Who Should I Start? Riley Patterson or Jude McAtamney

Thursday, August 22, 9:20 AM

The Washington Commanders are releasing kicker Riley Patterson following the trade for former Cleveland Browns kicker Cade York, according to John Keim of ESPN. Patterson has spent time with six NFL organizations since going undrafted out of Memphis in 2021. He's seen regular-season action with the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cleveland Browns, and has made 59 of his 67 field goal attempts through the first 39 contests of his career. Patterson's 88.1% career field goal percentage is above the league's average, so it would not be surprising if he lands another opportunity this season.

Sunday, August 25, 4:43 AM

New York Giants kicker Jude McAtamney hit both of his field goal attempts in Saturday's loss to the Giants, connecting from 43 yards and 23 yards away. He was the only Giant to put points on the board in the preseason finale. Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, McAtamney had experience playing Gaelic football before giving the American game a go, eventually playing for Rutgers in 2022 and 2023. McAtamney's path to the NFL makes for a good story but he won't be making waves in fantasy just yet. Signed as an international player, the 24-year-old rookie would not count against the 16 players on the Giants' practice squad. That does seem like the likeliest destination for McAtamney, as Graham Gano is healthy again and slated to be the Giants' starting kicker.