Fantasy Football Player Notes

Smith-Njigba had a big-time second-year breakout -- 100 catches, 1,130 yards, six touchdowns -- despite a somewhat sluggish start to the season. JSN had 53 or fewer yards in six of his first seven games, but then he caught fire down the stretch. He had a seven-game run in November and December during which he had at least 74 receiving yards in every game. JSN became a big-time target earner last season, and now he doesn't have to compete for targets with D.K. Metcalf. The only concerns are how well JSN will mesh with new Seahawks QB Sam Darnold, and how well JSN will fare if Seattle newcomer Cooper Kupp gets most of the slot snaps and forces Smith-Njigba to line up out wide most of the time.

Is the 32-year-old Cooper Kupp out of gas? He had 67-710-6 for the Rams last season, but Kupp collapsed down the stretch, with only four receptions for 53 yards in his last three games, and no more than three targets in any of those contests. Kupp has joined the Seahawks, where he's positioned to be the No. 2 target behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. There's a path to significant targets for Kupp. It's just a matter of whether he can do anything with them.

Rashid Shaheed was off to a fast start last season, with 19-338-3 in his first five games. But Shaheed tore his meniscus in Week 6 and missed the rest of the season. Shaheed hasn't been a prolific target earner, but he's a big-play specialist with home run speed. Shaheed has averaged 16.6 yards per catch and 10.4 yards per target for his career. The Saints' QB situation could be problematic in 2025, but Shaheed should be the clear No. 2 receiver in the New Orleans offense behind Chris Olave and is a worthwhile option later in drafts.

Seattle called Horton's name in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. The big, galloping physical receiver could push Marquez Valdes-Scantling aside quickly this season to be the WR3 for the passing attack. Horton has the raw talent to do so after posting 3.45 yards per route run last year (per PFF). He ranked 43rd and 22nd in the same statistical category in the two previous seasons. Horton is a triple-level threat with the play strength to break tackles (2023: 16th in missed tackles forced). Horton is a nice final-round pick with flex upside for 2025.