Jaxon Smith-Njigba Entered NFL MVP Conversation
The Seahawks wide receiver has sparked buzz after scoring every one of his team's touchdowns to start the 2026 season.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football
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Should non-quarterback NFL players be serious contenders for the league MVP award?
Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as an NFL MVP candidate after a historic start to the 2026 season. He is the second player in league history to account for every single one of his team's touchdowns through the first two games.
Why it matters
Smith-Njigba has leveraged high football intelligence and consistency to maintain elite production despite changes at quarterback. His early performance places him among the league's top playmakers as he continues to build on a 2025 season where he secured Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has recorded 277 yards and 4 touchdowns over the first two games of the 2026 season, adding to a career resume that includes 1,829 scrimmage yards during his 2025 campaign.
The players
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
He is an elite NFL wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who previously won the Offensive Player of the Year award.
Josh Allen
He is the star quarterback for the Buffalo Bills and currently leads the league in betting odds to win the NFL MVP award.
Drew Lock
He is an NFL quarterback currently filling in as the passer for the Seattle Seahawks while the starting quarterback recovers.
Sam Darnold
He is the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks currently absent from the lineup due to injury.
The details
In a recent dominant performance, Smith-Njigba logged 150 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals. While regular starter Sam Darnold remains sidelined, Drew Lock has successfully connected with the star receiver to sustain the offense.
Timeline
Jaxon Smith-Njigba earned Offensive Player of the Year honors during the 2025 season.
The 2026 NFL season officially kicked off in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
Jaxon Smith-Njigba currently sits 19th on the NFL MVP odds board at +6500, a position that mirrors the historical trend of quarterbacks dominating the voting process. His performance suggests a potential shift if he maintains his high-volume output while rival candidates like Josh Allen face fluctuations in the race.
Fantasy football owners should note Smith-Njigba's role as the primary target in the Seahawks' passing game, as he has accounted for all of the team's touchdowns so far this season. His high output increases his value in all scoring formats as he continues to anchor the Seattle offense.
The takeaway
Smith-Njigba has proven that a non-quarterback can single-handedly drive a team's offensive production. Readers should monitor whether his historic reliance by the Seahawks continues as the season progresses.
Further reading
For more updates on local gridiron performance, visit Seattle Football.
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Should non-quarterback NFL players be serious contenders for the league MVP award?
