Week 12 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Godwin had one of his better games this season last week, finishing 7-53-1 on 10 targets. Godwin has played well this year in games where he's been healthy, averaging 5.9 receptions for 66.4 yards. We thought the arrival of Antonio Brown might impact him more, but the Bucs have been able to feed all three of their big-name wideouts. Godwin gets a tough matchup this week against the Chiefs, who have given up the second-fewest total receiving yards to wide receivers this season. We like Godwin as a solid WR2 this week against the Chiefs.
Week 11 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Chris Godwin had a productive Week 10, finishing 6-92 on six targets. It was a season-high in receiving yards for Godwin, who finally appears to be getting healthy from his list of injuries earlier in the season. Godwin, unfortunately, won't see the same amount of targets he saw last year now that Antonio Brown (who had seven targets last week) has arrived. Godwin averaged 8.6 targets in 2019, and has seen 6.0 targets in the two games with Brown. Godwin will face a brutal Rams defense this week as the Rams have allowed the fewest total receiving yards to WRs, and the fewest touchdowns (4). Godwin is in the WR2 range for Week 11.
Week 10 at Carolina Panthers
Chris Godwin had his worst game of the season last week, finishing 3-41 on six targets. Despite his injuries, Godwin wasn't limited as he played 94% of the snaps. It's hard to take too much away from Week 9, though, considering the Bucs' offense played unusually poor. We'd expect this offense to bounce back in Week 10, even though it's against a tough Panthers matchup. We like Godwin as a WR3 this week as we're projecting around 5-6 receptions for 60-70 yards.
Week 7 at Las Vegas Raiders
Chris Godwin had a solid game last week considering the Bucs leaned heavily on the run. Despite the run-first approach, Godwin still saw seven targets and finished 5-48. He's had at least five receptions in every game he's played this season, which has only been three. Godwin is a reception-heavy player who should be involved in each and every game. He hasn't quite been the dominant WR1 play we saw in 2019, but he's been a solid WR2. That's where we're projecting him in Week 7 against the Raiders (No. 18 aFPA).
Week 6 vs. Green Bay Packers
Chris Godwin is expected to return from injury this week as he's missed the majority of the season with a hamstring injury. He's been limited in practice, but signs are indicating a return. Godwin was great in the two games he played this season and would be a top 25 option at receiver if he's active. It's hard to project him at his typical WR1 status considering his injury, but he's still someone you probably want in your lineup unless you have a super team of wideouts. Godwin is a solid WR2 play in a decent matchup against the Packers.
Week 3 at Denver Broncos
Chris Godwin was inactive last week, but he's since cleared the concussion protocol and has been a full participant in practice this week. He's expected to be active in Week 3 against the Broncos, where he should return as a strong WR1 play. The Broncos are 13th in aFPA, placing them just about in the middle. The Bucs are dealing with injuries to receivers Scotty Miller and Justin Watson, so it's possible Godwin sees even more targets than he typically would this week. Start him with confidence.
Week 2 vs. Carolina Panthers
UPDATE: Godwin has officially been ruled out for Week 2.
Chris Godwin had a strong debut for the Bucs, finishing 6-79 on seven targets. He and Scott Miller saw most of the action as Mike Evans struggled (one reception) facing Marshon Lattimore while injured. Godwin is a question mark heading into Week 2 as he's missed practice this week with a concussion. If he does play, Godwin will be a strong WR1 play in a solid matchup against the Panthers. If he's inactive, Scott Miller will receive a big boost and should be viewed as a WR3 play.
Week 1 at New Orleans Saints
Chris Godwin should be on pace for a great 2020 with Tom Brady throwing him passes. He had a breakout 2019 season, and there's no reason for him to slow down now. He could see an increase in targets in Week 1 as his co-star Mike Evans is dealing with a hamstring injury, and has missed practice this week. While Godwin will be facing a good Saints defense, it's worth noting he played really well against New Orleans last year. In his two games vs. the Saints, he finished 7-125-2 and 3-47-1. He'll be a strong WR1 play whether Evans plays or doesn't.
Fantasy Upside
Nearly everyone had Chris Godwin as a breakout candidate heading into 2019, and he delivered. Godwin finished 86-1333-9 on 120 targets in 14 games played, finishing as the No. 2 WR (half-PPR). Godwin excelled in the slot as he was fifth in the league in picking up first downs last season. He was second (per PFF) in contested-catch percentage (66.67%), behind only Michael Thomas. Godwin is a high-powered offense, and his role shouldn’t change much from what we saw a year ago.
Fantasy Downside
There’s always a bit of worry when a team switches quarterbacks, even if it’s Tom Brady. The Buccaneers also added another receiving threat in Rob Gronkowski who could steal some of those shorter passes away. The Bucs also had the fourth-highest pass attempts of all teams last season, mostly due to Jameis Winston’s turnovers keeping opponents in games. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Tampa’s pass attempts go down, therefore leading to fewer overall targets.
2020 Bottom Line
Godwin is an exceptional talent, and should be viewed easily as a top 10 receiver and arguably as a top five. He was very efficient last season, finishing second in fantasy points scored despite being 20th in targets. It’s hard to see him improving on what he did last season, but that’s fine because last season worked. We expect similar production from Godwin in 2020, putting him near the top five wideouts.
Week 15 at Detroit Lions
Chris Godwin finished 7-91 last week as he became the main target after Mike Evans suffered what appeared to be a season-ending injury. The Bucs haven't confirmed it yet, but it seems ridiculous to put Evans out there with the season nearly over, and their playoff chances dead. We don't expect this will change much for Godwin. He was already a WR1, but maybe now he'll get a few more extra targets. He gets a great matchup against the Lions this week who have allowed the second-most receiving yards to wideouts over the past four weeks. Godwin is a must-start player in Week 15.
