Who Should I Start? Jason Sanders or Evan McPherson

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, 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.