Who Should I Start? Dustin Hopkins or Harrison Butker

Saturday, January 4, 9:58 PM

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made his lone field-goal attempt, a 23-yarder, and added an extra point in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Although Hopkins finished a tough 2024 season on a high note, he overall made just 18 of his 27 field-goal attempts for the Browns this past season. The veteran kicker still has three years remaining on the contract extension he signed before the season, although it wouldn't be a big surprise to see the Browns bring in some competition in training camp next year. That being said, an offseason release would bring a significant cap hit and dead money for the Browns which makes it likely that Hopkins is back with the team for the 2025 season.

Saturday, January 25, 4:30 AM

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will be relied upon in the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. Butker was perfect on five kicks against the Texans last week, knocking through three field goals and two extra-point attempts. The veteran kicker had been a bit shaky in his return from knee surgery but was able to quell concerns with his performance in their Divisional Round win. Butker could be counted on late in this contest if the game plays out according to plan for Kansas City. Given the explosive nature of the Bills offense, the Chiefs will try to drag out possessions and rely on touchdowns or field goals at the end of them. Kansas City could also extend a drive in the fourth quarter and end it with a game-winning field goal, as we have seen several times before. Whether the game is a shootout or a closely contested matchup, Butker should be involved. The Chiefs kicker is a solid play in both DFS and playoff leagues this week.