2022 NFL Prediction: Will JuJu Smith-Schuster Produce in Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes?
2022 NFL Prediction: Will JuJu Smith-Schuster Produce in Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes?
The 2022 NFL off-season was filled with wide receivers heading to new destinations. Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, and AJ Brown highlighted the group of familiar faces heading to new places. However, the Kansas City Chiefs made a terrific signing that has flown under the radar.
JuJu Smith-Schuster has been a controversial talking point in NFL media lately. But, JuJu remains a talented 25-year-old slot receiver going from one of the league's worst QB situations to one of the best. There are many vacated targets available in Kansas City's offense this season, and Smith-Schuster looks like an excellent candidate to fill the void for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Let's dive into my NFL prediction, player prop, and odds for the NFL season.
2022 NFL Prediction - JuJu Smith-Schuster Prop
JuJu Smith-Schuster Over 74.5 Receptions (-115) (Bet $115 to win $100)
*Odds Available at DraftKings at Time of Publishing*
Note: I would also recommend taking the over on JuJu's receiving yards line if his receptions prop is unavailable.
2022 NFL Prediction - JuJu Smith-Schuster Prop Prediction
JuJu Smith-Schuster is not far removed from compiling a stellar 2020 season despite catching passes from Ben Roethlisberger. He caught 97 passes for 831 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2020. And, he also managed a monstrous 111-1426-7 receiving line back in 2018. Now entering his 6th season in the NFL, JuJu has the potential to form a terrific alliance with Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs signed the USC product to a team-friendly, one-year "prove it" deal that could prove beneficial for JuJu as well. KC only owes the wideout $2.5 million upfront, but he can earn around $6 million in incentives if all goes well in 2022. Safe to say, JuJu will be on a mission to prove his worth this season.
Most importantly, the Chiefs lost Tyreek Hill, Byron Pringle, and Demarcus Robinson this off-season. Those guys combined for 178 receptions and 260 targets last season. Kansas City replaced the trio with JuJu, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore, and that bodes quite well for the former Steelers receiver. MVS has already struggled with drop problems in training camp, while rookie Skyy Moore has recently struggled with a minor injury. That leaves JuJu, who has reportedly been impressive in camp while earning the trust of Patrick Mahomes.
We saw how much Smith-Schuster benefitted from playing alongside Antonio Brown a few seasons ago, and it only seems logical that Travis Kelce could help provide a similar boost. A 100-catch season certainly seems within reach for JuJu as long as he stays on the field, and I love the value of his season-long overs.