Who Should I Start? Chris Godwin or Ja'Marr Chase

Wednesday, October 22, 1:13 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Wednesday that wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) will not be back this Sunday to take on the division-rival New Orleans Saints in Week 8, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Godwin got a late start to the 2025 campaign while recovering from a season-ending dislocated ankle that he suffered in Week 7 of last year, and then suffered a fibula injury that will now keep him out for a third straight game. In addition to Godwin's injury, Tampa lost future Hall of Fame wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) for most of the rest of the season when he fractured his clavicle in Monday night's loss to the Lions. Fantasy managers who have been stashing Godwin will be keeping their fingers crossed that he'll be able to return after next week's bye to take on the New England Patriots in Week 10. With Evans now potentially out the rest of the year, Godwin figures to be heavily involved in the passing attack next to rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka whenever he returns.

Saturday, November 1, 11:51 AM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase entered the Week 8 loss to the New York Jets by catching at least one touchdown in each of his previous three games. While the former LSU Tiger didn't find the end zone in that one, he still had 12 catches for 91 yards. With the Bengals coming off a disappointing loss, they will try to get on track on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Joe Flacco (shoulder) didn't practice on Wednesday, which is not uncommon for older players, before being limited in Thursday's session. However, panic set in for fantasy managers when he didn't practice on Friday and was slapped with a questionable designation for Week 9. Fortunately, there's reason to believe the signal-caller will be out there on Sunday. It appears Flacco and Chase have quickly developed strong on-field chemistry in a short span, so the duo should continue to connect in the meeting with the Bears. If Flacco can't suit up, Jake Browning would be back under center. Although Browning's presence would presumably lower Chase's ceiling, the wideout remains a must-start for obvious reasons.