Chris Godwin Week 1 Outlook - Commanders at Buccaneers

By Derek Brown (FantasyPros), Wed, Sep 4th 2024, 8:38pm EDT

Godwin stumbled out of the gate last year, which led to his WR34 finish in fantasy points per game, but I think we need to focus more on how he ended the season. After Week 13, he turned up the heat, closing the season as the WR16 in fantasy points per game with a 28.7% target share, 83.6 receiving yards per game, 2.79 yards per route run, and 0.133 first downs per route run. That scorching hot conclusion to last year also coincided with his move back to the slot more (36.1% vs. 44%). Godwin should be the team's starting slot this year, which will benefit him. Dan Quinn likely utilizes single-high at a high rate this year after encompassing 64.9% and 57.1% of his defensive snaps over the last two years with Dallas. Last year in Weeks 14-18, against single high, Godwin led the team with 2.45 YPRR and 0.125 FD/RR and was second behind only Mike Evans in target share (19.1%) and first-read share (21.1%). Godwin will match up with rookie Mike Sainristill for most of Week 1. The floor and ceiling are high for Godwin to open this season.