Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Historic Season Earns PFWA Offensive Player of the Year

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been the dominant offensive player in the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver was named the Pro Football Writers of America’s Offensive Player of the Year and he should win AP Offensive Player of the Year at NFL Honors. 

Smith-Njigba joins rare company as just the third receiver ever to receive this award since its inception in 1992, following Cooper Kupp and Justin Jefferson. He’s also only the second player in Seahawks history to win the accolade, with the late Shaun Alexander last doing so in 2005.

The Stats Don’t Lie

Smith-Njigba led the entire NFL in receiving yards with 1,793 yards, the eighth most in a single season in league history, despite Seattle’s offense leaning heavily on the run relative to the rest of the league.

The Seahawks attempted significantly fewer passes than most teams, placing even greater emphasis on what Smith-Njigba accomplished with limited volume. Opposing receivers who were ahead of him in single-season yardage logged at least 85 more pass attempts than Seattle managed as a team, so Smith-Njigba was the go-to receiver. 

He also hauled in 119 receptions, setting a new franchise record and scored 10 touchdowns. This helped him earn unanimous first-team All-Pro honors and his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

In the biggest moments, Smith-Njigba also delivered. In the NFC Championship Game, Smith-Njigba posted 10 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown, leading the team to Super Bowl LX.

He averaged 15.1 yards per catch and produced key yardage across nearly every meaningful matchup. The Seahawks didn’t face easy defenses either, and every unit tried to key on the receiver, but they couldn’t stop his dominance. 

The receiver earned everything so far, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him win Super Bowl MVP. He is listed at +600 to win the award on FanDuel Sportsbook. 

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Super Bowl LX vs. the Patriots

The Super Bowl matchup puts Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks against the New England Patriots, a team that has been excellent on defense. The Patriots punched their ticket with a 10-7 victory over the Broncos in the AFC Championship, showcasing the defense’s ability to win games. 

For New England, slowing Smith-Njigba won’t be easy. His elite route running, yards after the catch, contested-catch ability, and consistent production makes us think Smith-Njigba will still shine. 

Smith-Njigba also arrives with playoff momentum. He played a huge role in last week’s win over the Rams as Los Angeles couldn’t keep up with his speed. 

New England prides itself on discipline and schematic versatility, but containing a receiver as dynamic as Smith-Njigba requires perfect execution and sustained pressure on the quarterback. This is something New England may have trouble finding over four quarters. 

Despite facing a great Patriots defense, Smith-Njigba still has very high prop lines. His receiving line is listed at 93.5 yards, and I would still take the over. 

It has been surprising when Smith-Njigba doesn’t hit 100 yards this season. He is also -115 for an anytime touchdown, so traders at FanDuel Sportsbook are expecting him to score.

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