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

Saturday, February 14, 10:05 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. missed eight games in 2025 while working his way back from the devastating lower leg injury that ended his 2024 season. While he never found the trademark consistency that made him one of the most reliable fantasy wideouts at his peak, he did show flashes down the stretch, even while quarterback Baker Mayfield and Tampa's offense faltered. After making his second return of the season in Week 12, Godwin averaged 66.5 yards across Weeks 13 and 14, scored his first touchdown of the year in Week 15, and added a season-high 108 yards and another score in Week 17. After the firing of offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, the Buccaneers will welcome their fifth OC in as many years in Zac Robinson. While they can't seem to find consistency at the front of the room, the wide receiver corps is shaping up to look very similar in 2026, and while Godwin's 100-reception, 1,000-yard seasons may be behind him, he still profiles as a safe-floor, value buy for depth-seeking dynasty contenders.

Monday, February 23, 8:03 AM

The Dallas Cowboys will finalize the franchise tag for wide receiver George Pickens in the next week, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins writes that if Pickens gets franchise-tagged, "there's a strong possibility he will not report to the offseason programs as the team engages in contract talks with his agents." Edge rusher Micah Parsons didn't show up for the offseason program last year while in contract talks with the club before eventually being traded to the Green Bay Packers. Pickens, 24, will be back with Dallas in 2026 after earning his first Pro Bowl berth with career-highs in catches (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdowns (nine). The franchise tag for receivers is projected at $28 million. A tag-and-trade scenario is possible, but both sides have an interest in a reunion in 2026 and beyond. With Pickens expected to be in Dallas again this year, he'll be firmly in the WR1 range in fantasy football drafts this fall after his big 2025 campaign.