Who Should I Start? Jason Sanders or Chase McLaughlin

Thursday, October 16, 12:05 PM

According to Miami Dolphins special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman, the team is uncertain if placekicker Jason Sanders (hip) is close to a return, or if he'll even be available to play in the 2025 campaign. Sanders sustained a hip injury leading up to the start of the regular season, but it appears to be worse than initially thought, as he was expected back after Week 5 but has yet to begin practicing. Considering the team's lack of knowledge regarding his progression and Riley Patterson's excellence working in his stead, it wouldn't be surprising if the 29-year-old didn't kick again until 2026. Fantasy managers can safely drop Sanders if he was being held onto.

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.