Who Should I Start? Chase McLaughlin or Joey Slye

Friday, January 3, 8:42 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin was extremely busy during last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. McLaughlin made eight kicks during that game, including six extra points. McLaughlin has been one of the better kicking options this season with only four misses heading into Week 18. He figures to continue having success in a plus-matchup against the New Orleans Saints. McLaughlin registered seven kicks during their last meeting. The 28-year-old is likely to remain busy given how the Bucs offense has been playing lately.

Sunday, January 5, 10:28 PM

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye went 2-for-2 on extra points and 3-for-3 on field goals during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. He converted field goals from 41, 42, and 50 yards out. The 28-year-old finished as a top-24 fantasy kicker this season, demonstrating impressive power but dealing with accuracy issues and handling reduced opportunities on a Patriots team that struggled to score points. All in all, he finished the 2024 campaign with 95.8 percent accuracy on extra points and 78.8 percent accuracy on field goals. This season was far from a disaster, and Slye did provide more stability in 2024 than Chad Ryland did as a rookie with the Patriots in 2023. Still, the Patriots may look to bring in a different kicker as they head into the 2025 campaign. Slye is slated to hit free agency in March.