Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn’t just the reigning Offensive Player of the Year. Last year, he barely edged out Puka Nacua for the award, and our Seahawks then went on to win the Super Bowl! Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not, but JSN is already making an unbelievable run at defending that title, and the entire league is starting to pay attention. After four weeks, the stats are screaming: JSN is on fire, and he’s not letting up.
Our Guy JSN Is Just Different
Seriously, what Jaxon Smith-Njigba is doing right now is just insane. Through four games, he’s sitting third in the entire league for receiving yards with a whopping 481. But here’s the kicker: his six receiving touchdowns lead the league, full stop! He’s also hauling in everything thrown his way, with 32 receptions, good for fourth-best overall. Remember that Week 2 game against the Cardinals? JSN dropped three receiving touchdowns on them for the first time in his career, including a career-long 82-yard score that had Lumen Field absolutely erupting. He even joined an elite club, becoming only the fifth wide receiver ever to rack up at least eight catches, 120 receiving yards, and a touchdown in each of his team’s first two games. This dude is a highlight reel waiting to happen every Sunday, and it feels so good to have him in the green and blue.
But Can Anyone Catch Our Champ?
Of course, the OPOY race isn’t a one-man show, even with JSN absolutely balling out. There are some serious contenders putting up monster numbers across the league. Kenneth Walker III, now playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, is making waves. He rushed 23 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns in Kansas City’s Week 1 win over Denver, then followed it up with another monster performance in Week 2. K9 became the only player in the past 40 seasons to record at least 175 scrimmage yards in each of his team’s first two games. After four weeks, he’s piled up 87 carries and a league-best 537 yards, moving him up to a co-favorite spot after rushing for 177 yards in Kansas City’s Week 4 win over Las Vegas.
Joining Walker III as a co-favorite is Jahmyr Gibbs. He’s a true dual-threat back, with 353 rushing yards, 187 receiving yards, five rushing touchdowns, and two receiving TDs through four weeks. The guy has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons! Bijan Robinson for the Falcons is another dynamic dual-threat, putting up 83 rushing yards, 90 receiving yards, and a touchdown catch in Atlanta’s Week 1 loss. After a slight dip in Week 2, his odds are back up to +650 after an electric Week 4 performance where he posted 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 45-24 win over the Saints.
Even with the Cowboys’ 2-2 record, Ceedee Lamb is having an incredible season. His 498 receiving yards and 37 receptions are both best in the NFL. In Dallas’ Week 4 win over Houston, he exploded for 21 targets, 189 receiving yards, and a touchdown. And let’s not forget the ageless wonder, Derrick Henry. “King Henry” doesn’t seem to be slowing down at 32, with 24 carries for 144 yards and three TDs in the Ravens’ Week 1 win, then another score on 68 yards in Week 2. It’s a fierce battle out there, but JSN is right in the thick of it.
The Road Ahead for OPOY Gold
With JSN tearing it up like this, the OPOY race is absolutely appointment viewing. Since 2019, wide receivers have won the award four times compared to three for running backs, with the last quarterback to win being Patrick Mahomes way back in 2018. That trend definitely favors JSN! Can our guy pull off the unthinkable and go back-to-back? The 12s are ready for this ride, and you know he’s got that Emerald City grit to make it happen. Every single game from here on out is going to be crucial for JSN to keep those incredible numbers climbing and prove he’s the undisputed best offensive player in the game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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