Who Should I Start? Dustin Hopkins or Evan McPherson

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.

Sunday, July 27, 8:59 PM

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson converted all six of his field-goal attempts on Sunday to continue a spotless training camp. McPherson is off to an 18-for-18 start this summer as he looks to leave an underwhelming 2024 season behind him. After beginning his career with a productive three-year run, McPherson went backward last season in making just 16 of 22 field goals (72.7%), though he did knock in all but one of his 38 extra-point tries. The 26-year-old missed the Bengals' final five games because of a groin injury, but he has bounced back nicely from it so far. As part of a team with a high-powered offense, McPherson should get plenty of opportunities this year. He's RotoBaller's eighth-ranked kicker heading into the 2025 campaign.