Who Should I Start? Daniel Carlson or Will Reichard

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.

Friday, November 7, 5:54 PM

Kicker Will Reichard should be considered an average fantasy option when his Minnesota Vikings play host to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10. Baltimore ranks 24th against fantasy kickers on the season, but has seen its defense come to life in the past month. The Ravens have held their past three opponents to an average of 13 points, and they enter the game with a few days of added rest after playing the Thursday night game in Week 9. Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy performed admirably in a big win at Detroit, but he's started only three times in his career, and some bumps in the road should be expected. Reichard has been excellent overall, however, making 16-of-18 field goal attempts, but a tough-to-predict Vikings offense makes him a middling fantasy option.