Who Should I Start? Daniel Carlson or Chase McLaughlin

Friday, September 12, 2:46 PM

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson kicked off his 2025 campaign with a solid Week 1 performance, tying for the No. 8 kicker spot with 11 fantasy points against the Patriots. The reliable Raiders specialist showcased his impressive leg strength by connecting from both 40 and 51 yards while adding a pair of extra points. Though he missed an ambitious 58-yard attempt before halftime, Carlson's powerful leg remains a valuable fantasy asset. Heading into Week 2, he faces a Chargers defense that surrendered 21 points to the Chiefs ' offense, suggesting ample scoring opportunities should be available. While not an elite option, Carlson's proven accuracy and favorable matchup position him as a dependable low-end starting kicker for managers seeking consistency from their special teams slot this weekend.

Friday, September 12, 6:24 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin didn't have great results during the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons last week. He went 1-for-2 on field goal attempts and 2-for-3 on extra point attempts in the win. McLaughlin missed a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter and snagged an extra point attempt in the fourth quarter. Not an ideal outing for McLaughlin, but he deserves the benefit of the doubt after missing only two field goals all of last season. He figures to remain busy given the Bucs high-powered offense. Fantasy managers should continue to ride with him as a streaming option for the Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans on Monday night.