Who could be Super Bowl sensational in Santa Clara? Leaving up to the Big Game between New England/Seattle, The Gaming Juice’s resident player props purveyor will examine various markets. Fade or follow? That’s up to you.
The Pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba to win Super Bowl 60 MVP (+550, theScore)
To the victor goes the spoils, if you’re the franchise quarterback.
Sure, fingers will be sized for rings, bonus checks will be deposited into accounts and all will bask as the parade ticker tape rains down, but typically passers are most recognized for their title accomplishments.
Though uncommon, a position other than QB earning Super Bowl MVP honors isn’t like finding a sasquatch in the woods. Since 2000, five wide receivers -- Deion Branch, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Julian Edelman and Cooper Kupp -- have received the accolade.
Seattle’s Smith-Njigba is a strong candidate to add his name among Big Game immortals.
Yes, Sam Darnold will entice numerous votes if the Seahawks grab Lombardi, but the all-world wideout is bound to play an invaluable role. A king of consistency the entire season, the breakout sensation’s production has gone from splendid to stratospheric in his third year. Over 17 pre-playoff contests, he finished top 10 in several impactful advanced metrics -- including yards per route run, total air yards, yards after catch and contested catch rate.
Sharp in his routes, precise in his cuts and sure-handed, he’s been undeniably elite. Entering the Super Bowl showdown in Santa Clara, JSN has hauled in at least seven receptions in five of his last seven games. The Patriots have been unrelenting defensively during their stirring playoff run, but the former Buckeye is a tough nut to crack.
Admittedly, the on-paper matchup for Smith-Njigba isn’t the friendliest. Since Week 12, New England is No. 7 in dropback EPA defense. During the regular season, it surrendered the sixth-fewest WR yards in the league.
More specifically, Seattle’s WR1 will most often lock horns with CB Christian Gonzalez. The suffocating DB has played masterfully this season, conceding just a 48.5% catch rate, 9.8 yards per reception and 61.7 passer rating to his assignments. This season, Tyreek Hill, Drake London and Emeka Egbuka were the only wideouts to reach the century mark against Gonzalez and company. Their blend of stiff coverage and persistent pressure presents an unattractive matchup.
Still, no matter the opponent, JSN simply wins. Whether witnessed on quick slants or deep outs, he generates consistent separation. The established rhythm and rapport he has with Darnold is nearly unmatched.
It’s possible an oddball game-swaying performance occurs, but if your dollar is backing Seattle to secure its second NFL title in franchise history, double down on JSN to win MVP.