Who Should I Start? Jason Sanders or Chase McLaughlin

Wednesday, October 8, 12:35 PM

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders (hip) is not ready to return for a Week 6 contest this Sunday against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Sanders remains on Injured Reserve and has yet to kick in 2025 due to his hip injury. His next chance to make his season debut will come next week when the team travels to Cleveland to take on the Browns. Riley Patterson should handle the kicking duties in Miami for at least another week. The 26-year-old has been perfect through five games, filling in for Sanders, but the problem is that he hasn't had much volume for fantasy purposes. He's gone 5-for-5 on his field-goal tries, including four makes from 40-49 yards out, and 12-for-12 on his extra-point opportunities. Patterson has been money so far, but fantasy managers should have better streaming options in Week 6 at kicker.

Saturday, October 4, 11:05 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin (illness) was added to the injury report late in the week, but he carries no game designation and is fully expected to play against the Seattle Seahawks. McLaughlin has been productive through four weeks, hitting nine of 12 field goal attempts, including a 65-yarder against Philadelphia in Week 4. While his 75% field goal percentage ranks just 26th in the league, the Buccaneers' explosive offense has kept him busy, and he currently sits fifth among kickers in fantasy points. With Tampa Bay traveling to Seattle for what projects to be a close matchup, McLaughlin should once again see multiple scoring opportunities. Fantasy managers should treat him as a must-start option in Week 5.