Who Should I Start? Daniel Carlson or Chase McLaughlin

Friday, October 17, 9:14 PM

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson draws a challenging matchup in Week 7 versus the Kansas City Chiefs, making him a risky fantasy start. The Chiefs have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers this season and continue to limit scoring opportunities with one of the league's stingiest defenses. Meanwhile, Geno Smith and the Raiders offense have struggled to sustain drives or finish in scoring position, further capping Carlson's upside. While the veteran remains a very accurate kicker, his lack of opportunity makes him tough to trust in fantasy lineups this week. Managers should consider streaming a kicker from a more favorable offensive environment until the Raiders show more consistency.

Saturday, November 8, 7:59 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been reliable again this season, making 17 of his 21 field goal attempts and converting 16 of 17 extra points. His 81% field goal percentage ranks just below the league average of 83.6% and is a sizable step down from last season's career best mark of 93.8%, which was third best in the league. The 29-year-old has been money on kicks from 50 yards or longer this season, drilling all eight of his attempts. No other kicker has made more than six. The eight field goals from 50 yards or more are already one shy of his career best mark set back in 2022. McLaughlin has solid streaming value in Week 10 against New England, which is one of the highest projected totals of the week.