Who Should I Start? Brandon McManus or Tyler Loop

Thursday, December 25, 7:05 PM

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus has been a major roll over the past month or so, and he'll look to continue that hot stretch when the Packers host the Ravens in Week 17. McManus hasn't missed a kick in the five games he's been back since suffering a quad injury earlier this season. He's nailed his last 11 field goals and 13 extra points, which has led to double-digit fantasy performances in three of his last five weeks. No matter if the quarterback for the Packers is Jordan Love or Malik Willis, Green Bay should be able to find opportunities for McManus in the kicking game. That bodes well for fantasy managers looking to start him, and they should as a solid top-12 option this week against the Ravens.

Saturday, December 20, 9:51 PM

Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop remains on the fantasy radar as a fringe top-12 option heading into Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots in Week 16. Loop is the 12th-highest-scoring fantasy kicker this season and is coming off a decent game in which he made all four of his kicks, including one field goal. Overall, the rookie has gone 33-for-35 on extra points and 26-for-28 on field goals (including one from 50+ yards) through 14 games. On paper, this week's matchup is far from ideal, as the Patriots have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers in 2025. That could be a product of New England's softer schedule, though, and Loop should continue to get extra-point and field-goal opportunities behind Baltimore's strong offense. Furthermore, he'll be kicking in calm conditions, as Baltimore's forecast calls for 5-10 mph winds and no precipitation. Loop ranks as the overall K11 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for Week 16.