Jaxon Smith-Njigba reveals top goal after making Seahawks history in win over Titans

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught eight passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the Seattle Seahawks' 30-24 win at the Tennessee Titans on Sunday to become the Seahawks' single-season leader in receiving yards with 1,313. 

In his first campaign playing with quarterback Sam Darnold, Smith-Njigba has emerged as arguably the top player at his position and as a candidate to win the Offensive Player of the Year Award. While speaking with NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated after Sunday's win, Smith-Njigba was thinking about claiming more than just an individual honor this coming winter.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba addresses "big goal" amid Seahawks' impressive season

"A lot is left," Smith-Njigba explained. "I’m 23. My goal is to always make it to the playoffs, make a deep run in the playoffs, to get a championship ring. That’s what really matters and motivates me. I’ve said that since the beginning. All the accolades and other stuff usually trickles down and comes to me while I’m chasing the big goal."

A 2023 first-round draft pick, Smith-Njigba has yet to participate in a postseason game. That said, Seattle improved to 8-3 on Sunday. As of Monday afternoon, the ESPN Football Power Index gave the Seahawks an 87.8 percent chance to make the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, ESPN stats show that Smith-Njigba ended the weekend leading the NFL in receiving yards and tied with two other players in total receptions (80) on the season. He is also tied for fourth with seven touchdown receptions. 

As of Monday, DraftKings Sportsbook had Smith-Njigba second among the betting favorites at +110 odds to win the Offensive Player of the Year Award. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor topped the list at -140 odds.

Why Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having a superstar-caliber season

"It’s just more opportunities, honestly," Smith-Njigba said about why he is in the middle of what likely will go down as the best season, to date, of his pro career. "A fresh start with a new offense, with [offensive coordinator] Klint Kubiak coming in, and Sam Darnold, they’re telling me, 'We’re gonna give you more opportunities to make plays.' Just a lot of hard work in the offseason. It’s a lot of preparation just to be ready for when my time comes, and whenever my team needs me. I just put it on that, try to come through whenever my team needs me. And I’m just trying to make the most of it."

The Seahawks next host the struggling Minnesota Vikings (4-7) on Nov. 30. As of Monday afternoon, ESPN BET had Seattle as an 8.5-point favorite for that contest.