Who Should I Start? Chase McLaughlin or Jake Moody

Saturday, September 6, 9:59 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin will look to keep the good times rolling after a strong 2024 campaign. McLaughlin posted a career-high 93.8 percent conversion rate on field-goal attempts last season. The 29-year-old knocked down 30-of-32 field goals and 54-of-56 extra point attempts across 17 games with the Bucs. He'll enter his third season in Tampa Bay as it appears McLaughlin has found a long term home. The Bucs have a strong enough offense to give McLaughlin plenty of opportunities. McLaughlin should be considered a strong kicking option in what could be a high-scoring game in Week 1 versus the Atlanta Falcons.

Sunday, September 7, 7:54 PM

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that he will "get on the plane and evaluate" the kicker position after Jake Moody went 1-for-3 on field goal attempts Sunday. One of his kicks was blocked, while the other hit off the left upright from just 27 yards out. Moody's struggles are nothing new, as he went 2-for-6 on field goals over his final three games in 2024. Of course, that means Moody is now just 3-for-9 on field goals over his last four regular-season games dating back to last year. Finding an effective field goal kicker in free agency isn't easy, but the 49ers could soon get desperate if Moody's struggles continue. Shanahan's comments indicate that the Niners aren't committed to replacing the 25-year-old, but they'll at least do their due diligence.