|
Howdy Reader,
Welcome back, Footballguy.
As the countdown to training camp gets shorter (and the lawnmower gets louder), Chris Godwin is making headlines again - this time for what he might still be. After an injury-riddled 2024, he’s healthy and motivated, but sitting toward the bottom of WR3 territory. Godwin says he’s healthy. David Zacharias says he’s ready. Now we get to see what fantasy managers believe.
Also today: Josh Fahlsing updates his dynasty quarterback buckets, reshuffling a few key names — with Caleb Williams, Tua Tagovailoa, and others making notable tier moves.
And Bob Harris is our steady hand in the kitchen, watching the offseason simmer and serving up the News and Notes.
Let’s dig in,
J
|
|
|
What's New At Footballguys
|
📣 Voice Of The Footballguy 🎤
📊 POLL RESULTS: In our last issue of the Daily Update, we asked you Footballguys:
Which rookie RB takes control of his backfield first?
And the Footballguy says: I trust TreVeyon Henderson more than the Patriots do.
TODAY: Clayton Gray’s deep dive into how player values are shifting in high-stakes NFFC drafts reveals one clear trend — quarterbacks are climbing.
Among the biggest movers this week: Lamar Jackson surged 6 spots, Jayden Daniels climbed 4, and Bo Nix jumped 8. But which of these rising QBs most deserves the boost?
So today, we ask you Footballguys:
🗳️ POLL: Which rising QB most deserves their recent NFFC ADP surge?
When you vote in the Poll below, you'll see the current standings, and we'll post the final results in the next edition of the Daily Update.
|
|
| 🗳️ POLL: Will Chris Godwin finish as a top-24 WR in 2025 (PPR)? |
|
|
|
|
Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith has been excused from the mandatory minicamp and has received permission to seek a trade, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Our view: There have been rumors and reports indicating Smith was available to interested suitors. Talks with the Steelers didn't bear any fruit, but with Smith seeking a new contract in Miami after a career-best season in 2024, discussions are likely ongoing. We'll continue to watch for more.
Back to Top
|
Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown (undisclosed) was carted off the field during practice Wednesday, June 11, after suffering an undisclosed injury.
Our view: Brown joined the Commanders last year and re-signed with the team this offseason. He had 35 catches for 453 yards, including a game-winning Hail Mary against the Bears, before suffering a season-ending kidney injury. As Profootballtalk.com notes, the Commanders were already without Terry McLaurin because he opted not to report to minicamp while pushing for a new contract. They'll hope to iron that out by training camp, and they'll be hoping that Brown is well enough to be back on the field at that point as well.
Back to Top
|
Chris Godwin: Invest in the Rebound
By David Zacharias - Exclusive to Footballguys
The following feature is a free preview of our content. If you like it, click here to sign up for access to our Footballguys Premium Subscriptions, and you'll get all of our content. We're so sure you'll love it that we have an industry-leading 30-day MoneyBack Guarantee, so there's zero risk.
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).
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
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.
Reasons for Optimism
- He's done it before. In 2021, Godwin tore his ACL and sprained his MCL in Tampa Bay's Week 15 game against the New Orleans Saints. Despite that, he put up 1,023 receiving yards and finished as the WR18 in 2022, even after missing two games.
- Godwin signed a new contract on March 10. According to Overthecap, he received a three-year, $66 million deal. As Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht noted, "Three years in the NFL is long-term." Godwin's 2025 and 2026 roster bonuses and base salaries—$44 million combined—are fully guaranteed.
- The Buccaneers also benefit from offensive continuity. Josh Grizzard, the team's newly promoted offensive coordinator, was the Bucs' passing game coordinator in 2024. All of last season's skill-position starters—Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, Mike Evans, Godwin, and Cade Otton—remain in place. Likewise, the offensive line returns intact. Footballguy Matt Bitonti ranks Tampa Bay's unit with the sixth-best cohesion score in the league, calling it "a measurement of how the lineup has changed (or not) over the weeks or years."
- Grizzard and Godwin hold each other in high regard. Grizzard, who turns 35 in June, described Godwin as "a huge asset" and "a coach on the field." Godwin returned the praise, saying, "Grizz has been a phenomenal addition to our team."
- Tampa Bay also has a favorable schedule. According to Footballguy Clayton Gray, the Buccaneers have the ninth-easiest Strength of Schedule in 2025, based on their opponents' odds of reaching Super Bowl LX. Tampa Bay faces four top-eight opponents and five bottom-eight opponents. Footballguys analysts Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey also note a favorable stretch for fantasy playoffs: Week 15 vs. Atlanta, Week 16 at Carolina, and Week 17 at Miami.
The Potential Downside
CONTINUED...
|
Footballguys 2025 Rookie Draft Guide
The NFL Draft is in the books, and our Rookie Draft Guide is ready. Version 3.0 includes new team fits, depth chart projections, refined scouting intel, and — for the first time — the Post-Draft Bloom 100. It’s your complete blueprint for dominating dynasty rookie drafts.
You’re on the clock. Make the right call.
|
|
3. JAX: Brian Thomas Jr. fine after injury scare
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) left practice early Wednesday, June 11, after landing hard on his shoulder. Head coach Liam Coen said it was precautionary, and Thomas could have gone back in.
Our view: Thomas Jr. took a hard fall during team drills after a collision with Tyson Campbell. Though he went off the field with trainers and went inside the team facility, he was back on the field with his helmet later in the session -- though he did not go back in. Thomas is set to be a primary weapon for Jacksonville's offense in 2025. He caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns as a rookie last year. He's WR7 on the Footballguys 2025 Projections.
Back to Top
|
4. HOU: Joe Mixon injury update
Source: Click2Houston.com - Aaron Wilson
Updating a previous report, Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (undisclosed) is no longer wearing a walking boot but is now wearing an ankle brace, according to sources. He seems to have a good chance to be ready for training camp.
Our view: A prudent approach in June shouldn't set off alarm bells. In Mixon's case, the injury is of much less concern than Nick Chubb signing with the team last week. Mixon was a revelation for the Texans in 2024, but Chubb's arrival indicates the team is at least open to the idea of getting other runners involved. As USA Today notes, the problem last year was they sorely lacked the personnel to do so. At the very least, Chubb is an upgrade to Mixon's understudies from last season, and depth matters. We'll be watching this backfield closely in training camp.
Back to Top
|
5. SF: Jauan Jennings not practicing
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
San Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings (calf) did not participate in the mandatory minicamp but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Our view: With the timetable for Brandon Aiyuk's return from last year's torn ACL still uncertain, a cautious approach with Jennings makes sense. Coming off his most productive campaign as a pro, Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are expected to be the team's top receivers heading into Week 1. In case you missed it, Jennings set career highs in targets (113), receptions (77), receiving yards (975), and touchdowns (6) in 2024. He heads into the summer with a WR37 Average Draft Position and a Round 7 price.
Back to Top
|
6. MIA: Tua Tagovailoa focused on quicker outs
Source: ESPN.com - Cameron Wolfe
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa said he has focused on getting the ball out quicker this offseason. Tagovailoa said he tried to run people over last season in order to prove his toughness, but he understands his availability is key.
Our view: Tagovailoa missed six starts last season. That brings his total to 15 games missed due to injury in his five-year NFL career, with 2023 remaining as the only season he started every game. The Dolphins' record in the 10 games that Tagovailoa has missed because of injury the past three seasons is 3-7, so he understands the importance of staying in the lineup. For our purposes, Tua being under center offers the best chance for the Dolphins we're invested in -- De'Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Jonnu Smith -- to return value. So it matters to us, too.
Back to Top
|
7. CAR: Tetairoa McMillan does not practice
Source: NFL.com - Around The NFL
Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan (leg) did not participate in practice Wednesday, June 11, because he was kicked in the leg during practice Tuesday, June 10. Head coach Dave Canales said McMillan may return to practice Thursday, June 12.
Our view: This is a great opportunity to remind you it's June. We're still in the lighter stage of workouts for the offseason. Carolina's decision to sit McMillan is neither surprising nor alarming. This is true of the vast majority of players being held out of workouts this time of year. The Panthers finish out their mandatory minicamp with a final practice on Thursday. It would be great if McMillan participates. Also, fantasy investors shouldn't lose any sleep if he doesn't. We'll follow up as needed.
Back to Top
|
8. NYJ: Justin Fields hopes to hold workouts
Source: New York Post - Brian Costello
New York Jets QB Justin Fields said he hopes to work out with the wide receivers and tight ends on the roster before the start of training camp.
Our view: Two of his Jets teammates, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and tight end Jeremy Ruckert, played with Fields at Ohio State. Still, the more work all the receiving assets can get with Fields, the better -- for fantasy investors and Fields. As ESPN's Dan Graziano noted, the $10 million in guaranteed money on his contract for 2026 won't stand in the way of the team drafting or acquiring someone it sees as a better option next spring if Fields doesn't play well enough to convince it otherwise.
Back to Top
|
9. SF: Ricky Pearsall on track for camp
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
San Francisco 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) is not participating in the mandatory minicamp this week, but head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Pearsall should be ready for the start of training camp.
Our view: With Brandon Aiyuk likely sidelined at the start of the 2025 season after last year's torn ACL, Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are projected as the Week 1 starting wide receivers. That being the case, a cautious approach with Pearsall's hamstring seems wise. Pearsall finished his rookie campaign with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns. He ended the season on a high note, hauling in 14 catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns over the final two games. That late surge shouldn't be lost on fantasy investors, who'll find Pearsall available as WR41 in Round 8.
Back to Top
|
10. BUF: Laviska Shenault sits out
Source: WGR Sports Radio 550 - Sal Capaccio
Buffalo Bills WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Wednesday, June 11.
Our view: Shenault spent the 2024 season with Seattle, and one of his best moments of the season featured a 97-yard return for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers. Shenault is a capable receiver and rusher as well. He has 1,587 receiving yards, 253 rushing yards, and seven total touchdowns in five seasons. But expecting him to earn a fantasy-relevant role in Buffalo seems like a reach.
Back to Top
|
11. CAR: Adam Thielen not practicing
Source: Panthers.com - Darin Gantt
Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen is not participating in practice Wednesday, June 11, but appears to be receiving the day off.
Our view: In 11 seasons as a pro, Thielen has 685 receptions for 8,311 yards and 64 touchdowns, numbers that are among the top 15 in the league among active players. Some missed work in June isn't going to have a significant impact on his season, assuming there's nothing serious here. If he's available and in the lineup this season, Thielen's chances of outperforming his WR65 ADP and 15th-round price are good.
Back to Top
|
That's a wrap for today.
We know the inbox gets crowded. So whether you're here for the strategy, the headlines, or just to stay fantasy-ready without digging through a few dozen beat writer tweets, thanks for making us part of your routine.
More updates tomorrow. Same time. Same inbox. Same edge.
Peace, Love and Fantasy Football,
J
|
|
|
|
Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom, Bob Harris, and Cecil Lammey
Advertise with us and get your brand in front of 700,000+ football fans
You’re subscribed as Reader - Manage Preferences - Unsubscribe here
Copyright @ 2026 Sportsguys, LLC. 118 N Peters Road, Suite 208. Knoxville, TN 37922
|
|
|
|
|
