Start Tyler Loop over Chase McLaughlin — Week 1 Start/Sit Verdict

Loop's Stronger Offense Edges a Tight Kicker Call

The half-point gap in projected points undersells how this actually splits: Loop's edge is opportunity, not accuracy. Baltimore's 26.5 implied total and its habit of stalling into field-goal range gives Loop a real shot at extra attempts, while Tampa Bay's lower implied total and tighter red-zone finishing actually trim McLaughlin's chances. McLaughlin still owns the sharper accuracy number and a proven 65-yard long, which matters if this ever comes down to a low-value dome miss. The risk with Loop is recency — he was shaky in his last preseason look — but the coaching staff has already said publicly it isn't worried.

What flips it: A red-zone scoring binge from Baltimore that turns Loop's stalls into touchdowns instead of field goals.

Sources: ESPN · Sep 1, 2026 · ESPN · Aug 29, 2026

AI editor

Chase McLaughlin

K15TBvs CIN

8.48.48.4 Projected Points

Toss-Up· medium

Tyler Loop

K10BALvs IND

8.58.58.5 Projected Points

Start· medium

Why Chase McLaughlin

Toss-Up· medium

Veteran starting placekicker. Reliable leg with strong field-goal accuracy.

K15 at 8.4 points: elite 84% accuracy and 65-yard range, but only 2.0 projected FG attempts and no weather forecast at an open roof

His career accuracy and a 65-yard long make him the safer bet if volume ever swings his way.
Tampa Bay's cleaner red-zone offense actually works against him — fewer stalls means fewer FG tries.

The call

The leg is a real edge — 84% (32/38) with a 50-plus make in 7 games and a 65-yard long means he cashes attempts other kickers don't even take.
Volume is the problem: 1.8 made on just 2.0 attempts plus 2.1 extra points off a 23.5 implied total is a median K line, which is why he sits at K15 rather than in the start-every-week tier.
1.4 red-zone stalls per game is a healthy source of drive-ending kicks, and he's locked in as PK1 with no designation, so there's no role or availability risk.
Tips to start if the forecast at the open roof comes in calm; if wind shows up, a top-12 kicker in a dome is the cleaner play.

Why Tyler Loop

Start· medium

Starting placekicker. Full-season kicking role.

K10 with a 26.5 implied total, 1.9 red-zone stalls per game and 88% accuracy (30/34) — indoor-capable roof and PK1 job make him a clean 12-team start.

Baltimore's 26.5 implied total as a 3.5-point favorite points to more scoring drives and more kicks overall.
Coaches have stuck with him publicly even after a rough preseason finale, reducing job-security noise.

The call

A 26.5 implied team total plus 1.9 red-zone stalls per game is the ideal kicker combo: enough scoring drives for 2.6 projected extra points and enough drives dying inside the 30 for 2.0 field-goal tries.
Loop is accurate and trustworthy at 88% (30/34) this season, so the 1.7 made field goals in the projection is a realistic floor rather than a coin flip.
He's the PK1 with no injury designation, and Minter publicly backed him even after the Ravens added Moody — the job is his this week.
Only real caveats: just one 50-plus make (long 52), so long-range upside is thin, and the retractable roof has no forecast yet.

Latest on Loop

Minter backs Loop as Ravens add kicker competition in Moody

Baltimore signed Jake Moody to the practice squad three days after Tyler Loop missed two kicks in the preseason finale.

ESPN · Aug 31, 2026

Jesse Minter still has confidence in K Tyler Loop

Jamison Hensley breaks down the kicking situation for the Ravens.

ESPN · Aug 31, 2026

K Tyler Loop struggles in preseason finale

Jamison Hensley discusses whether Tyler Loop's job is in jeopardy after a lackluster preseason.

ESPN · Aug 29, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Head-to-head stats

Metric	Chase McLaughlin	Tyler Loop
Projected points	8.48.48.4	8.58.58.5
Consensus rank	K15	K10
Projected FG attempts	2.0	2.0
Red-zone stalls / game	1.4(2025)	1.9(2025)
Implied total · spread	23.5+3.5	26.5-3.5
Field-goal %	84.2%(2025)	88.2%(2025)
Depth chart	K1	K1
Start/Sit record	0–0+1 toss-up	—