The arrival of Sam Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks and the departure of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have completely reshaped the team’s passing game. With these moves, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) could finally take on the role of primary receiver, while Cooper Kupp would assume a WR2 role, similar to what he played with the Los Angeles Rams alongside Puka Nacua. In this article, we’ll analyze how this setup will impact the Seattle Seahawks and Fantasy Football in 2025 and what we can expect from these two receivers.
Seattle Seahawks 2025 Fantasy Football Value
JSN as WR1: Why It’s Viable
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was drafted in the first round in 2023 with the intention of becoming the Seahawks’ future WR1. While his rookie season was up and down, 2025 could be the year he finally breaks out.
Here are some reasons supporting his ascension to WR1:
- Higher target volume: With Lockett and Metcalf gone, Seattle needs a new primary option in the passing game. JSN is the ideal candidate.
- Natural development: Elite receivers often take a leap in their second or third year. JSN has the tools to do so.
- Compatibility with Sam Darnold: Darnold favored Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson in Minnesota, showing a preference for technical, reliable receivers. JSN fits this mold perfectly.
- Seattle needs a young playmaker: With Kupp in the latter part of his career, the Seahawks could build around a long-term offensive weapon.
Cooper Kupp as WR2: A Reliable Role
Cooper Kupp remains a talented receiver, but his days as an elite volume option may be behind him. With the Rams, we saw how Puka Nacua took over in 2024, leaving Kupp in a secondary role. A similar pattern could emerge in Seattle.
What we can expect from Kupp in this new role:
- Key receptions: He’ll still be a safety valve in intermediate routes and the red zone.
- Less explosiveness: He no longer has the speed and dynamism of his prime years.
- Reduced volume: If JSN receives the majority of the targets, Kupp will take on a complementary role.
Fantasy Football 2025 Impact
With JSN stepping into the WR1 role and Kupp as WR2, here’s the projection for Fantasy Football 2025 in PPR leagues:
| Player | Expected Role | Target Projection | Fantasy Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR1 | 140-160 | High-end WR2 with low-end WR1 upside |
| Cooper Kupp | WR2 | 100-120 | Low-end WR2 / High-end WR3 |
Advantages of JSN as WR1:
✅ Higher volume and spotlight.
✅ More dynamic and explosive than Kupp.
✅ Seattle can build the offense around him.
Risks:
❌ JSN has yet to prove he can be a true WR1 in the NFL.
❌ Darnold might spread the ball more than expected.
❌ Kupp could regain the lead role if healthy and effective.
When to Draft JSN and Kupp in Fantasy?
- JSN should be drafted in rounds 3-5 in PPR leagues, with the potential to outperform his ADP if his WR1 role is confirmed.
- Kupp is a solid value in rounds 6-8, ideal for those seeking stability in points-per-reception formats.
- If Seattle drafts another WR, JSN must quickly assert himself to retain his WR1 status.
In Fantasy, JSN is the best bet for upside, while Kupp offers mid-round security. We’ll be watching closely how this new-look offense develops in Seattle and how it impacts the 2025 season.
If you want the Spanish version of this article, you can read it here: JSN y Kupp en Seattle ¿Quién será el WR1?
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