RADIO
Patriots Quiet at This Year's Trade Deadline
The New England Patriots did not make any trades at this year's NFL deadline on Tuesday, sources told Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. Despite plenty of injuries on offense, primarily at wide receiver and running back, the Patriots took a standstill approach at Tuesday's deadline and did not make any moves. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson (knee) is expected to miss several weeks, while RB TreVeyon Henderson (illness) could miss a third straight game this weekend in Germany against the Detroit Lions due to a neurological condition. If both Stevenson and Henderson are unavailable, Corey Kiner would become New England's RB1. Star receiver A.J. Brown (knee, ankle) could also miss another game this weekend. The Patriots were hesitant to part with future draft capital after trading a 2028 first-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles for Brown in the offseason. Additionally, they were operating with only around $5 million in remaining salary cap space for the 2026 season.
Source: Boston Herald - Andrew Callahan
Source: Boston Herald - Andrew Callahan
Chargers Open to Trading Players on Expiring Contracts
The Los Angeles Chargers have been more receptive to trading players over the last 24 hours, sources told NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Veteran pass-rusher Khalil Mack is still considered a long shot to be dealt by Tuesday's trade deadline, but other expiring-contract players are available if the offer makes sense. The Chargers have a firm eye toward the future after starting the 2026 season at 0-8, the only team in the NFL still without a win. The Chargers have shot down overtures on building blocks like quarterback Justin Herbert and wide receiver Ladd McConkey, but they could be willing to deal other names if the price is right. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said that general manager Joe Hortiz is "pursuing and active" at this year's deadline. "If something makes sense that will make our team better, now or in the future, Joe Hortiz is going to be open and active in pursuing that."
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Falcons Release Kicker Nick Folk
The Atlanta Falcons released veteran kicker Nick Folk on Tuesday, sources told NFL insider Jordan Schultz. In a corresponding move, the Falcons signed kicker Jake Moody off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad. Folk gets the boot off Atlanta's roster after going 13-for-18 on his field-goal attempts (including going 1-for-4 from 50-plus yards out) and 17-for-18 on his extra-point tries in the first nine games of the 2026 season. The 42-year-old made 96.6% of his 29 field-goal attempts in 16 games with the New York Jets last year and made over 95% of his field-goal attempts in each of the last three seasons, but the 42-year-old veteran might finally be losing his touch in his 19th year in the NFL. The Falcons had seen enough after Folk missed his fifth field-goal try of the year in the team's 34-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain, this past Sunday. Folk could latch on with another team looking for kicking help for the second half of the season, or he could ride off into retirement.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Falcons Sign Kicker Jake Moody Off Ravens Practice Squad
The Atlanta Falcons are signing kicker Jake Moody off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad and adding him to their 53-man roster on Tuesday, sources told NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Moody hit a 53-yard field goal for the Ravens on Thursday in their blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and is now poised to take over as Atlanta's placekicker after the release of Nick Folk on Tuesday. The 26-year-old Moody was cut by the Washington Commanders during preseason. The former third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 from Michigan played with the 49ers, Commanders, and Chicago Bears last year, making 19 of his 23 field-goal attempts (82.6%) and 15 of his 16 extra-point tries in nine games played. Moody has a 78.3% career field-goal percentage on 65 total attempts over 41 games played. For a Falcons offense that is only putting up 20.9 points per game so far in 2026, Moody should be off the streaming radar in most fantasy leagues as the Falcons head into a Week 10 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Spencer Shrader Should Bounce Back in Week 9
Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader is hopeful for more action after not making much of an impact last weekend. Shrader made his lone extra point attempt and didn't attempt a field goal during the Week 8 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. In Week 7, Shrader missed two field goals in the defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy managers can be hopeful for a rebound performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9. The Cowboys rank 29th in the league when it comes to kicker points allowed. The Colts offense has been a disaster, which is holding Shrader back at times. They should be able to rebound this weekend and give Shrader plenty of chances. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable plugging in Shrader as their kicker this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Brandon Aubrey has Favorable Matchup in Week 9
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is looking to bounce back after missing a crucial kick during last week's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Aubrey was mostly on point until he missed a 61-yard field goal ahead of halftime. Those three points ended up biting the Cowboys in their three-point loss. Through eight games this season, Aubrey has made 15-of-19 field goal attempts and 20-of-21 extra point attempts. He'll draw a favorable matchup in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts defense. A unit that ranks 22nd in total defense with 343.5 yards allowed per game. They've also allowed 78 points to opposing kickers, which makes this an appealing matchup for Aubrey. He ranks as one of the top kicking options for Week 9.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
High-Scoring Potential For Will Reichard In Week 9
Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard is again a no-thought-required starting option when his team welcomes the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. Despite the struggles of the Minnesota offense, their kicker has still performed, scoring double-digit fantasy points in four of the past five games. Behind backup quarterback Carson Wentz, the Vikings have to open up their offense to keep pace with Buffalo, but any improvement likely will mean more chances for Reichard. Additionally, the Bills rank 26th in defensive EPA and 29th against fantasy kickers, so the matchup is favorable. As RotoBaller's No. 4 player at his position this week, Reichard can be started in every format that plays a kicker.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brandon McManus a Low-Floor Option in High-Scoring Offense
Los Angeles Rams kicker Brandon McManus has some fantasy appeal in deeper leagues ahead of Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. McManus is 8-for-8 on extra points since joining the Rams two weeks ago, and he also made his lone field-goal attempt last week. Ever since the start of the 2025 season, it has been tough for Rams kickers to carve out high-level fantasy value because a staggering number of the team's drives end in touchdowns, rather than field goals. That's a good problem to have for Rams fans, but it makes it difficult to start a Rams kicker in fantasy football. McManus needs at least one field goal to be even a mediocre option for fantasy football, and that's not a guarantee in this Los Angeles offense, especially in a potentially lopsided matchup against the Commanders. The upside is undeniable, but McManus also has a lower floor because of the low field goal volume. As a result, he ranks as the K14 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings. We'd prefer to start someone with higher upside than McManus, but in a worst-case scenario, the Rams' strong offense makes him a fine streaming option for managers seeking a short-term option to replace a kicker on their bye week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Wil Lutz Is a Week 9 Streaming Option
Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz has converted nine of his last 10 field-goal attempts. He hit from 39 and 45 yards against Kansas City in Week 8 and made all three of his tries at Arizona the week before. He also went five-for-five on extra points across those two games, as the Broncos scored 28 and 30 points. Lutz is a reasonable streamer for Sunday's trip to Carolina, where the Panthers are allowing 27.6 points per game. RotoBaller ranks him K12 for Week 9. Opponents have attempted only 11 field goals against Carolina in seven games, converting 10. Green Bay scored four touchdowns against the Panthers last week without attempting a field goal, so the favorable scoring matchup can still turn into a day with mostly extra points. Lutz is 14-for-17 on field goals this season and has been perfect on seven attempts inside 40 yards. He has also made two of three attempts from 50 or longer, including a 53-yarder, which gives him added appeal in leagues with distance bonuses.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dominic Zvada Hoping to Bounce Back Against Eagles
New York Giants rookie kicker Dominic Zvada hopes to bounce back after a tough three-game stretch before the bye week. In his first seven games, Zvada has made 13 of 18 field goals and all 12 extra points. His inaccuracy was a major factor in Weeks 5 and 7, when he missed five field goals. Head coach John Harbaugh remains confident in the rookie and has kept him as the starter heading into Week 9. Harbaugh said on Wednesday, "We're not worried about him. Now, we'll be disappointed if he misses a kick or two. We'll be really happy if he makes them." He faces the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to kickers this season. Their defensive struggles have been evident, but Zvada's inaccuracy over the course of the season makes him a risky option in Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bates a Solid Top-12 Kicker Option in Week 9
Across seven games in 2026, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has converted 12 of his 13 field goal attempts and all 23 of his extra-point tries. While Bates is coming off his first missed kick of the season in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings, he's largely been very reliable for Detroit this season. In Week 9, Bates and the Lions will travel to Miami to take on a Dolphins team that has allowed 25.9 points per game so far in 2026. The Lions are currently averaging 29.0 points per game on offense, so Detroit could be well-positioned to give Bates opportunities to put points on the board on Sunday. Bates profiles as a solid top-12 kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Andre Szmyt Is Reliable Kicker Option In Week 9
Cleveland Browns kicker Andre Szmyt is in a good spot to deliver solid results in Week 9 at the New Orleans Saints. The Browns are in a good position to score points against a very porous Saints defense and Szmyt has been a reliable option all season long. He is 16-of-18 on field goal attempts and 11-of-12 on extra-point tries this season. Szmyt has a long field goal of 56 yards this season and is coming off of two made field goals in Week 8's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Against the Steelers, Szmyt made one kick in the 30-yard range and one kick in the 40-yard range. Look for Szmyt to deliver more solid results in an indoor environment at the Saints.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Ka'imi Fairbairn An Elite Kicker in Week 9
Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn has been one of the most reliable producers in the league again this season, converting 15 of his 16 field goal attempts and all 16 of his 16 extra point attempts. He made multiple field goals in four straight games before the team's Week 8 bye and has kicked six field goals from over 50 yards in his seven games this season. Fairbairn and the Texans are in a favorable spot in Week 9 as they travel to Los Angeles to take on the 0-7 Chargers indoors at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers have allowed 14 made field goals in their seven games while allowing a total of 25 points per game. Fairbairn is the No. 2 kicker in RotoBaller's Week 9 rankings, and it's worth checking to see if he was dropped during the bye week. He's a weekly set-and-forget option in the kicker spot.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eddy Pineiro Has A Safe Floor In Matchup Against Raiders
San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro missed an extra point attempt for the fourth time this season back in the team's Week 7 loss to the Falcons. Pineiro has also missed three field goals this year, though it is worth noting that all three misses have been from over 50 yards out. Inaccuracy aside, Pineiro's fantasy value has taken a hit due to the 49ers' efficiency on offense. San Francisco's offense leads the league in drives resulting in a touchdown, robbing Pineiro of field goal opportunities. Week 9 might present the same problem in a meeting with the Raiders. Las Vegas' leaky defense has led to them seeing the most extra point attempts in the league, but the ninth-fewest field goal attempts. The matchup should give Pineiro a handful of extra point opportunities at the very least, making him a viable, if unexciting, floor option for fantasy purposes this weekend.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Cairo Santos a Good Bet for Fantasy in Week 9
Chicago Bears placekicker Cairo Santos is again a strong fantasy option for this Sunday's home matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Santos has laid a few clunkers this season, but has mostly been reliable for the Bears and owners. It was encouraging to see the 34-year-old veteran break his miss streak in Week 8, after knocking through all of his kicks in a game for the first time since a win over the Jets in Week 4. While he'll always be somewhat capped by the offense's ability to score touchdowns, Santos may experience a bit of a boost this week against what's been a downright impressive Bucs defense. If Tampa Bay can limit Chicago like they have their past few opponents, Santos may get a few more field-goal opportunities than managers have come to expect. Even with the stiff test ahead, the Tulane product lands as RotoBaller's K7 for Sunday's outing.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
