Who Should I Start? Dustin Hopkins or Daniel Carlson

Friday, July 11, 2:48 PM

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins will "get every opportunity" to rebound from a down year in 2024, according to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. Hopkins had an excellent year in 2023 when he made 33 of his 36 kicks, including all eight attempts from beyond 50 yards. He was significantly worse in 2024, going just 18-27 overall and four-for-eight from 50+ yards out. Easterling notes that Hopkins' primary competition in Browns' camp is Andre Szmyt, who has yet to record a kick in an NFL game. Hopkins is just starting a three-year contract extension that he signed in July 2024, so the team is counting on him regaining his prior form. RotoBaller currently has Hopkins ranked as kicker #27 for fantasy.

Monday, December 30, 12:05 AM

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson went 4-for-4 on field goals and also converted his lone extra-point attempt during Sunday's Week 17 win over the New Orleans Saints. His field goals came from 25, 31, 39, and 54 yards out. Carlson has now made four-plus field goals in 25 percent of his games this season, pushing him just inside the top 12 kickers (based on fantasy points) so far. Although his fantasy production has been relatively inconsistent due to the Raiders' developing offense, Carlson remains an intriguing weekly streamer with very high upside. He should continue to be viewed as a fringe top-12 kicking option in fantasy football ahead of Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers.