Chris Godwin is working toward a return from an ankle injury ahead of the 2025 fantasy football season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though he has yet to rejoin practice sessions. He is expected to be back soon, making him a risky but potentially rewarding fantasy option this year.
Last season, Godwin started strong before the injury cut his campaign short after just seven games. At that point, he led the NFL with 50 receptions and ranked second in wide receiver fantasy points per game, showing his high potential when healthy.
Coming off the injury, the opportunity to draft Godwin at a discount is appealing to some managers who believe his value might rebound once he returns. However, patience will be required since he is likely to miss the first month of the season before contributing fully to fantasy lineups.
Challenges and Competition Affecting Godwin’s 2025 Outlook
While Godwin appeared on track for a career-best season last year, his 2025 fantasy outlook includes several obstacles. Recovering from a dislocated ankle throughout the offseason is a significant challenge, and his time away from the field adds further uncertainty about his immediate impact.
Moreover, the Buccaneers bolstered their receiving corps by drafting Emeka Egbuka, a highly regarded rookie expected to claim a substantial share of targets. Egbuka’s arrival creates more competition in the passing game, which could reduce Godwin’s opportunities even after his return.
Is Godwin Worth Taking in Your Fantasy Draft This Year?
Drafting Godwin in 2025 fantasy leagues involves considerable risk due to injury recovery and target competition, yet his upside remains compelling. Beyond his impressive recent start, he has consistently finished within the top 32 wide receivers in fantasy football during each of his previous six full seasons.
This history of reliable production suggests that a cautious manager might take advantage of his lowered draft position as a value pick. However, it’s important to recognize Godwin’s potential for a low output or delayed return, making him a high-risk, high-reward choice who could emerge as a league-winning asset if he regains form.
Recommended Draft Position for Chris Godwin in 2025
According to FantasyPros rankings, Chris Godwin is projected as the 102nd overall player and the 45th ranked wide receiver for 2025 fantasy drafts, placing him firmly in Flex territory for many teams. He is generally being selected around the ninth round, though this may shift depending on league settings and competition.
Tools like Sportskeeda’s “Who Should I Draft” recommend Godwin over other veteran receivers such as Cooper Kupp and Keenan Allen, despite all facing their own uncertainties this season. Godwin’s career of outperforming his average draft position in six out of eight seasons adds to his appeal as a late-round gamble offering both potential upside and optimism for those willing to take the risk.