Who Should I Start? Jason Sanders or Will Reichard

Thursday, December 11, 12:15 PM

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders (hip) will not have his 21-day practice window opened this week, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. Sanders suffered a hip injury during the preseason and has been on Injured Reserve all year. With only three regular-season games left after this week, there's a good chance we won't see the 30-year-old placekicker at all this year. In his absence, Riley Patterson has filled in nicely for Miami, making 23 of his 25 field-goal attempts (92 percent) and 28 of his 29 extra-point opportunities. Patterson has been solid, but he's only made one field goal beyond 50 yards on just two attempts. He has been under the radar in fantasy football and is currently the No. 10 kicker in terms of overall fantasy points. Patterson will be on the streaming radar in deeper fantasy leagues for Miami's Week 15 matchup versus the Steelers on Monday night.

Friday, December 12, 4:12 PM

Despite going up against a struggling Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 15, Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard should be considered an average fantasy kicker option this week. Reichard, the 12th-ranked fantasy kicker, has been mostly reliable despite the Vikings' struggles on offense. He's 22-for-24 on field-goal attempts, which includes eight makes from 50 or more yards. Ironically, Dallas has been one of the poorer matchups for fantasy kickers, but mostly because its defense is having such a hard time getting to fourth down. The Cowboys have allowed 29 passing touchdowns and a 47.8% third-down conversion rate, both the worst marks in the NFL, and they are allowing red-zone touchdowns at the third-highest rate in the league. While Reichard has been consistent, managers may want to consider a stronger option if they're in the fantasy playoffs.