RENTON — As he has done so often the last two years, Tyler Lockett pulled Jaxon Smith-Njigba aside a few weeks ago and gave him a little encouragement. Only this time was a little different.

The Seattle Seahawks are eliminated from playoff contention. Despite their 3-0 start, they had too many mid-season losses to keep pace with the Los Angeles Rams. The highlight of their season has been second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba had led the Seattle Seahawks in receiving for a seventh straight game, catching 10 passes for 83 yards in their home loss to the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 15. The performance put him on the doorstep of 1,000 yards for the campaign and led to a question about his breakout second season.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba credited the Seattle Seahawks' defense with keeping the team's playoff hopes alive after holding Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears

The Seattle Seahawks were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 17. When the Washington Commanders beat the Atlanta Falcons, the Los Angeles Rams clinched the NFC West. Now, Seattle faces Los Angeles in Week 18 with very little on the line.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith throws a pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the touchdown against the Vikings at Lumen Field.

Seattle Seahawks veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett the team's longest-tenured player. Having spent his entire career to date in Seattle, Locket will conclude his 10th campaign with the organization in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale with the Los Angeles Rams.