Chris Godwin: Invest in the Rebound

A look into Chris Godwin's road to recovery from last season's ankle injury.

David Zacharias's Chris Godwin: Invest in the Rebound David Zacharias Published 06/11/2025

© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Chris Godwin

Disrespected and Unfairly Discounted

Chris Godwin is one of the best mid-round values in 2025 fantasy drafts. He was the overall WR1 through six weeks last season before a dislocated ankle ended his year prematurely. Now healthy, playing in a stable offense with improved quarterback play and facing one of the league's softest playoff schedules, Godwin is positioned to outperform his WR33 projection and deliver WR2 production at a discount.

RELATED: See all of our 2025 Player Spotlights here.

Off to a Hot Start

Through the first six games of the 2024 season, Godwin was the overall WR1. He led the league in receptions (43), PPR fantasy points (124.3), and receiving touchdowns (5). He ranked third in receiving yards (511).

RankReceiverGamesRecRecYd<YPRecRecTDFPT/GFPtS
1Chris Godwin TB64351111.9520.7124.3
2Ja'Marr Chase CIN63456516.6520.1120.5
3Nico Collins HOU53256717.7321.3106.7
4Jayden Reed GB62744216.4317.7106.2
5Drake London ATL63842811.3417.5104.8

The Buccaneers scored 30 or more points in four of those six games and sat atop the NFC South with a 4-2 record. Pewter Nation was thrilled.

Then, Disaster

© Nathan Ray Seebeck | 2024 Oct 21

In Week 7 versus the Baltimore Ravens, Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle—and his season abruptly ended.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield shared these somber postgame comments: "Chris deserves better than that. He's an unbelievable guy and an unbelievable teammate. As you guys have seen, he's been playing extraordinarily this year. I've got a heavy heart right now."

Tampa Bay dropped its next three games and scored 30 or more points in only three of its final 10 contests.

The Road Back

Let's explore the factors that will influence Godwin's 2025 comeback attempt.

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