Who Should I Start? Chase McLaughlin or Joshua Karty

Thursday, September 5, 4:26 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin (abdomen) was upgraded to a full participant in practice on Thursday, according to Brianna Dix. McLaughlin missed practice on Wednesday due to an abdomen injury and an illness. However, seeing him return to full participation the following day is a great sign for his status in the season opener on Sunday afternoon. The 28-year-old enjoyed a great season in Tampa Bay last fall, hitting 93.5% of his attempts and a stellar 7-for-8 from outside 50 yards. DFS players should consider placing McLaughlin in their lineup as he will face the Washington Commanders, who surrendered the most total yards in the league last season.

Friday, September 6, 7:07 PM

Los Angeles Rams rookie kicker Joshua Karty will be put to the test early in his career in a hostile environment Sunday night against the Lions. The Stanford rookie, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 Draft, figures to be involved heavily in a game that could be a shootout. He should get plenty of opportunities for extra points and field goals if the Rams stall out on a few drives. In a raucous environment, it is hard to predict how the rookie will fare if he is faced with some long field goal attempts. The good news is he will be kicking indoors at Ford Field so he won't have to deal with inclement weather or wind. Karty is likely on the waiver wire in shallow leagues so it might be best to see how he does with his first assignment before deciding whether he should be your fantasy kicker this season.