Who Should I Start? Chris Godwin Jr. or Ricky Pearsall

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.

Sunday, February 15, 4:31 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is trending up ahead of the NFL offseason. Fellow Niners receiver Jauan Jennings is headed for free agency, and given that his relationship with the team is rocky, it seems likely that he'll sign somewhere else. If Jennings does leave, and Brandon Aiyuk also departs as expected, that will open the door for Pearsall to step into the No. 1 receiver role. He showed the ability to handle a top role at times in 2025, but injuries prevented fantasy managers from being able to fully evaluate him. He ultimately finished his second pro season with 36 catches, 528 yards, and zero touchdowns across nine games. Because of his injury history, it might be tough for the 49ers to trust Pearsall as their No. 1 receiver. We wouldn't be surprised to see them go out and grab a top pass-catcher via trade or free agency, leaving Pearsall in the No. 2 role once again. He can absolutely still offer upside in fantasy football, though. The 49ers have a very capable offense, so Pearsall will be able to turn any workload into fantasy points. He ranks as a fringe top-36 fantasy receiver for 2026 and would jump into the top 24 if the 49ers don't bring in any competition for him.