Who Should I Start? Dustin Hopkins or Ka'imi Fairbairn

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.

Saturday, January 18, 7:32 PM

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn had a rough day in the team's 23-14 defeat in the Divisional Round at Kansas City, making only two of his four field-goal attempts and missing his only extra point. The veteran converted from 30 and 48 yards, but badly missed on a 55-yarder in the first half, pushed an extra point wide on Houston's lone touchdown, and had a low kick blocked in the Texans' last-ditch attempt to get back into the game. It would have taken a special effort for Houston to unseat the defending champs, but between Fairbairn's bad day and the offensive line surrendering eight sacks, the Texans weren't able to do enough as their year ends in the Divisional Round for the second straight season.