Seattle Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba has an opportunity to reshape the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year race with a statement performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 6 and put Bijan Robinson and Kenneth Walker III on even greater notice.
Smith-Njigba has established himself as a dangerous offensive weapon again this season, picking up from where he left off last season as the reigning OPOY award winner. Robinson and Walker, meanwhile, are jockeying for position as the top candidate, as Robinson leads the league in rushing yards with 580, with four rushing touchdowns to his name, and also has 152 REC yards on the year, while Walker has built his candidacy with 537 rushing yards, good for second in the NFL behind Robinson, and 84
REC yards with two REC TDs.
Smith-Njigba ranks among the league's top receivers in several key categories. He leads the NFL in receiving yards with 583 and REC TDs with seven, strengthening his argument as one of the NFL's most productive offensive players. His ability to consistently create separation and deliver game-changing plays makes him a legitimate challenger in the race.
A dominant showing against Denver's elite secondary in Week 6 will amplify his candidacy. Exploiting a defense known for its coverage talent will create a compelling statement for Smith-Njigba, particularly if he delivers multiple touchdowns and substantial yardage.
Robinson has claim to be the top contender for the OPOY award through five weeks of the year, and Walker’s standard-setting start through four weeks of play and his gargantuan numbers in multiple games while leading Kansas City to an undefeated 4-0 record to start the year give him just as much of a claim to be the top contender, given the fact that the Chiefs had a bye week in Week 5. Nevertheless, Smith-Njigba has the opportunity to overtake both players as the top candidate in Week 6.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Jaxon Smith-Njigba has chance to soon rise to No. 1 in key award race
