Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, SEA) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9

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ANALYSIS: Seattle Seahawks rookie WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has begun to leave his imprint on this offense, scoring touchdowns in back-to-back weeks.

It’s worth noting that Smith-Njigba was considered one of the best wide receiver prospects in recent memory. In 2021, he broke Ohio State’s single-season receiving yard record when he finished the season with 1,606 receiving yards on 95 catches. Not bad considering some of the current NFL wideouts who repped the scarlet and grey in their collegiate years.

The 2023 first-round draft pick had a slow start to the season, averaging roughly 16 yards per game in his first four matchups.

Since then, he’s averaging 49 receiving yards per game and scored a game-winning touchdown in the team’s 24-20 win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.

Smith-Njigba has already claimed Seattle’s starting slot receiver spot, leading the team in snaps in the spot this season. Despite his playing time, the rookie struggled to see high-end volume in the passing offense, falling behind both WRs Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf in terms of receptions and yards.

With the past few weeks under his belt, Smith-Njigba is proving to be a solidified target for QB Geno Smith, and fantasy managers can expect the rookie to continue his production moving forward. His elite route-running and soft hands are already paying dividends as a helpful target in the red zone for the Seahawks.

While he continues to carve out a role for himself in his offense, fantasy managers should look to stash him in leagues while he carries on his ascension.

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