Who Should I Start? Chris Godwin or Rashee Rice

Thursday, August 28, 4:04 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) will miss the first month of the 2025 season and possibly more, according to general manager Jason Licht. The GM framed Godwin's return as likely October in Week 5 or later. On Wednesday, when asked about a potential timetable for Godwin's return, head coach Todd Bowles said anywhere from Week 2 to Week 5. Licht's statement is obviously much different and paints a much more pessimistic picture for when the 29-year-old pass-catcher will make his season debut after suffering a season-ending dislocated left ankle in Week 7 of 2024 that required surgery. The Bucs signing Godwin to a three-year, $66 million deal in March gave hope that he would be ready for Week 1, but that's just not going to be the case. The stock of rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka continues to rise, as he should be Tampa's WR2 for at least the first month.

Wednesday, August 27, 12:19 PM

Updating a previous report, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is accepting and will serve a six-game suspension to start the 2025 regular season, sources tell Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The league and the NFL Players Association are working to finalize the settlement, which will end the limbo surrounding Rice's off-the-field issues. He will be eligible to return for a Week 7 divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 19. This is obviously a big hit to the 25-year-old's fantasy value this year, but managers already knew a four- to six-game suspension was coming, and Rice sitting out games to begin the year is actually better than him missing key games down the stretch into the fantasy playoffs. Despite the suspension, Rice is worth stashing in all fantasy formats, and he could even come at a nice discount. Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown will see more targets in the first six weeks.