive 46% target share. He led the NFL with a 36% target share last season, which may not be as unsustainable as it seems. Those targets, however, may be coming from Drew Lock for the next few games.”

“It was quite the surprise to see Jaxon Smith-Njigba available after the first four selections. We did weigh some of the running back options available, but ultimately felt that Smith-Njigba is the type of talent that can set you far apart from the rest of the league.”

“Jaxon Smith-Njigba is coming off a season in which he had 35.8% of the Seahawks' targets and 50% of the team’s air yards He also led the league in receiving yards.”

“It was a truly special year for Jaxon Smith-Njigba , who led the league in receiving yards (1,793) and helped the Seahawks reach the Super Bowl. He also scored 10 touchdowns and was targeted a whopping 163 times (119 receptions).”

“It was a truly special year for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, leading the league in receiving yards and helping the Seahawks to a Super Bowl. The only cause for concern is Klint Kubiak, the former offensive coordinator, moving to become the Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints and a potential dip in efficiency from Sam Darnold .”

“Like Nacua, Smith-Njigba ranked outside the top 20 wide receivers in total routes run, at just 495 despite perfect health. Seattle was a run-first team by choice last year, but they also played a lot of un-competitive 2nd halves — at times induced by a Smith-Njigba eruption. I could see the team’s PROE rising given the changeover in their backfield, and could especially see the actual pass rate rise if the team plays more competitive games.”

“It's hard to ignore how efficient Jaxon Smith-Njigba was in 2025. Smith-Njigba ranked fifth in targets, but was second in receiving yards (1,794). Four of his touchdowns came on passes of 20+ yards downfield, with an absurd 60% catch rate.”

““ Ashton Jeanty is an exciting youngster with a bright future ahead of him, but week four seems ominous. Even though the Raiders play at home, there are easier things in life than running against the Chiefs’ swarming defense, led by standout defensive lineman Chris Jones . Despite their 3-0 record, the Raiders seem more like a paper tiger than a force to be reckoned with come January.”

“The offensive line has been dramatically improved from last year when it impeded basic functionality as an offense, and RB Ashton Jeanty looks like a special back. The Raiders are 2-0 despite not having TE Brock Bowers available, which is amazing considering how thin their skill group is viewed as. Unfortunately, I have serious doubts about how sustainable all of this is.”

“The former No. 6 overall pick, Jeanty suffered an ankle injury in the preseason but didn’t look any worse for wear. Las Vegas got creative in how they deployed him, using him frequently as a receiver out of the backfield, and he responded with a huge game. The Raiders needed Jeanty to show out this season, and he passed the first test.”

“Jeanty ran confidently and experienced no setbacks, leading the Raiders to a 27-13 victory over Miami’s hapless team. Vast improvements along the offensive line opened up gaping holes for Jeanty – hopefully that trend continues all season. Stud:”

“Ashton Jeanty suffered an injury scare in August, but the powers of the prayer circle worked, as he suffered only a low-ankle sprain and was a full practice participant on Wednesday's initial injury report. Mike Washington Jr. also shined in the preseason.”

“Bottom line- this doesn’t seem like a good matchup for the Buccaneers or Irving.” – Mark Ringo ( Sleepers and Busts ) Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV) “ Ashton Jeanty has a juicy matchup on paper at home against the Dolphins, but the bigger issue for Jeanty owners is that Mike Washington Jr. looks more explosive than the former 1st-round pick.”

“As a rookie, Jeanty was thrust into an abominable offense in Las Vegas and put up respectable numbers even though most of his carries looked like fight scenes from a Bruce Lee movie, with wave after wave of attackers coming at our hero. Jeanty ran for 975 yards and five touchdowns, and he caught 55 passes for 346 yards and five touchdowns.”

“Ashton Jeanty was my preferred pick here, but with his preseason injury, I’m looking elsewhere.”

“Ashton Jeanty went down with an ankle injury in Sunday’s practice, the rookie Washington stepped into the first-team reps, and he has earned the market’s attention with his preseason work: Six carries for 63 yards including a 53-yard burst against Arizona, then 56 more yards against Houston, while flashing ability in pass protection and as a receiver. Even with Jeanty expected back, Washington has vaulted up boards as the clear next man up in a Raiders backfield that suddenly looks thin behind the star. Deebo Samuel Sr.”