Who Should I Start? Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Rashee Rice

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.

Friday, September 6, 12:07 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will likely not miss any time during the 2024 season as he awaits a trial date for his felony charges of street racing, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Florio reports that a guilty plea in 2024 is unlikely as Rice has no official trial date. Florio's sources express that since the trial will not happen until December (at the earliest), there is no urgency to reach a plea deal. Florio further emphasized that Rice will likely be suspended at some time, but it is hard to picture that he will miss time this season. Fantasy managers who have Rice on their team should continue to follow any updates regarding his legal issues throughout the season in case he does miss time. After being a league-winner down the stretch last season, the 24-year-old continued his breakout run by catching seven passes for 103 yards in the season opener on Thursday. Rice should continue to be a lineup lock for the foreseeable future as he is shaping up to be Patrick Mahomes' go-to option in the passing game.