The NFL season is quickly approaching, and fantasy drafts are in full swing. At DraftKings, you can play an array of different season-long fantasy contests.
This is a look at the fantasy value of Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin as he returns from his injury.
Chris Godwin Injury
Chris Godwin had a serious ankle injury last season, which derailed his 2024-25 campaign. The injury required a major surgery and a second clean-up procedure during the offseason. Tampa Bay was hoping to have Godwin back in time for Week 1, but it seems like he needs more time to ramp up to full football activities. The Buccaneers announced that they will activate Godwin off the PUP list, but only so he can fully participate in practice with the team once the season begins. Godwin is healthy enough to start ramping up activity, but not to play live football. Tampa Bay hopes that he can start practicing in full in Week 2, for a full return sometime in October.
Chris Godwin Fantasy Stock
Despite only playing in seven games last season, Godwin finished as the Buccaneers’ third leading receiver, behind Mike Evans and Cade Otton. He averaged 82.3 receiving yards per game, which ranked sixth in the NFL. This Tampa Bay offense is full of explosive weapons, and Godwin is one of the best when he is healthy. Evans remains the alpha, but as he continues to age, there may be more opportunities for others.
There are some exciting young receivers also looking to carve out bigger roles. Unfortunately, after a promising rookie year, Jalen McMillan suffered a neck injury that could keep him out for an extended period. While McMillan and Godwin are both on the sideline, some of the young guys will need to step up. That includes rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson. Egbuka was the Bucs’ first-round pick and should begin the season as their starting slot receiver, with Johnson backing him up. However, while Godwin is out, Johnson might slide out wide and get some serious reps for a seventh-round draft pick.
As long as Godwin returns within the first few weeks of the season, he will still be a valuable fantasy asset. Baker Mayfield ranked third in the NFL in passing yards last season, and this offense is explosive through the air. The presence of Evans opens things up for other receivers, like Godwin, to create plays against single coverage. If the veteran receiver can pick up where he left off last season, he will be a top-tier wide receiver. However, if he misses the first month of the season, that greatly diminishes his value, especially in single-season fantasy leagues. Based on this update, he is still worth a mid-round pick in single-season fantasy leagues. Ideally, Godwin could be stashed on the IR until he is fit to return. Then once he does, he will be a worthy starting receiver on any fantasy team.
