Who Should I Start? Jason Sanders or Tyler Loop

Friday, December 19, 12:35 PM

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders (hip) is unlikely to return in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but it's possible that he could come off Injured Reserve to kick in Week 17 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or for the regular-season finale in Week 18 against the division-rival New England Patriots, according to Travis Wingfield of MiamiDolphins.com. The 30-year-old's 21-day practice window was opened on Wednesday, but he's not ready to return yet from a hip injury that has kept him out all season. With only two games left after this week and the Dolphins eliminated from the playoffs, it's unclear why Miami would even consider bringing Sanders back, but it appears that's still a possibility. Riley Patterson will kick for at least one more week against Cincy on Sunday, and he'll be a deep-league streaming option at the position in a plus matchup.

Saturday, December 20, 9:51 PM

Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop remains on the fantasy radar as a fringe top-12 option heading into Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots in Week 16. Loop is the 12th-highest-scoring fantasy kicker this season and is coming off a decent game in which he made all four of his kicks, including one field goal. Overall, the rookie has gone 33-for-35 on extra points and 26-for-28 on field goals (including one from 50+ yards) through 14 games. On paper, this week's matchup is far from ideal, as the Patriots have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers in 2025. That could be a product of New England's softer schedule, though, and Loop should continue to get extra-point and field-goal opportunities behind Baltimore's strong offense. Furthermore, he'll be kicking in calm conditions, as Baltimore's forecast calls for 5-10 mph winds and no precipitation. Loop ranks as the overall K11 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings for Week 16.