For most receivers 83 receptions and 1,000+ yards would be a strong
season, for Godwin it’s become routine. While his teammate Mike
Evans gets most of the pub, Godwin is a professional who might not
pop off the screen, but nets you a strong PPR floor. Due for a little
positive regression in the touchdown department (he only has 10
touchdowns in his last 285 receptions), Godwin should feast against
one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL.
Hundreds of targets have been vacated on this offense, and my bet
to soak up a good bunch of them is the incumbent Shakir. Unlike
rookie Keon Coleman, or newbie Curtis Samuel, Shakir has the trust
of QB Josh Allen. In the last five games of the season, including
the playoffs, Shakir totaled 23 receptions and two touchdowns. With
Samuel hobbled by a turf toe, and Coleman playing his first game,
Shakir is a great bet to lead the receivers in targets and receptions,
making him a sneaky WR3 play with upside against a very beatable
Cards defense.
The rookie first rounder was a walking highlight reel this summer,
and should have a clear path to targets in what should be an improved
offense. His size/speed combination was one of the best in the
draft, and his ball skills will give him a chance to produce in
all areas of the field. This game could be an absolute track meet,
so fire him up as a big upside WR3.
You can thank Sam LaPorta for throwing rookie tight end expectations
off the rails. Typically, a rookie position to avoid for fantasy
purposes, Bowers was drafted as a TE1 because of both talent and
opportunity. Unfortunately, he missed a majority of camp with
a foot injury, and will likely be on a snap count early in the
year. He’ll pay dividends later, but for Week 1 look elsewhere.
If not for a fluky 10 touchdown receptions last year, Sutton
would have been a barely rosterable receiver. Even after Jerry
Jeudy was jettisoned to Cleveland, rumors continued to swirl about
Sutton being moved as well. Sutton hasn’t come close to
his strong 2019 season, and the matchup on the road with a rookie
QB, and solid Seahawk secondary just doesn’t inspire much
confidence.
I don’t expect Odunze to spend much time in this spot as
the season moves on, but for now it’s tough to gauge just
how much of an early season fantasy impact he will have. He might
be 4th or 5th in the pecking order, and despite being uber talented,
Caleb Williams is making his first start. Talent will eventually
win out and Odunze will be a difference maker, but for now take
a wait and see approach.
