Miami's kicking job is in flux after Jason Sanders' hip injury, forcing a quick look at replacements. Eddy Piñeiro, a Miami Sunset alum with Panthers pedigree, worked out, while other veterans like Austin Seibert, Matthew Wright, Ben Sauls, and John Parker Romo are under consideration as roster cuts loom.

Piñeiro carries an 88% career FG mark with strong 50-plus yard numbers, and Sanders had a 90.2% make rate in 2024. Miami must decide soon as it trims from 90 to 53, balancing fantasy upside at kicker with NFL depth.

Carolina trimmed 18 players to reach the initial 53-man roster, with most cuts headed to waivers and a path to the Panthers’ practice squad if unclaimed. Carolina still needs 19 more spots by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline as it finalizes depth, while one vested veteran, Matthew Wright, was released. The list features Plummer, Perkins, Bailey, Lynch-Adams, Hudson, George, Luther, Dafney, Losoya, Kandra, Weaver, Windmon, Broughton, Dotson, Swilling, Henderson, Gifford, and Wright.

As the fantasy football championship week unfolds, the significance of kickers in determining the outcome of league titles cannot be overstated. The latest rankings for Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season spotlight key players like Chase McLaughlin, Jake Bates, and Will Reichard, who are poised to make a considerable impact. The rankings, curated by NFL analysts, provide insights into the performance and potential of these kickers, ensuring players are well-informed as they finalize their lineups.

Injuries and availability updates are crucial for fantasy managers. Notably, Matt Prater has been ruled out, while Matthew Wright will step in for the Tennessee Titans. Conversely, Greg Zuerlein is making a comeback, adding depth to the kicking landscape. The rankings showcase top-tier options, with McLaughlin leading the pack, followed by Bates and Chris Boswell, all of whom are expected to perform well against favorable matchups.

Analyzing individual performances, McLaughlin has enjoyed a strong run, making him a reliable choice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, Jake Bates of the Detroit Lions faces the San Francisco 49ers, where he has the opportunity to shine given his impressive season stats. Will Reichard of the Minnesota Vikings, despite facing a tough Green Bay Packers defense, has shown resilience since returning from injury, making him a kicker to watch. Overall, Week 17 presents a critical juncture for fantasy enthusiasts as they navigate kicker selections that could ultimately sway their championship outcomes.

Parker Romo transitioned from a golf course job in Arkansas to becoming a kicker for the Minnesota Vikings after an injury to Will Reichard. His journey highlights the unique challenges faced by NFL kickers, who often remain undrafted and must prove their worth under immense pressure.

Romo's success in his debut game reflects the mental fortitude required in this profession. Other kickers like Lucas Havrisik and Rodrigo Blankenship share similar stories of perseverance, navigating the ups and downs of roster changes and injuries.

Despite the difficulties, the desire to succeed in the NFL drives these players, as they aim to secure their place in a competitive and often unforgiving league.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to welcome back kicker Harrison Butker after he missed four games due to knee surgery. Butker's return comes as the team prepares to face the Cleveland Browns, but they will be without left tackle D.J. Humphries, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Butker had an impressive record before his surgery, making 18 of 20 field goals and 21 of 22 PATs. In his absence, Matthew Wright performed well, successfully converting 8 of 9 field goals.

With Humphries out, the Chiefs may turn to Wanya Morris or Kingsley Suamataia to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Additionally, linebacker Swayze Bozeman and tight end Anthony Firkser have been elevated from the practice squad for the upcoming game.