Do you have to draft a kicker in fantasy football? It’s a question that’s been debated for years and the answer isn’t as clear cut as you might think. Some people swear by drafting a kicker early on, while others prefer to wait until the very last round. Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, there are a few things you should consider before making your decision.
First, it’s important to understand the role kickers play in fantasy football. While they might not be the flashiest position, kickers do have a significant impact on your overall score. They’re responsible for extra points, field goals, and even kickoffs. In fact, a good kicker can single-handedly win you a game. But does that mean you have to draft one? Not necessarily.
Another factor to consider is the depth of your league. If you’re playing in a league with only eight or ten teams, you might have more flexibility when it comes to drafting a kicker. However, if you’re playing in a larger league, drafting a kicker early on might be your only chance to snag a quality player. Remember, once the draft is over, the pickings will be slim. So if you have your eye on a specific kicker, it might be worth taking them in one of the earlier rounds.
Ultimately, whether or not you decide to draft a kicker is up to you. Just remember to consider your league size, the role kickers play in fantasy football, and your overall draft strategy before making your decision. And hey, if you do decide to wait until the very last round to draft a kicker, there’s always the chance that you might just snag the next Justin Tucker.
Importance of Kickers in Fantasy Football
In fantasy football, every position matters. A solid kicker can make the difference between winning and losing a game. While some may argue that kickers are not as important as other positions, stats show otherwise. In fact, kickers can contribute significantly to a team’s overall score. Below we’ll dive into why kickers are a vital part of any fantasy football team.
- Consistent Scoring: A good kicker can provide consistent scoring throughout the season. Instead of relying on sporadic touchdowns, a kicker can provide a reliable source of points every week.
- Long-Range Kicking: Kickers with the ability to make long-range field goals can provide a significant boost to the fantasy team’s score. This is especially true in leagues that reward bonus points for longer kicks.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Fantasy football teams need to capitalize on every opportunity to score. When a team’s offense stalls in the red zone, bringing in a reliable kicker to make a field goal can help offset the missed touchdown opportunity.
Furthermore, kickers are often overlooked in the draft, which can give savvy fantasy football players a significant advantage. While everyone else is scrambling to grab the top ranked running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks, a well-placed kicker pick can provide an unnoticed edge.
Factors to Consider When Drafting a Kicker
When playing fantasy football, many people overlook the importance of drafting a good kicker. However, kickers can make or break your team, and it’s important to choose wisely. Here are some factors to consider when drafting a kicker:
- Accuracy: Look for a kicker with a high accuracy rate. You don’t want your kicker to miss easy field goals or extra points, especially in close games. Check their stats from previous seasons to get an idea of their accuracy.
- Team Offense: A kicker’s performance is heavily influenced by the team’s offense. If the offense is strong, the kicker will have more opportunities to score points. Study the team’s offensive stats from last season to determine if they have a consistent and reliable offense.
- Weather Conditions: Outdoor games can be affected by weather conditions. Windy or rainy weather can make it difficult for kickers to make accurate kicks. Check the weather forecast before the game to see if it will affect your kicker’s performance.
It’s important to remember that kickers typically score fewer points than other positions in fantasy football. Don’t waste an early draft pick on a kicker when you can fill more crucial positions first. Instead, wait until later rounds to draft a kicker.
Lastly, keep in mind that some fantasy football leagues have different scoring rules for kickers. Some leagues give more points for longer field goals or penalize missed kicks more harshly. Be sure to understand your league’s rules before drafting a kicker.
| Kicker Name | Team | Points Scored in 2020 Season | Field Goal Accuracy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Tucker | Baltimore Ravens | 144 | 90% |
| Younghoe Koo | Atlanta Falcons | 166 | 93% |
| Harrison Butker | Kansas City Chiefs | 147 | 89% |
These are just a few factors to consider when drafting a kicker in fantasy football. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which kicker will best fit your team’s needs. Do your research and choose wisely!
Best Kickers to Target in Fantasy Football
When it comes to drafting kickers in fantasy football, opinions are divided. Some believe it is important to have a reliable kicker who can consistently put up points each week, while others think it is a position that can be easily replaced week-to-week. Regardless of your stance, if you do choose to draft a kicker, here are some of the best kickers to target in fantasy football:
- Justin Tucker: Tucker has been a consistent high performer for the Baltimore Ravens, with a career field goal accuracy rate of 90.2%. He has also posted at least 130 fantasy points in each of the past four seasons.
- Harrison Butker: Butker has quickly established himself as one of the best kickers in the league, with a career field goal accuracy rate of 89.7%. He has also scored at least 141 fantasy points in each of the past three seasons.
- Wil Lutz: Lutz has been a reliable kicker for the New Orleans Saints, with a career field goal accuracy rate of 86.2%. He has also scored at least 129 fantasy points in each of the past two seasons.
Kicker Strategy in Fantasy Football
While the above kickers are certainly worth targeting in your fantasy drafts, it is important to remember that kicker performance can be unpredictable. Some of the league’s top kickers in terms of accuracy may not necessarily put up the most fantasy points due to the play-calling of their team or game situations. Similarly, some kickers on weaker teams may get more opportunities to score points due to their team’s inability to consistently reach the endzone.
One strategy to consider is to not even draft a kicker at all, but instead stream the position on a weekly basis. This involves picking up a new kicker off the waiver wire each week based on matchups and projected game scripts. While it can require a bit more effort, it can also potentially lead to more success on a weekly basis.
Kicker Point System in Fantasy Football
It is also important to note the point system for kickers in your fantasy league. While most leagues award three points for a field goal made under 50 yards and four points for a field goal made over 50 yards, some leagues may vary their point system. Additionally, some leagues may award bonus points for long field goals or successful onside kicks. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your league’s point system before drafting or picking up a kicker.
| Field Goal Length | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| 0-19 yards | 3 points |
| 20-29 yards | 3 points |
| 30-39 yards | 3 points |
| 40-49 yards | 4 points |
| 50+ yards | 5 points |
Ultimately, whether or not to draft a kicker in fantasy football comes down to personal preference. If you do choose to draft one, be sure to target a reliable and consistent performer, and don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy based on your league’s point system and weekly matchups.
Sleeper kickers to consider in later rounds
If you decide to wait until the later rounds to draft a kicker, here are a few sleeper picks that could pay off:
- Jason Sanders (Miami Dolphins): Sanders was one of the best kickers in the league in 2020, connecting on over 92% of his field goals. He plays for a rising Dolphins team that should provide him with plenty of scoring opportunities.
- Daniel Carlson (Las Vegas Raiders): Carlson had a solid 2020 campaign, scoring 144 points for the Raiders. He’s accurate from distance and has a strong leg, which could lead to some long field goals.
- Younghoe Koo (Atlanta Falcons): Koo came out of nowhere last season and was one of the best kickers in fantasy football. He made 37 out of 39 attempts and scored 147 points. He plays for a Falcons team that should have a potent offense, which could lead to plenty of extra point and field goal attempts.
Why wait to draft a kicker?
If you’re new to fantasy football, you may be wondering why anyone would wait to draft a kicker. One reason is that kickers are notoriously inconsistent, and their performance can vary greatly from week to week. Additionally, kickers are often the last position drafted, which means you can wait until the later rounds to nab one. This strategy allows you to focus on other positions earlier in the draft.
Kicker scoring can vary by league
It’s worth noting that not all fantasy football leagues score kickers the same way. Some leagues only give points for made field goals, while others also award points for extra points and even subtract points for missed kicks. Be sure to check your league’s scoring settings so you know what to expect from your kicker each week.
Top kicker draft picks
| Player | Team | ADP (Average Draft Position) |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Tucker | Baltimore Ravens | 82.7 |
| Harrison Butker | Kansas City Chiefs | 97.0 |
| Greg Zuerlein | Dallas Cowboys | 137.0 |
While you can certainly wait to draft a kicker, there are a few top options that may warrant an earlier pick. Justin Tucker, Harrison Butker, and Greg Zuerlein are all consistent kickers on high-powered offenses. If you’re looking for a guaranteed source of points each week, these players are worth considering.
Strategies for Streaming Kickers Throughout the Season
When it comes to drafting a kicker in fantasy football, some may argue that it’s not worth it. Kickers can often be unpredictable, and there’s a good chance that one can be picked up off of waivers that can perform just as well as a drafted kicker. Here are some strategies for streaming kickers throughout the season:
- Matchups: Look for kickers on teams that have favorable matchups for the week. If a team is facing a weaker defense, they will have more opportunities for field goals and extra points.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast for the game. Strong winds, rain, and snow can greatly affect a kicker’s performance.
- Home vs. Away: Kicking in a dome or at home can often be more favorable for a kicker than playing on the road.
Another strategy for streaming kickers is looking at their recent performance and consistency. A kicker who has been making a lot of field goals and extra points and has a high accuracy percentage is more likely to continue to do so.
However, it’s important to note that not all kickers are created equal. If there’s a consistent, high-scoring offense, it may be worth keeping their kicker on the roster for the entire season.
| Kicker | Team | Field Goal Percentage | Points Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Tucker | Baltimore Ravens | 90.7 | 141 |
| Greg Zuerlein | Dallas Cowboys | 89.6 | 139 |
| Chris Boswell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 94.2 | 135 |
Overall, drafting a kicker in fantasy football is not necessary, and streaming kickers can often be just as effective. By paying attention to matchups, weather, and recent performance, and keeping an eye out for consistent, high-scoring offenses, fantasy football players can successfully stream kickers throughout the season.
How to Deal with a Kicker Bye Week in Fantasy Football
One of the most frustrating aspects of playing fantasy football is dealing with bye weeks. Bye weeks can be especially difficult when it comes to kickers, as there are only 32 starting kickers in the NFL and a limited number of replacement options on waiver wires. In this article, we’ll discuss some strategies for dealing with a kicker bye week in fantasy football.
Consider Drafting a Backup Kicker
- One option is to draft a backup kicker in the late rounds of your draft. This strategy ensures that you always have a starting kicker on your roster, even during bye weeks. However, it does mean you’ll be carrying an extra player on your roster throughout the season.
- When drafting a backup kicker, try to choose a player with a different bye week than your starting kicker. This way, you won’t have two kickers out during the same week.
Stream a Kicker
If you didn’t draft a backup kicker, the next option is to stream a kicker from the waiver wire or free agent pool. Streaming involves picking up a new kicker each week based on matchup and projected performance. This method requires more effort and research on your part, but it can also yield great results.
When streaming kickers, look for kickers who play on teams that move the ball well but struggle to score touchdowns. These teams often rely heavily on their kicker to score points. Also, consider kickers who play in domes or favorable weather conditions, as wind and rain can greatly affect a kicker’s performance.
Trade for a Kicker
If you’re really struggling to find a starting kicker, consider making a trade for one. Look for a team in your league that has multiple kickers on their roster or a kicker with an upcoming bye week. You may be able to trade a bench player or a low-end starter to acquire a kicker.
Use Your Bench Wisely
| Bench Player | Kicker |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Bye |
| Week 2 | Starter |
| Week 3 | Bye |
| Week 4 | Starter |
If all else fails, you may need to sacrifice a bench player for a week and carry two kickers on your roster. For example, if your starting kicker is on a bye week, you may need to pick up a replacement kicker and drop a bench player for one week. The following week, you can drop the replacement kicker and pick up a new bench player.
Whatever strategy you choose, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for kicker bye weeks. With a little research and effort, you can mitigate the impact of bye weeks and keep your fantasy team competitive.
The Impact of Weather and Field Conditions on Kicker Performance
When it comes to fantasy football, kickers can often be an afterthought. However, they can play a crucial role in the outcome of a game, and should never be overlooked when drafting. Among the various factors that can affect a kicker’s performance, weather and field conditions are two of the most important.
- Weather: Inclement weather can significantly impact a kicker’s ability to make field goals. High winds, rain, and snow can all make it more difficult for a kicker to accurately hit the ball. In windy conditions, the ball can be pushed off course mid-flight, while rain and snow can make the surface of the ball slick, causing it to slip off the kicker’s foot. If possible, it’s best to avoid drafting a kicker who will be playing in extreme weather conditions.
- Field conditions: Just like weather, the condition of the field can also affect a kicker’s performance. If a field is muddy or the grass is too long, it can make it more difficult for the kicker to get a good grip on the ball. The condition of the field can also affect the distance from which a kicker can reliably make a field goal. For example, if a field is particularly hard, a kicker may not be able to kick as far as usual without risking injury.
When drafting a kicker for your fantasy team, it’s important to consider both weather and field conditions. While you can’t control the weather, you can certainly look at weather reports and avoid drafting kickers who will be playing in extreme conditions. Similarly, you can research the condition of the field and take note of how it may impact a kicker’s performance. Doing so can help you make a more informed decision when drafting a kicker, and ultimately put you in a better position to win your league.
One helpful resource for researching field conditions is the NFL’s playing surface database, which provides data on the condition of every field in the league. Additionally, many sports websites provide up-to-date weather forecasts for every game, so you can be sure to avoid drafting a kicker playing in a blizzard or hurricane.
| Weather Condition | Field Goal Accuracy |
|---|---|
| Clear and calm | 85% |
| Windy | 75% |
| Rainy | 70% |
| Snowy | 60% |
Based on the above table, we can see that wind has the biggest impact on field goal accuracy, with only 75% of kicks being successful in windy conditions. Rain and snow also have a significant impact, with success rates dropping to 70% and 60%, respectively. Clear and calm conditions, on the other hand, lead to the highest success rates. When considering the impact of weather on kicker performance, it’s important to keep these factors in mind.
Do You Have to Draft a Kicker in Fantasy Football?
1. Can I win without a kicker in my lineup?
Although kickers typically score fewer points than other positions, they can still make a difference in close games. However, it is possible to win without a kicker, especially if you have a strong roster in other positions.
2. How many kickers should I draft?
Most leagues allow only one kicker per team, so you only need to draft one unless you want to have a backup in case of injury or bye week.
3. When should I draft a kicker?
Kickers are usually drafted in the later rounds of fantasy drafts, after the main positions have been filled. However, if you have a strong preference for a certain kicker, it’s okay to draft them earlier.
4. Can I drop my kicker during the season?
Yes, you can drop and add kickers throughout the season based on matchups and performance.
5. What should I look for in a kicker?
Look for a kicker on a team with a high-powered offense that will give them more opportunities to score points. Also, consider their accuracy and distance abilities.
6. What happens if I don’t draft a kicker?
If you don’t draft a kicker, you can still pick one up on the waiver wire after your draft. However, this may limit your choices since other teams will have already selected their kickers.
The Verdict
In conclusion, while kickers may not be the most exciting position in fantasy football, they can still make a difference in your overall point total. However, it’s ultimately up to personal preference and team strategy. Thanks for reading and happy drafting! Come back soon for more fantasy football tips.