Punters and kickers don’t get the fanfare and notoriety as the rest of their peers in football. Just as they do throughout the league, NFC South Special Teams face scrutiny and pressure game in and game out. This is particularly true when the game is on the line, as the pressure rises. Field position is so important in close games, and punters’ effectiveness is judged on how well they can impact their team’s field position. Kickers have to come up big in the game’s biggest moments, and they have to play with a short memory when they misfire. Special teams are now being regarded as essential to a winning team’s championship chances.
We return with Last Word on the NFL’s top returning series as we take a look at the best players at their position groups. Who makes #1 as the best NFC South Special Teams for 2026? Let’s take a look.
The Best NFC South Special Teams for 2026
5. Jake Bailey, Atlanta Falcons
Bailey has been a consistent punter in his seven seasons, four with the New England Patriots and then three with the Miami Dolphins. One of his best seasons was in 2020 when he made the Pro Bowl, but he has been pretty darn good throughout his career. He has a 46.3-yard-per-punt average and will have a good chance to put up career numbers in 2026, playing at home in the dome.
4. Ryan Fitzgerald, Carolina Panthers
Fitzgerald had a nice start to his career in 2025, making 24 of 29 field goals. Although this wasn’t spectacular, three of his misses were from 50+ yards. Fitzgerald is going to be counted on for big things in 2026 as the Panthers will look to continue a philosophy of ball-control offense and tough defense, positioning Fitzgerald with plenty of field goal opportunities. He tied a record last season for rookies with four game-winning field goals.
3. Nick Folk, Atlanta Falcons
Folk is entering his 20th season in the league, and based on his last three seasons with the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets, he is nowhere near the end. Folk has led the league in field goal percentage in each of the last three seasons. He has made at least 95% of his attempts in each of his last three seasons, considerably better than his overall career percentage of 85%. The Falcons are Folk’s sixth team, and with the booming foot of Jake Bailey handling kickoffs, Folk may have a great home in Atlanta, where the dome will allow his accuracy to shine.
2. Riley Dixon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dixon is entering his eleventh season in 2026, his second with Tampa Bay. Dixon has a strong leg, but it’s his placement that makes him such a weapon in the field position game for Tampa Bay. He planted 46% of his punts last season inside the opponent’s twenty-yard line. The Bucs look to capitalize on several offensive weapons at Baker Mayfield’s disposal, and when their offense sputters, they will be counting on Dixon to pin opponents deep. He has the leg and touch to do that and will be a big weapon for Tampa’s defense.
1. Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McLaughlin bounced around the league in his seven seasons, playing with six teams before landing with Tampa Bay. He is one of the NFL’s most dependable kickers, converting almost 85% of his attempts in his career. It is McLaughlin’s accuracy from long distance, however, that lands him as the top special teams standout in the division. McLaughlin has made 26 of 30(86.7%) kicks from 50+ for Tampa Bay, giving the Bucs a distinct advantage in close contests. McLaughlin ranks surprisingly low on many fantasy football kicker lists and will be a great addition once fans realize what he brings to the table.
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