Michigan vs Ohio State Rivalry Rekindled in NFL: Smith-Njigba Shines Over Collins

We've got another installment of the fabled Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry, though this one comes at the NFL with two of the league's brightest young receivers when Nico Collins, a Wolverine, leads the Houston Texans against the Seattle Seahawks and former Buckeyes star Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Monday Night Football in Week 7.

The Week 7 matchup in the NFL spotlighted the long-standing Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry through two emerging star receivers: Nico Collins of the Houston Texans and Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks. Coming into the game, Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving yards and played a key role in Seattle’s 27-19 win over Houston, which saw struggles for the Texans on offense and tactical challenges.

• Seattle Seahawks improved to 5-2, while Houston Texans slipped to 2-4 after the Week 7 game.
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba dominated with 8 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown.
• Houston Texans offense faced criticism for inefficiency, poor play-calling, and penalties.
• Texans failed to capitalize on goal-line opportunities, letting Seattle maintain control.
• Smith-Njigba set NFL records as one of the most productive young receivers in league history.

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A Rivalry Renewed in the NFL Spotlight: Michigan vs. Ohio State Stars Collide

The NFL Week 7 Monday Night Football matchup between the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks rekindled the historic collegiate rivalry of Michigan vs. Ohio State. Nico Collins, a Michigan alumnow playing for Houston, went head-to-head with former Ohio State standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba representing Seattle.

Team Records and Season Context

Heading into the game, the Seahawks held a solid 4-2 record following a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Texans were at 2-3, fresh off a high-scoring 44-point victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving yards with 696, whereas Collins was having a quieter season with just 312 yards, reflecting Houston's slow offensive start.

Player Prop Analysis and Predictions

SportsLine’s Projection Model, based on 10,000 simulations per game and offering a 5-star grading system, strongly favored Smith-Njigba in both receiving yards and receptions. The model projected Smith-Njigba to exceed his receiving yards line of 87.5 yards, forecasting 103.8 yards, and to surpass 6.5 receptions with an expected 7.8 catches. Smith-Njigba had already exceeded these numbers in most of his 2025 games.

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Game Recap: Seahawks Dominate in a Tactical Battle

First Quarter: Seattle Sets the Pace

The Seahawks dominated early, executing a efficient 44-yard drive sealed by Zach Charbonnet’s 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Smith-Njigba’s 11-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Sam Darnold, quickly putting Seattle ahead 14-0. Houston’s offense struggled badly, with quarterback C.J. Stroud facing a sack that was ruled down by progress, avoiding a potential safety.

Penalties continued to plague Houston, including a costly 15-yard unnecessary roughness against linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

Second Quarter: Texans Show Glimpses

Both teams exchanged punts initially, but the Texans capitalized on a Seahawks trick play interception, leading to a 36-yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn, cutting the deficit to 14-3. Another field goal before halftime further trimmed the lead, ending the half 14-6.

Third Quarter: Turnovers and Missed Opportunities

The third quarter began with Stroud throwing an interception, leading to a Seattle field goal. Texans linebacker Will Anderson scored a crucial sack-and-score touchdown, narrowing the gap to 17-12, but Houston failed a two-point conversion.

Smith-Njigba continued his impactful performance, setting up a long Seattle field goal. Houston’s offensive coordinator Nick Caley faced criticism after failed short-yardage conversions near midfield, including risky run attempts into one of the league’s top run defenses, resulting in turnovers on downs.

Fourth Quarter: Defensive Efforts and Late Touchdown

Despite forcing multiple turnovers, Houston’s defense could not prevent Seattle from maintaining control. Houston repeatedly failed to convert goal-line chances inside the 1-yard line due to questionable play-calling, squandering multiple scoring opportunities. They eventually scored a late touchdown via a Stroud pass to Woody Marks, but penalties and failed conversions prevented a comeback.

The game ended 27-19 in favor of Seattle, with Houston’s 10 penalties for 105 yards and poor third and fourth down conversion rates contributing heavily to their defeat.

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Individual Performances and Season Impact

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Stellar Play

Smith-Njigba was unstoppable, snatching 8 catches on 14 targets for 123 yards and a touchdown. He became the youngest player in the Super Bowl era to record 75-plus receiving yards in each of his first seven games and joined elite company with over 800 receiving yards at age 24 or younger in a season. His consistency and route-running excellence earned high praise from teammates and coaches, including former triple crown winner Cooper Kupp and Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald.

Houston’s Offensive Struggles

C.J. Stroud’s 23 completions on 49 attempts for 229 yards were overshadowed by interceptions and inefficiency. Offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s decisions drew scrutiny, especially inside the red zone. Demeco Ryans’ Texans unit now faces a challenging path forward, sitting at 2-4 with difficult matches looming.

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Looking Ahead: Challenges for the Texans and Seahawks’ Playoff Push

Houston faces a short turnaround as they prepare for a four-game homestand, starting with a critical matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The Texans must solve issues on offensive line protection, rushing effectiveness, and discipline to avoid sinking deeper into a hole that could cost their playoff chances.

Meanwhile, Seattle has reinforced its position as one of the stronger teams in the competitive NFC West, with a 5-2 record and confident in the leadership and production of Smith-Njigba and Darnold. The Seahawks’ ability to withstand turnovers and maintain scoring pressure will be tested as they seek to solidify postseason status.

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Conclusion: A Showcase of Emerging NFL Stars and Team Challenges

The Week 7 Monday Night Football contest between Houston and Seattle was more than just a game; it was a narrative continuation of one of college football’s greatest rivalries through the prism of the NFL’s brightest young receivers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s dominating performance underscored his rising star status, while Houston’s offensive difficulties highlighted the fragile state of their season.

As the NFL season progresses, teams like the Texans must find answers quickly to reverse their fortunes, while players like Smith-Njigba continue to carve out promising careers and lead their teams in highly competitive environments.

Questions and answers

Q: Nico Collins vs Jaxon Smith-Njigba NFL matchup

A: Nico Collins and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are young wide receivers in the NFL, each showing promise in their respective teams. Collins, playing for the Houston Texans, offers a physical receiving option, while Smith-Njigba, with the Seattle Seahawks, is known for his crisp route running and reliable hands. Their matchups tend to highlight different receiving styles, with Collins often used in contested catch situations and Smith-Njigba excelling in gaining separation and yards after catch.

Q: Houston Texans offensive struggles 2025

A: The Houston Texans faced notable offensive struggles in the 2025 NFL season, marked by inconsistency in quarterback play and a lack of explosive playmakers. The team's offensive line had difficulty providing adequate protection, which limited the passing game and disrupted the running attack. These challenges contributed to lower scoring averages and difficulties in sustaining drives, ultimately impacting the Texans' competitiveness throughout the season.

Q: Seattle Seahawks 2025 season performance

A: In the 2025 season, the Seattle Seahawks showed a mixed performance characterized by strong defensive moments but uneven offensive execution. The team relied heavily on young talent and made strides in developing a balanced attack, though injuries and inconsistency at key positions affected overall results. Despite these hurdles, the Seahawks remained competitive in their division, laying groundwork for future improvement.

Q: Michigan Ohio State rivalry in NFL

A: The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most storied in college football, but it also extends into the NFL as several players from both programs face off professionally. While no official NFL rivalry exists between the two schools, their alumni frequently compete across various teams, adding an extra layer of intensity when matchups occur. This college rivalry's spirit often influences fan sentiment and player motivation during NFL encounters.

Q: Jaxon Smith-Njigba receiving stats and records

A: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, an emerging wide receiver in the NFL, has quickly made a name for himself with impressive receiving stats, including high reception counts and yardage yards, relative to his rookie or early-career season. Known for his precise routes and reliable hands, he has set team rookie records and earned recognition for his impact in clutch situations. His rapid accumulation of receiving yards and touchdowns positions him as a rising talent to watch in upcoming seasons.

Key Entities

Nico Collins: Nico Collins is a wide receiver for the Houston Texans in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Michigan before being drafted by the Texans in 2021.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a standout wide receiver who played college football at Ohio State University. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft, adding speed and reliable hands to their receiving corps.

Houston Texans: The Houston Texans are an NFL team based in Houston, Texas, known for rebuilding their roster through the draft in recent years. They have invested in young talent such as Nico Collins to strengthen their offense.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks are a professional NFL team located in Seattle, Washington. They acquired wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 2023 to bolster their passing game alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud.

C.J. Stroud: C.J. Stroud is a quarterback for the Houston Texans, drafted second overall in 2023 after a successful college career at Ohio State University. He is viewed as a key part of the Texans’ rebuilding efforts and offensive future.

External articles

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. Nico Collins Stats
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Nico Collins | Who Should I Start?
• Who Should I Start? Nico Collins or Jaxon Smith-Njigba

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YouTube Video

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URL: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vUvQW_YNSFE