As bleak as things have been for the Green Bay Packers over the last few weeks after dropping three games in a row, there has been a bright spot: the emergence of Christian Watson.
Watson has firmly established himself as the Packers' leading receiver, regardless of whether it was Jordan Love or Malik Willis at quarterback. With Willis filling in for Love against the Baltimore Ravens, the standout receiver hauled in five catches for 113 yards and a touchdown, outpacing all pass-catchers for either team.
Green Bay already rewarded Watson for his efforts both on the field and in his workout to come back from a torn ACL with a one-year, $13.25 million contract extension. In turn, even in an abbreviated season, Watson could end up a candidate for one of the NFL Awards at the end of the year.
Christian Watson deserves to be in the NFL Comeback Player of the Year conversation
It has been nearly a decade since a Packers player has won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. Coincidentally, it was fellow wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who returned from an ACL injury in 2016. Watson would have to overcome significant odds to do so, as Christian McCaffrey leads most betting markets as the favorite for the award in most prop markets.
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Still, despite missing Green Bay's opening six games of the season, Watson has been having a career year by every standard. In 10 games this season, with one left to play, Watson is second on the team in receiving yards with 611, and is tied for the team lead in touchdowns with six scores.
Jason Hirschhorn, a Packers writer for numerous outlets, including The Leap, pointed out in a post on X that, if Watson doesn't play in Week 18, he would finish nine yards and one touchdown shy of career highs, despite only playing in 10 games. Watson had seven touchdowns in his rookie campaign in 2022 when he played 14 games, and set his personal best in yards last year with 620.
Whether he plays, and whether he sets a personal best in either stat, Watson has enjoyed a wonderful 2025 season. He has remained healthy since returning against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8, firmly establishing himself as one of the dynamic pass-catching options for Jordan Love.
There is still a lot that could happen this season. While the odds will be stacked against Green Bay, given the litany of injuries this team has sustained already, anything can happen in the playoffs. Sometimes, all you need is some luck, a dynamic receiver your quarterback trusts, and a bit of Love.