Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains one of the NFL's premier offensive players, but after his down performance in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, the Seattle Seahawks wide receiver slips to No. 2 overall on the AP Offensive Player of the Year award ladder following Week 9. Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has emerged as the new top spot holder in Smith-Njigba’s place.
Smith-Njigba continues to lead the NFL in receiving yards with 1,036, as well as receiving touchdowns with nine, but his performance in Week 9, which saw him go for 51 receiving yards in the win over the Cardinals, threw him off course from the historic pace he was on. Although he remains on track to have an elite season, he has fallen behind the projected pace necessary to break
Calvin Johnson's single-season receiving yards record of 1,964. The Seahawks star still has an opportunity to get back on track as soon as next week and overtake Gibbs in the race.
Gibbs is deserving of being the No. 1 candidate for the award. His explosive playmaking ability and consistent production have made him one of the league's most dangerous offensive weapons. Gibbs currently leads the league in scrimmage yards with 1,132 as well as scrimmage touchdowns with 11. His Week 9 performance further strengthened his case and demonstrated his value to Detroit's offense.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow takes the No. 3 spot, as he’s on pace to throw for over 5,000 yards this year and currently leads the league in completion rate at 74% and passing touchdowns with 23. Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III takes the No. 4 position, with Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love coming in at No. 5.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba slides in latest OPOY ladder
