Who Should I Start? Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Ladd McConkey

Thursday, September 5, 8:20 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has an excellent opportunity to make a statement in Week 1. With DK Metcalf drawing the attention of cornerback Patrick Surtain II and Tyler Lockett (leg) coming off a training camp injury, Smith-Njigba could find himself on the field and open often. All reports suggest that Smith-Njigba has had a great camp. He has also made a couple of highlight-reel plays in the preseason. Smith-Njigba also looks much bigger and more confident than he did in 2023. It is easy to forget that Smith-Njigba was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has the talent and pedigree to shine in 2024, which could come as early as Week 1.

Thursday, September 5, 5:14 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey is set to start in the slot in a Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. McConkey didn't play much in the preseason but is expected to play a significant role in the passing game this season. He's behind Joshua Palmer on the depth chart for sure, but could realistically be the second option for quarterback Justin Herbert on passing plays. McConkey will face a Raiders secondary that was in the upper half of rankings against slot receivers last season. His college numbers put him in the 98th percentile in receiving against single coverage though, so it could be a pleasant welcome to the NFL for the Chargers second-round pick.