Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba's record-breaking pace should make OPOY voters take notice
Opposing defenders better get used to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba dunking on goalposts after scoring touchdowns.
The third-year WR dominated in Week 7 against the Houston Texans on "Monday Night Football." In the 27-19 Seattle win, he had eight receptions for 123 yards and one touchdown catch. With the stellar performance, Smith-Njigba is now in a position to break a Pro Football Hall of Famer's record.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba could break this record
Through seven games, Smith-Njigba has averaged a league-leading 117 receiving yards per game (819 yards). If he maintains that average for the rest of the season, he will break former WR Calvin Johnson's record for receiving yards in a season.
Smith-Njigba could finish with 1,989 yards in 17 games. The former Detroit Lions standout had 1,964 yards in 16 games during the 2012 season. He averaged 122.8 receiving yards per game.
Johnson's mark would still be slightly more impressive, considering he did it in fewer games and had a higher average. That doesn't detract from what Smith-Njigba is doing.
His spectacular season is putting him in a position to win Offensive Player of the Year for the first time in his career. As of Tuesday, DraftKings Sportsbook lists his OPOY odds at +400, the second best behind Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (-110).
Taylor leads the league in rushing yards (697 in seven games). However, it would be hard to argue against Smith-Njigba's case if he breaks the record, especially after Seattle changed quarterbacks this offseason. After trading QB Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle signed QB Sam Darnold in free agency.
When Johnson set his mark in 2012, he had played with QB Matthew Stafford for three seasons. Smith-Njigba surpassing Johnson after a QB change would prove that he helps elevate QBs. That would further cement his argument as the league's best offensive weapon.
Power, Resistance, and Drama: The Handmaid’s Tale Cast Breakdown

Since its premiere in 2017, The Handmaid’s Tale has captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling, striking visuals, and a stellar ensemble cast. Set in the chilling totalitarian society of Gilead, the show tackles themes of freedom, resistance, and survival. At the heart of its success lies the compelling performances by
In this post, we’ll dive into the main cast of The Handmaid’s Tale, explore their roles, and highlight the real people behind these iconic characters.
Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne / Offred
The Leading Lady of Resistance
At the center of The Handmaid’s Tale cast is Elisabeth Moss, portraying the rebellious and resilient June Osborne. Once a free woman, June is now forced into servitude as "Offred." Moss delivers a masterful performance filled with rage, sorrow, and unwavering defiance.
Elisabeth Moss has won several awards for her role, including a Primetime Emmy. Outside Gilead, Moss is known for her roles in Mad Men, Top of the Lake, and
Joseph Fiennes as Commander Fred Waterford
The Face of Gilead’s Patriarchy
Joseph Fiennes plays Commander Fred Waterford, one of the architects of Gilead and June’s original “owner.” Fiennes captures the character’s chilling duality—charming on the surface but deeply controlling and manipulative underneath.
Fiennes has also starred in acclaimed films like Shakespeare in Love and Enemy at the Gates. His portrayal adds complexity and tension to the Handmaid’s Tale cast.
Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford
From Power to Powerless
Yvonne Strahovski portrays Serena Joy, Fred’s wife and a conflicted character who helped shape Gilead but suffers under its own rules. Strahovski’s performance brings both cold elegance and emotional vulnerability to the screen.
Previously known for roles in Chuck and Dexter, Strahovski has been praised for her layered and evolving character in The Handmaid’s Tale.
Alexis Bledel as Emily / Ofglen
A Quiet Force of Resistance
Formerly known for Gilmore Girls, Alexis Bledel stuns as Emily, also known as Ofglen. A fellow handmaid and quiet rebel, Emily’s journey is one of survival, pain, and eventual freedom. Her role is powerful and often heart-wrenching.
Bledel won an Emmy for her performance, cementing her place as a standout among the Handmaid’s Tale cast.
Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia
The Enforcer of Gilead’s Rules
Few characters are as memorable—or terrifying—as Aunt Lydia, played by Ann Dowd. As the primary enforcer of Gilead’s brutal rules for handmaids, Aunt Lydia is both feared and oddly sympathetic at times.
Dowd’s performance is commanding, earning her both an Emmy win and a devoted fanbase. She has also appeared in films like Hereditary and Compliance.
Samira Wiley as Moira Strand
The Voice of Rebellion
Samira Wiley brings strength and heart to Moira, June’s best friend and one of the few who manages to escape Gilead. Moira’s character represents hope and resistance, fighting for justice from the outside.
Wiley, also known for her role in Orange is the New Black, adds depth to the cast of the Handmaid’s Tale with her emotional and inspiring performance.
Max Minghella as Nick Blaine
The Ambiguous Ally
Max Minghella plays Nick Blaine, a driver for the Waterfords and a secret operative in Gilead’s underground resistance, Mayday. His relationship with June is complicated—part romance, part alliance.
Minghella’s quiet intensity has made Nick one of the most intriguing characters in the series. Outside of the show, he’s known for roles in The Social Network and The Internship
Supporting Cast: Expanding Gilead’s World
While the main cast shines, The Handmaid’s Tale is also supported by a talented ensemble that adds richness to its dystopian world:
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Bradley Whitford as Commander Lawrence: A mysterious and morally complex character.
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Amanda Brugel as Rita: A Martha with a quiet strength and crucial role in June’s plans.
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O.T. Fagbenle as Luke: June’s husband, living in Canada and fighting to reunite with her.
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Madeline Brewer as Janine: A fellow handmaid whose tragic arc is filled with trauma and courage.
Together, this group forms one of the most critically acclaimed casts in modern television.
The Legacy of The Handmaid’s Tale Cast
The performances of the Handmaid’s Tale cast have been instrumental in making the show a global phenomenon. They’ve helped bring Margaret Atwood’s terrifying vision to life while grounding it in raw, human emotion.
Each actor has carved out a unique space in the show’s dark yet compelling narrative. Whether portraying pain, power, or rebellion, the cast of The Handmaid’s Tale continues to elevate the series to new heights.
From Elisabeth Moss’s powerful portrayal of June to Ann Dowd’s chilling Aunt Lydia, the Handmaid’s Tale cast brings unmatched depth and complexity to every scene. As we await more from Gilead in potential future seasons, there’s no denying that the performances are a key reason fans remain captivated.
If you’ve yet to experience the gripping world of The Handmaid’s Tale, the incredible cast alone is reason enough to start watching.