Who Should I Start? Chris Godwin Jr. or George Pickens

Saturday, January 3, 12:21 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. has battled injury and inefficiency for much of the 2025 season. However, the 29-year-old had a breakout performance in Week 17, recording seven receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown on eight targets against the Miami Dolphins. Godwin Jr. also led all Buccaneers wide receivers in snap share, playing 79% of his team's offensive snaps. In Week 18, Tampa Bay will face the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has been a solid pass defense so far this season, ranking 11th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,454) and ninth in passing touchdowns allowed (19). Still, Godwin Jr. should have his chances to produce. Over his last four games played, Godwin Jr. is averaging just under seven targets per contest. Given the likely target opportunity and his encouraging performance last week, Godwin Jr. profiles as a low-end fantasy WR2 in Week 18.

Tuesday, February 3, 2:24 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, who will be an unrestricted free agent in March, said he "would love to" stay with the team after a career year in his first season in Dallas in 2025, according to Tommy Yarrish of NFL.com. Co-owner Stephen Jones reiterated last week that the Cowboys want to keep Pickens in Dallas for 2026 and beyond. However, the team has yet to reach out to Pickens personally to discuss a long-term contract extension. If Dallas cannot reach a long-term extension with the 24-year-old pass-catcher, they could use the franchise tag on him. One way or another, it seems likely that Pickens will be back in Dallas in 2026 after leading the team with 93 catches, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns on 137 targets in 17 games. Pickens quickly showed great chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott, and he'll be a WR1 target in fantasy leagues this fall if he remains with the Cowboys.