Who Should I Start? Chris Godwin Jr. or Josh Downs

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.

Thursday, January 29, 5:39 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs followed up a solid second season in the NFL with his worst yet in Year 3. Downs had career-lows in receptions (58), targets (88), and receiving yards (566) while scoring four touchdowns in 16 games played. The 24-year-old pass-catcher also had a career-low 9.8 yards per catch as he operated as the team's No. 3 receiver behind Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. Even with quarterback Daniel Jones having a career resurgence before his season-ending torn Achilles tendon in the second half, Downs was unable to take advantage. He never clicked with Jones in the passing attack, and it didn't help that rookie tight end Tyler Warren caught 76 passes for 817 yards. Unless Indy releases Pittman this offseason to give Downs a clearer path to consistent targets, he won't be much more than a late-round dart throw with limited upside in 2026 fantasy drafts.