As JuJu Smith-Schuster begins his second season with the Patriots, he´ll be looking to improve most aspects of his game. After a season of adjusting to the Patriots’ system and small production, there are still many questions about his role and potential contributions for the upcoming 2024 season, especially when he has previously proven that he has insane talent and is more than capable of being a WR2 or even WR1.
With high competition for a starting receiver role in the Patriots’ offence, Smith-Schuster’s performance will be under scrutiny. Let´s review what he can bring to the table.
JuJu Smith-Schuster 2024 Fantasy Outlook
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s role with the Patriots is far from determine after one season with the Pats. His past success, including a brilliant season with the Steelers back in 2018 indicates he is certainly capable of reaching a big production, However, his recent performances have not quite lived up to expectations. Last year, he struggled with consistency and finding his place within the Patriots’ offensive scheme, which complicates predicting his future impact.
The Patriots’ receiving group is crowded with a lot of mid-range talent and with many players fighting for key spots. The team has added new faces and is undergoing offensive changes, making it difficult to determine how Smith-Schuster will fit into the team. The competition is hard, with several receivers, including Ja´Lynn Polk, Kendrick Bourne and the newly drafted Javon Baker, fighting for the main WR spots. In this environment, Smith-Schuster needs to show significant improvement and adapt quickly to secure a prominent role.
JuJu Smith-Schuster is known for his physicality, and ability to make contested catches. His route-running skills and capacity to find openings in the defence have been key aspects of his game throughout the years. However, in recent seasons, Smith-Schuster´s game have been marked by inconsistency. After a breakout in 2018, his performance has been inconsistent, and he hasn’t managed to regain his previous form.
The Patriots often value versatile players who can contribute in various situations, and Smith-Schuster’s skill set fits that bill. If he can regain his previous form and form a good relationship with the Patriots’ quarterback, be that Maye or Brissett, he could become a reliable target and increase his fantasy production.
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s Recent Production
Smith-Schuster’s production has been disappointing compared to his years with the Steelers:
According to ProFootballReference, in 2022 with the Kansas City Chiefs, he posted decent numbers, catching 78 passes for 933 yards and 3 touchdowns. With Mahomes as his QB. While these are decent numbers, they do not represent elite status and high production.
The drop in production the following season could be a cause for concern, as it raises questions about whether he can return to his Pro Bowl form or if he will continue to be a secondary option. In his first season with the Pats, he posted 29 receptions for 260 yards and 1 TD.
The Patriots will be looking to see if Smith-Schuster´s game can improve this year. However, his recent performances will be a key factor in determining his role. If he can’t deliver on the field, the team might look to other receivers to fill his spot.
Final Thoughts
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s 2024 fantasy outlook is a complicated one. While he has the talent and potential to be a valuable fantasy asset, several factors are working against him, including his recent performance, which has been inconsistent, and the fact that the Patriots WR group is highly competitive. Smith-Schuster’s ability to have a big role will depend on a mix of luck and performance.
Fantasy players should keep a close eye on how Smith-Schuster’s production goes throughout the early games of the season for his role to be determined. If he manages to find a solid role and produce something, he could be a worthwhile late-round pick or a player to monitor closely as the season progresses.
For now, it’s just a case of waiting to see if he can bounce back and fulfill his potential with the Patriots.
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