Who Should I Start? Evan McPherson or Tyler Loop

Saturday, October 4, 2:13 PM

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson has been a victim of the team's offensive struggles in 2025. While he has yet to miss a kick, McPherson has only four attempts through four games, ranking 28th among all kickers. The Bengals' offense has been one of the least efficient in the NFL, sitting 30th in points per game (15.3), last in total yards per game (205.3), and dead last in time of possession (25:32). Simply put, McPherson isn't getting opportunities. The Week 5 matchup doesn't offer much upside either, as the Detroit Lions have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to kickers this season. With backup Jake Browning leading the Bengals' offense, scoring chances are unlikely to improve. McPherson remains a reliable kicker in terms of accuracy, but the lack of volume makes him unplayable in fantasy. He should be left out of starting lineups in Week 5.

Saturday, October 4, 2:54 PM

Baltimore Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop has made all seven of his field goal attempts and 14 out of 15 extra-point tries through the first four games of his NFL career. The Ravens' overall point-scoring outlook will take a hit in Week 5, as Baltimore will be without quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, Baltimore faces a difficult matchup against the Houston Texans. Through four weeks, Houston opponents are averaging just 12.8 points per game. Loop does not profile as a strict avoid for fantasy managers in Week 5, but he's a low-end starting kicker option at best.