Tyler Loop’s name is making NFL headlines after a high-pressure moment defined the Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 season. The rookie kicker — drafted out of the University of Arizona — became a central figure in a dramatic Week 18 loss that not only ended the Ravens’ playoff hopes but also sparked intense discussion across the league and fantasy football communities.
Who Is Tyler Loop?
Tyler Loop is the place kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, wearing No. 33 and entering the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick in 2025 out of Arizona.
At Arizona, Loop showcased a strong leg, including a school-record 62-yard field goal, earning him attention from NFL scouts for his combination of power and accuracy.
Baltimore selected him amid a transition at the kicker position, replacing longtime legend Justin Tucker with a younger leg and fresh opportunity.
The Missed Field Goal That Changed Everything
The moment that will define Loop’s rookie campaign came in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when a 44-yard field goal attempt missed wide right in the final seconds, sealing a 26-24 loss for the Ravens and knocking them out of playoff contention.
Loop later explained that the kick “felt thin” the moment he struck it — a rare mis-execution from a kicker who had been very dependable on kicks under 50 yards all season.
The miss drew widespread reactions from fans and media alike, and unfortunately, some social media backlash spilled into his personal life, with fans posting negative comments on his private Instagram, even on posts unrelated to football.
2025 Ravens Season: A Broader View
Although Loop had been reliable throughout the season — converting the vast majority of his field goal attempts — the kick against Pittsburgh was his first high-leverage miss, underscoring the harsh spotlight NFL kickers face.
Baltimore’s season was full of twists, with key offensive and defensive struggles, ultimately resulting in an 8-9 record and no playoff berth, the franchise’s first such finish since 2021.
Despite the outcome, coaches and teammates still recognize Loop’s talent — and the coaching staff have emphasized resilience and preparation as central themes heading into the offseason.
Tyler Loop in Fantasy Football
From a fantasy perspective, kickers live and die by opportunity and consistency. Loop was largely a solid fantasy asset during the season due to:
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Frequent scoring chances in the Ravens’ potent offense
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High conversion rates on kicks inside 50 yards
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Extra-point opportunities in a team capable of reaching the end zone often.
However, the Week 18 miss highlights the volatile nature of kicker scoring: one bad kick in a crucial moment can impact both real-world standings and fantasy perceptions. Fantasy managers may need to consider matchups and team scoring probabilities more than pure kicker talent alone in future drafts.
College Background: Arizona Wildcats
Before the NFL, Loop was known as a reliable and powerful kicker for the Arizona Wildcats, finishing his collegiate career with consistent scoring and impressive long-range ability. He demonstrated leg strength that gave scouts confidence, including the capability to drill kicks beyond 60 yards — a rare trait in college kickers.
His transition to the professional ranks was expected to be smooth, though the pressure and consistency required at the NFL level are markedly higher.
Looking Ahead: Future and Redemption
Every kicker faces adversity — and the NFL has seen many who rebound from critical misses to have successful long careers. For Tyler Loop, the lesson from this experience could become a defining turning point.
The Ravens likely view Loop as part of their long-term plans, given his overall performance level and potential to grow. Fantasy players and Ravens fans alike will be watching how he bounces back in 2026, including offseason training, preseason opportunities, and his mental approach to high-pressure situations.
Conclusion
Tyler Loop’s rookie year was filled with promise, excitement, and a high-stakes setback that put him in the football spotlight. While the missed field goal against the Steelers will be remembered, it should not overshadow his overall contributions or his potential moving forward — on both the field and in fantasy football leagues.
With improvement, resilience, and strong coaching support, Loop has every chance to turn this tough ending into a stronger future.
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