Welcome to Week 2 Exempt Wire Watch!
The 2025 NFL season has kicked off, and with it, a fresh fantasy football campaign for managers across various formats. Following the weekend’s games, some might already be eyeing potential upgrades for their kickers. No worries; we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at the kicker performances from Week 1. Think of this as your chance to scoop up some talent off the exemption wire before Week 2 dives in. In my experience managing around 40% of the league, we classify these exemptions as pretty crucial.
Matt Plater, K., Buffalo Bills (1.5%)
Imagine going from being your son’s youth football team’s assistant coach to nailing a game-winning kick in one of the NFL’s most anticipated matchups. That was Matt Plater’s reality last week when he kicked a 32-yard field goal, leading the Bills to a thrilling 41-40 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, capping an incredible fourth-quarter comeback.
The 41-year-old veteran delivered a stellar performance, scoring 12 fantasy points — that’s 3-for-3 on field goal attempts and 2-for-2 on extra points. He was signed after Tyler Bass was placed on IR. Interestingly, when he first arrived, some of the Bills players mistook him for the new coach! With the Bills likely to create many scoring chances, it might be a smart move to grab him while you still can.
Week 2 matchup: @New York Jets, 1pm
Joey Sly, K., Tennessee Titans (0.7%)
The Titans struggled in their 20-12 loss to the Denver Broncos, and surprisingly, all their points came from Joey Sly. He was flawless, hitting all four of his field goal attempts, adding a solid 15 points for any fantasy managers who started him. It might take a bit of time for the Titans to find their rhythm, so relying on Sly’s performance could be vital early on. He’s certainly worth a look on the exemption wire.
Week 2 matchup: vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1pm
Spencer Schludder, K, Indianapolis Colts (1.3%)
In a rough start to the season, the Colts faced a daunting 33-8 defeat against the Miami Dolphins, but Spencer Schludder had multiple chances to contribute. He scored 16 points, going 4-for-4 on field goals and 3-for-3 on extra points. After being dropped by the Colts midway through last season, his Week 1 performance might just secure his place on the team this time around. Fantasy managers should definitely consider picking him up off the wire this week.
Week 2 matchup: vs. Denver Broncos, 4:05pm
