Buccaneers vs Saints: Week 17 game-changing players

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Pregame views prior to kick-off between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Pregame views prior to kick-off between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Chris Godwin

This is probably unprecedented, as we now have four rookies in our game-changing players list. Chris Godwin, as of now, is having the least success out of the four. But truthfully, that has more to do with the way the Bucs are using him in his rookie year. Only recently is the Penn State product being featured more, as he is getting more into the swing of the NFL. That, and the Bucs have been hit hard with injuries. Godwin is making the most of his opportunities, that’s for sure.

When Tampa Bay took him in the third round of this year’s draft, it was a steal. He will be a major component of the Buccaneer offense for years to come, and he is getting his first taste of being a top contributor here at the end of this season. He has gotten six targets in two of the last three games. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see him get that and more

on Sunday as the Bucs continue to mix him in and build his chemistry with Jameis Winston.

Next: Buccaneers: 2018 NFL Draft needs

Godwin could potentially still fly under the radar heading into this week. The Saints will focus on Mike Evans, as all teams do. The rookie could be the number two guy on Sunday, assuming DeSean Jackson sits out again. It would be smart for the Bucs to build their game plan around Godwin. Heading into his second year, they should want to see where he is in the process of developing into a top threat in this offense. There is a ton of potential there for the 21-year-old and he is showing flashes of it week in and week out. But what better way to finish off year one than with a breakout game?

Who do you think will most impact the outcome of Sunday’s season finale? Let us know in the comments, on Twitter or on Facebook.

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