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, October 4, 11:05 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin (illness) was added to the injury report late in the week, but he carries no game designation and is fully expected to play against the Seattle Seahawks. McLaughlin has been productive through four weeks, hitting nine of 12 field goal attempts, including a 65-yarder against Philadelphia in Week 4. While his 75% field goal percentage ranks just 26th in the league, the Buccaneers' explosive offense has kept him busy, and he currently sits fifth among kickers in fantasy points. With Tampa Bay traveling to Seattle for what projects to be a close matchup, McLaughlin should once again see multiple scoring opportunities. Fantasy managers should treat him as a must-start option in Week 5.