Who Should I Start? Ja'Marr Chase or Jaxon Smith-Njigba


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.7 1.0 0.0 7.2 90.0 0.7

Ja'Marr Chase News

Bengals Feel Good About Ja'Marr Chase Playing in Week 1

Wednesday, September 9, 10:13 AM

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he likes the pace that wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (knee) is on and feels good about him playing in Week 1 on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Jay Morrison of BengalsTalk.com. Chase suffered a hyperextended left knee late in a training camp practice, but he has recovered nicely with some rest and is fully expected to suit up and be a full-go in the regular-season opener this weekend against Tampa. Fellow wideout Tee Higgins (heel), who has been dealing with a minor heel injury, should be a full-go as well, so quarterback Joe Burrow's fantasy managers should have nothing to worry about to open the 2026 campaign. Chase was the first receiver off the board in most fantasy football drafts this summer, and he should be locked into all starting lineups for this weekend's game against the Bucs. The Bengals could list Chase as limited in Wednesday's practice, but that should not set off alarm bells for fantasy managers. Until further notice, Chase is expected to play in Week 1.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
19.1 1.6 0.0 6.6 90.5 0.5

Jaxon Smith-Njigba News

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Scores the Decisive Touchdown in Week 1 Win

Wednesday, September 9, 8:49 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught eight of his 11 targets for 122 yards and one touchdown during Wednesday's Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots. His touchdown came on a massive 45-yard reception and briefly tied the game before Seattle eventually pulled away late in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks ran into some early adversity on Thursday night as quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury during the opening drive and was subsequently ruled out. However, Drew Lock played well after taking over for Darnold, helping to fuel the big game from Smith-Njigba, who was the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year last season. The 24-year-old receiver showed that he is capable of producing high-end fantasy results despite catching passes from a backup quarterback and being covered by a superstar cornerback like Christian Gonzalez. Even if Lock remains the starter going forward, Smith-Njigba should continue to rank as a high-end WR1 in all fantasy leagues. Seattle now has 11 days off before returning to action in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.


Ja'Marr Chase vs. Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Still trying to decide between Chase and Smith-Njigba? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Ja'Marr Chase is projected to score 20.7 points this week while Jaxon Smith-Njigba is projected to score 19.1 points.