-2025 NFL Schedule -Strength of Schedule
MOCK DRAFT
Ask the Commish.Com 2025 Draft Kit
"Dud" or "Bust" may be too strong of word here, as we do like Carlson if you can get him as a late round flier. It's just that we do not see him as a top option in fantasy. In 2024, Carlson attempted 40 field goals, making 34 for a conversion rate of 85.0%. This was his lowest percentage since 2019. While he maximizes his opportunities, the Raiders' offense can be inconsistent, limiting his overall fantasy upside. Daniel Carlson is a reliable real-life kicker who can provide decent fantasy points when given opportunities, but his fantasy potential is tied to the Raiders' offensive performance. He simply does not have the weekly upside of kickers in more prolific offenses.
For the second consecutive season, Gano missed a significant chunk of time, in this case due to a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 9. When he was healthy enough to play, the veteran placekicker was pretty accurate -- of his two field-goal misses, one was was blocked, and he converted both of his attempts from 50-plus yards -- though New York's tepid offense limited his opportunities. We advise against drafting Gano as a starting fantasy kicker, at least until he shows signs of being fully healthy and in his previous form.
The well-traveled Slye will catch on with an eighth different organization since going undrafted out of Virginia Tech in 2018. After being cut by the Jaguars last spring, Slye quickly caught on with New England on a one-year deal and emerged as the victor over Chad Ryland in the battle for kicking duties during training camp and the preseason. Slye proceeded to play in all 17 of New England's games in 2024, converting 26 of 33 field-goal attempts and 25 of 26 extra-point tries. The 28-year-old currently is the only kicker on the Titans roster, but the team will almost certainly add some competition before training camp. While he has demonstrated a strong leg and can make long kicks, his overall accuracy has been inconsistent. Fantasy managers should consider other kickers before drafting him, especially in leagues where accuracy is highly valued.
Grupe had a solid rookie season in 2023, making 30 of 37 field goals (81.1%) and finishing tied for eighth among kickers in fantasy scoring. He showed improvement in 2024, converting 27 of 31 field goals (87.1%) and 31 of 33 extra points, though his field goal attempts were slightly lower than in 2023. Barring any unforeseen injuries or issues, Grupe should return as the Saints' starting kicker for the 2025 campaign -- but he's not worth drafting in most leagues. This is partly due to concerns about the Saints' offensive production following Derek Carr's retirement, which could limit Grupe's scoring opportunities.
After a very successful 2023 -- one that resulted in a three-year contract in the offseason -- Hopkins went the other way in 2024. Part of that is attributable to an offense that fell apart, but Hopkins made just 18 of 27 (67 percent) of his field-goal tries. That prompted the Browns to bring in kickers to challenge him, and head coach Kevin Stefanski made him inactive for Week 15. He missed six of his last nine field goal attempts towards the end of the season. The Browns have the 26th hardest schedule for kickers in 2025. The Browns' offense is likely to be among the worst in the NFL, and the outdoor stadium could lead to sloppy weather conditions. He is not worthy of draft selection is most leagues.