5 bold predictions for Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Seahawks’ Week 3 game against Dolphins

To the delight of everyone, Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a long-awaited breakout game against the New England Patriots in Week 2! He seemed to be constantly open all over the field.

He caught 12 balls for 117 yards, coming up big time and time again. Can he do it again? It’s not time to overreact, right? WRONG.

Head coach Mike Macdonald reacted to the second-year WR’s game by saying by telling the media: “He’s a great player. He’s got incredible hands. All the underneath stuff. Underrated deep threat… He’s a guy that we’re gonna be relying on moving forward, and he’s a great player.” That’s officially two "greats." Let’s go nuts.

5 bold predictions for Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Week 3

Prediction 1: Smith-Njigba will get at least 10 targets

That sounds like a ton, but I expect the game script for the game against Miami to go somewhat similarly to the New England game from Week 2. Seattle didn’t seem to be able to run the ball, in the unfortunate absence of star running back, Ken Walker III. Zach Charbonnet may be able to improve things in that department against the Dolphins, but he does not hold the same gravitas that K9 carried.

In Week 2, Jaxon Smith-Njigba can be fed short targets as an extension of the ground game. He out-targeted Metcalf 16-14 and had two more receptions. His quarterback, Geno Smith, said, “We have to get the ball in his hands as many chances as we can”. You heard the man!

Prediction 2: JSN will undoubtedly cross up former Seahawk, Jordyn Brooks

Brooks was a fan-favorite linebacker in Seattle himself, but now he is in the opposing colors. The 12s are certainly aware that he can occasionally be had over the middle in the passing game, where the hero of our current story has been known to work.

Prediction 3: JSN will have more YAC yardage than Jaylen Waddle

The thus far tight-lipped Mike Macdonald described Smith-Njigba as possessing “fluid explosiveness” and went on to proclaim that his "movement skills are pretty elite". The Dolphins have a couple of wide receivers (both with 150+ yards through the air so far) who are no slouches in that ability themselves… but Waddle (and sometimes Tyreek Hill) may be getting a heavy dose of Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen.

Waddle is very good, but listen to what DK Metcalf had to say about JSN: “he's also a hard worker, a special player, a special young player that's about to take over the league in my opinion”. That’s two specials, like a date at Dick’s.

Prediction 4: Jaxon Smith-Njigba will earn more receiving yards than DK Metcalf for just the sixth time in his 19-game career

Did you hear what JSN said at the press conference above of his one drop?: “I’ll learn from it and won’t make the same mistake." He sounds highly motivated. There's also the fact that DK was a DNP on Wednesday, for a hand injury. He may see Jalen Ramsey in coverage at times.

Going further, Tyler Lockett was limited with a thigh injury. He may see Kendall Fuller in coverage at times. Neither receiver has the same draft pedigree as Smith-Njigba, who was the 20th overall pick in 2023, and the first wideout taken in his draft. Contrast this with DKM (64th overall in ‘19) and TL (69th in ‘15). Jaxon will see a lot of Kader Kohu in coverage (131 Passer Rating allowed in 2023) in the slot. Apologies to the Animal Crossing fans, but K.K. will not slide.

Prediction 5: Smith-Njigba will make a petty postgame comment/insinuation about the improved state of his offensive coordinator position

After his glorious game against the 'Fins, Smith-Njigba will take to the podium for media availability. His performance will prove his slightly weird and petty comments at the draft to be prescient. The Chicago Bears have been struggling… with 'possibly the greatest supporting cast that any first overall pick has been given' that analysts were talking up. Just saying. Ryan Grubb has shown off some impressive ability so far.

More Seahawks news and analysis: