DeAndre Carter and Andre Szmyt Active for Browns
DeAndre Carter (concussion) and kicker Andre Szmyt (calf) are both active and ready to go for Week 3's matchup against the Packers. Carter had to leave last week's game with a concussion, and Szmyt popped up on the injury report on Friday with a calf injury. He underwent an MRI, but everything looked good, so he's available as an emergency option at the position if needed. Carter has not played an offensive snap yet for the Browns, but he is an important special teams contributor, and he should be back in that role on Sunday after clearing the concussion protocol.
Source: Browns
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Source: Browns
Tyler Loop with a Favorable Matchup in Week 3
Tyler Loop has played well so far this season. He made both attempts in Week 1 in the loss to the Bills, with one of them taking place from beyond the 50-yard mark. The 24-year-old followed up that performance by sinking as many kicks in the Week 2 win over the Cleveland Browns. While the season is still young, Loop is already one of the top fantasy kickers going. With the Ravens and Lions expected to feature plenty of scoring on Monday night, Loop could continue to have plenty of opportunities to produce for fantasy managers. Keep him starting.
Source: ESPN
Baltimore Ravens kicker Source: ESPN
Jake Bates Profiles as a Low-End Starting Kicker in Week 3
Jake Bates recorded his first missed field goal attempt of 2025 in Week 2, a 55-yard try against the Chicago Bears. Still, Bates had a solid fantasy day by knocking in all seven of his extra-point attempts and nailing a 34-yard field goal. The Lions will leave the friendly confines of Ford Field and head outdoors in Week 3 for a road matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The weather shouldn't be an issue for Bates on Monday night, and the Lions may be forced to push the ball downfield and hunt points to keep up with the high-powered Baltimore offense. Bates profiles as a low-end top-12 fantasy kicker in Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Detroit Lions kicker Source: RotoBaller
Cam Little a Low-End Starter in Week 3
Cam Little has been a solid fantasy option so far this season, and that shouldn't change in Week 3 against the Houston Texans. The Texans defense has done well of limiting their opponents, but that have also given up lots of yards. That could mean Little is in line for plenty of work to have a good fantasy day. In his second season, Little has shown to be a consistent option for the Jaguars, showing he has plenty of leg and accuracy. That makes him a reliable kicker but in an inconsistent offense from a fantasy perspective. Managers should feel fine starting Little in Week 3 against the Houston Texans.
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cairo Santos Too Risky to Trust in Week 3
Cairo Santos has been quiet to start his 17th NFL season. After missing a field goal in Week 1, he converted all of his extra-point attempts in Week 2's loss to the Detroit Lions. Head coach Ben Johnson's aggressive approach on fourth downs has limited Santos' fantasy upside, as opportunities for field goals have been capped. In Week 3, the Bears face the Dallas Cowboys, who have allowed the most points in the NFL through the first two weeks. While a high-scoring game is likely, Santos remains a high-risk kicker option in fantasy this week.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Chicago Bears kicker Source: Pro Football Reference
Andre Szmyt Off Injury Report, Good to Go Against Packers
Andre Szmyt (calf) is expected to play on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Szmyt had a scare on Friday, but he's cleared to kick in Week 3. The rookie has had an up-and-down start, missing a game-winning attempt in Week 1 and converting his only try in Week 2. Facing a tough Packers defense, the Browns' offense may struggle to generate scoring opportunities, limiting Szmyt's fantasy upside. He should remain off fantasy lineups for Week 3.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Cleveland Browns kicker Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Joshua Karty Not an Intriguing Fantasy Option for Managers in Week 3
Joshua Karty can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues ahead of his Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. First of all, Karty himself has been underwhelming this season, going 5-for-6 on extra points and only having two field goal attempts. Quite simply, the Rams are scoring too many touchdowns and aren't stalling enough in field goal territory for Karty to produce points. Additionally, Karty is headed for a relatively tricky matchup this week against the Eagles, who have surrendered the 15th-fewest fantasy points to kickers in 2025. Managers in most leagues can find better kicking options than Karty this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams kicker Source: RotoBaller
Spencer Shrader Looking to Continue Hot Start in Week 3
Spencer Shrader will head on the road to take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Shrader has gotten off to a hot start, having hit all nine of his field-goal attempts and adding five extra points through two games. The Colts have been better on offense than expected, ranking fourth in the NFL with 31.0 points per game, which has afforded Shrader extra field-goal attempts thus far. Fantasy gamers can consider the Indy kicker a top-12 option heading into Week 3.
Source: NFL.com
Indianapolis Colts kicker Source: NFL.com
Joey Slye Looks to Continue Hot Start in Week 3
Joey Slye has been on fire to start the 2025 season, hitting all eight of his field-goal attempts and averaging 16 fantasy points per game. Even with Tennessee's offensive and defensive struggles, Slye has been one of the most reliable fantasy options at the position, ranking third in fantasy. Week 3 presents a tougher challenge against the Indianapolis Colts, who have yet to allow a field goal this season. With the Titans entering as five-point underdogs, there's a chance this matchup turns into more of a "go-for-it" game script rather than relying on field goals. Slye still profiles as a starting kicker in Week 3, but managers should be aware of the added risk tied to Tennessee's offensive inconsistencies.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tennessee Titans kicker Source: Pro Football Reference
Andre Szmyt Listed as Questionable for Week 3
Andre Szmyt (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Green Bay Packers. Szmyt was not listed on their injury report on Wednesday and Thursday, but was listed as a limited participant during their final session on Friday. Managers should keep an eye on his status ahead of Sunday's contest, as he may not be able to progress enough to suit up to face the Packers. The 26-year-old signed a contract with the Browns in the offseason and has had mixed results in his first two NFL games. In Week 1, Szmyt went 1-for-2 on field goals and 1-for-2 on extra points. Then in their second game against the Ravens, Szmyt went 1-for-2 and 2-for-2, respectively. The Browns may look to add a kicker to their practice squad prior to Sunday's game if Szmyt continues to remain in a limited capacity. If he were to suit up, he would not carry much fantasy upside facing a potent Green Bay defense.
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Cleveland Browns kicker Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Nick Folk a Reliable Low-Volume Option
Nick Folk presents with more risk for this weekend's matchup with the hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Los Angeles, California, native has yet to miss a kick during his second tenure with the Jets. He's a perfect 3-for-3 on both extra-point attempts and field goal tries through the first two weeks of 2025. While he's been precise in recent seasons, Folk falls victim to New York's reduced pace of play, as the team ranks near the bottom of the league with 109 offensive plays run (sixth-fewest). To further the case against the veteran, quarterback Justin Fields (concussion) will be replaced by journeyman signal-caller Tyrod Taylor, adding an extra variable. It's possible Baker Mayfield and the Bucs force New York to play at an elevated pace, but there should be better options out there to slot into fantasy managers' lineups at kicker. Folk ranks as RotoBaller's K31 this week.
Source: ESPN
New York Jets placekicker Source: ESPN
Ka'imi Fairbairn is a Solid Start in Jacksonville
Ka'imi Fairbairn continues to be a reliable fantasy starter at the position despite his team's offensive issues. He has made all his kicks this season, going a perfect 5-for-5 on field goal attempts and 1-for-1 on extra points. They went for two after one of their touchdowns in Week 2 on Monday Night Football, but Fairbairn still finished with seven points, including another field goal from 50+ yards. He's made all three of his attempts this year from over 50 yards, and he is a solid play as the Texans look to pick up their first win of the season on the road against Jacksonville this week. Fairbairn is the No. 7 kicker in RotoBaller's Week 3 rankings, making him a starter in almost all formats at EverBank Stadium.
Source: NFL.com
Houston Texans kicker Source: NFL.com
Eddy Pineiro Looking To Impress In Home Debut
Eddy Pineiro was brought in for Week 2 after one miss too many by Jake Moody brought about his release. Naturally, Pineiro shanked his first kick with his new team, an extra-point try no less. Pineiro rebounded and made good on the rest of his attempts last Sunday, two extra points and field goals from 44 and 46 yards out. Pineiro is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, a welcome change of pace given his predecessor's volatility. His upside is limited, however, by a lack of leg strength. Pineiro makes for an adequate streamer in Week 3, though fantasy football managers are better off seeking a kicker with greater potential to hit long-range field goals.
Source: NFL.com
San Francisco 49ers kicker Source: NFL.com
Andy Borregales Remains Near Bottom of Fantasy Rankings in Week 3
Andy Borregales has struggled through his first two NFL games, going 4-for-5 on field goals and just 2-for-4 on extra points so far. The rookie has failed to establish himself as a reliable fantasy option. Instead, he's near the bottom of fantasy rankings and could be a couple more poor games away from fighting for his job. The Patriots' opponent this week, the Pittsburgh Steelers, have allowed the 15th-most fantasy points to opposing kickers this year, ranking near the league median. However, even if they had allowed the most fantasy points to kickers, Borregales wouldn't be worth trusting. He needs to establish more kicking consistency before he climbs back onto the fantasy radar. He can be dropped in all leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
New England Patriots kicker Source: RotoBaller
Daniel Carlson Quietly Emerging as Reliable Fantasy Kicker
Daniel Carlson has once again proven to be a steady fantasy contributor, making five of his six field-goal attempts through two games. His lone miss came from 58 yards, showing he's been accurate and dependable from standard ranges. With the Raiders offense struggling to finish drives, Carlson has benefited from frequent opportunities to put points on the board. That trend should continue in Week 3, as he enters tied for K8 on the season and facing a lighter stretch of the schedule ahead. While often overlooked at the kicker position, Carlson's consistency makes him a viable starting option and one of the better surprises for fantasy managers early in the 2025 campaign.
Source: Raiders.com
Las Vegas Raiders kicker
Source: Raiders.com