Who Should I Start? Daniel Carlson or Michael Badgley

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 1, 10:19 AM

Indianapolis Colts kicker Michael Badgley will head on the road to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9. Badgley has been excellent for the Colts since taking over kicking duties after Spencer Shrader was lost for the season with a knee injury. The veteran placekicker has made all three of his field-goal tries while hitting 12 of his 13 extra points in three contests. The Steelers have been generous to kickers this season, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Although Badgley hasn't attempted multiple field goals in a game yet, Shrader was near the league lead in field-goal makes and attempts before he got hurt. Badgley sets up as a top-10 fantasy kicker in Week 9.