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JuJu Smith-Schuster has had quite the humbling career experience. In 2017, he was considered a future superstar for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the same vein as his backfield partner Antonio Brown.
Then he completely broke out in 2018, posting a monstrous 1,426 yards (in the process becoming the youngest 1,500-yard receiver in league history). But then his productivity declined, and he eventually joined the Kansas City Chiefs.
He did well, becoming the team's leading wideout and winning a Super Bowl LVII. But rather than staying, he decided to bet on himself and join the New England Patriots. It didn't work, though.
Smith-Schuster regressed again, was cut and ended up back in Kansas City. Five games in, he's a part of what may possibly be the best wideout corps the Chefs dynasty has ever had.
Should I start JuJu Smith-Schuster in Week 7?
To understand exactly how well JuJu Smith-Schuster has been performing in 2024, here are some facts:
- He has 147 yards and a touchdown from nine receptions.
- The Chiefs' leading receiver is not Travis Kelce (228 yards and no TDs from 24 catches). Rather, it's sophomore Rashee Rice at 288 and two from 24.
- The next-best wideout is rookie Xavier Worthy at 179 and two from 12.
The San Francisco 49ers, the Chiefs' opponents in their first game back from their bye week, boast a good defense littered with playmakers despite injuries. Javon Hargrave my be out with a triceps injury, but Nick Bosa has a strong edge-rushing partner in Leonard Floyd.
In the middle, Fred Warner and De'Vondre Campbell can kill plays. And further back is a loaded secondary led by former Chief Charvarius Ward.
That theoretically could pose many problems for Smith-Schuster, but he has a history of defeating elite defense in the Super Bowl. In a high-leverage game like this, he's absolutely one to start.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's fantasy outlook for rest of 2024 season
Back in the offseason, general manager Brett Veach seemingly pulled of a masterstroke by nabbing Marquise Brown in free agency, adding depth to a corps that had been the subject of criticism and mockery in 2023.
Then a shoulder injury scuppered well-laid plans, but they were fortunate to win the JuJu Smith-Schuster sweepstakes shortly after the Patriots had released him. Now he's just a member of a deep group rather than its leader, and yet he continues to excel in such a diminished role.
While Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy get most of the attention beside Travis Kelce, the former Steeler should be expected to continue receiving his fair share of the credit in returning the receiving game to elite levels.
