Yes, a kicker can absolutely get negative points in fantasy football. While it might seem unusual, several actions and inactions by a kicker can lead to a deduction of points from your fantasy team’s score, directly impacting your weekly matchups. This guide will dive deep into the specifics of kicker fantasy football scoring and explain all the ways your kicker can end up costing you valuable points.
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Fathoming Fantasy Football Kicker Scoring
Fantasy football is a game of strategy, and every position matters, even the kicker. Kickers are often seen as a final piece to round out a team, but their scoring can be surprisingly complex. Understanding the nuances of fantasy football kicker rules is crucial for maximizing your team’s potential and avoiding unexpected point deductions. We’ll explore how kickers earn points and, more importantly, how they lose them.
The Basics of Kicker Points
Generally, kickers score points for successful field goals and extra points. The point values for these successful kicks vary across different fantasy platforms. Common scoring structures include:
- Extra Points (PATs): Typically worth 1 point.
- Field Goals:
- Short (e.g., 1-39 yards): Usually 3 points.
- Medium (e.g., 40-49 yards): Often 3 or 4 points.
- Long (e.g., 50+ yards): Commonly worth 4 or 5 points.
These are the positive points you expect from your kicker. However, the dark side of kicker fantasy football scoring involves the negative consequences.
The Pitfalls: How Kickers Get Negative Points
Several scenarios can lead to negative kicker points in fantasy football. These are the situations you need to be aware of to mitigate risk and make informed decisions when drafting or picking up kickers.
Missed Field Goals: The Most Common Culprit
This is the primary reason a kicker will lose points. Almost every fantasy platform penalizes missed field goals. The severity of the penalty often depends on the distance of the missed kick, but even a short miss can result in a point deduction.
- Short Missed Field Goals (e.g., under 40 yards): Can cost you -1 or -2 fantasy points.
- Long Missed Field Goals (e.g., 40+ yards): Might result in a -1 or -2 point deduction, sometimes the same as shorter misses, but the context of the failure is often considered.
Why the Penalty? In real football, a missed field goal is a failure to score points. Fantasy football scoring systems are designed to mirror this reality. If your kicker misses a crucial 3-point attempt, they don’t just get zero points; they actively hurt your team’s score.
Missed Extra Points (PATs)
While less common than missed field goals, missing an extra point is also a negative play. Most platforms will deduct 1 point for a missed PAT. This is particularly frustrating as PATs are generally considered automatic.
Blocked Kicks
Whether it’s a field goal or an extra point, if your kicker’s attempt is blocked by the opposing defense, they will likely not receive points for the kick. In some scoring systems, a blocked kick can even result in a small point deduction, similar to a missed kick, though this is less universal than penalties for misses. The key here is that the ball didn’t even have a chance to reach its target.
Kicker Penalties and Turnovers
This is where things get a bit more nuanced and depend heavily on individual league settings.
Kicker Penalties Fantasy
While rare, a kicker can technically incur penalties in real football that might translate to fantasy points. For instance, if a kicker is flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, taunting, or false start, these penalties could be reflected in their fantasy score. However, most fantasy football kicker rules do not explicitly penalize these types of infractions. The focus is almost always on the outcome of the kick itself.
It’s important to check your specific league’s scoring settings. Some highly customizable leagues might have rules in place to penalize unsportsmanlike conduct, but this is not standard.
Kicker Fumbles Fantasy
Can a kicker fumble? Yes, though it’s an uncommon occurrence. Kickers are typically protected players and rarely involved in open-field plays. However, if a snap is fumbled by the holder, or if the kicker somehow fumbles the ball after a successful kick (highly unlikely) or during a fake field goal attempt, it could lead to a turnover.
- Fumbles: A fumble by the kicker or holder that results in a loss of possession for their team would almost certainly result in a negative point outcome, usually -2 points, just like any other offensive player fumbling the ball. This is a significant way a kicker can contribute negative kicker points.
Kicker Turnovers
A turnover is the broader category that includes fumbles. If a kicker is responsible for a turnover, such as fumbling the ball on a botched hold or a failed fake field goal attempt, they will be penalized. The specific penalty will depend on the platform’s general turnover rules. Typically, a fumble lost results in a -2 point penalty.
Poor Game Performance and Low Kick Volume
While not directly resulting in negative points through deductions, a kicker who doesn’t attempt many kicks or whose team struggles to move the ball into scoring position can significantly limit your fantasy score. If your kicker attempts zero field goals and zero extra points in a game, they will score 0 points. This is effectively a “negative” outcome compared to the potential points they could have scored.
Kicker Bye Weeks
This doesn’t result in negative points but rather zero points for that week. Every NFL team has a bye week during the season. Your kicker, along with the rest of their real-life team, will not play. If you forget to replace your kicker with a viable backup during their bye week, you will receive a score of 0 for that position. This can be as damaging as negative points if you’re not prepared.
Strategies to Mitigate Kicker Risk
Since kickers can negatively impact your score, smart managers employ strategies to minimize this risk.
Researching Kicker Matchups
The most crucial strategy is to analyze kicker matchups. A kicker’s success is heavily dependent on their team’s ability to move the ball and get into scoring position.
- Offensive Line Strength: A strong offensive line that provides good protection for the quarterback and running game will lead to more scoring opportunities.
- Offensive Playmakers: Teams with reliable receivers, tight ends, and running backs are more likely to sustain drives and get close enough for field goals or score touchdowns for extra points.
- Opponent’s Defense: A weak opposing defense is more likely to allow the offense to move down the field. Conversely, a strong defense might limit opportunities or even force longer field goal attempts.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Games: Kickers often perform better in dome stadiums or at home during fair weather. Adverse weather conditions (wind, rain, snow) can significantly increase the likelihood of missed kicks, especially from longer distances.
- Team’s Red Zone Efficiency: A team that consistently scores touchdowns in the red zone will offer fewer field goal opportunities. While touchdowns are great, a kicker on a team that struggles in the red zone but can move the ball to the 30-yard line might actually be more valuable for their field goal attempts.
Monitoring Kicker Performance Trends
Beyond matchups, observe how kickers perform over time. Some kickers are more reliable than others, even in tougher situations. Look for kickers who have a high percentage of made field goals, especially from 40 yards and beyond.
Understanding Kicker Defense Scoring (Indirectly)
While kickers themselves don’t usually score points for defensive plays, the performance of their own team’s defense can indirectly impact their scoring.
- Good Team Defense: If your team’s defense is playing exceptionally well and holding opponents to few points, the offense may get more possessions or better starting field position. This can lead to more scoring opportunities for the kicker.
- Defensive Touchdowns: If your team’s defense scores, it adds points to your team score, but it doesn’t directly add points to the kicker’s fantasy score unless it somehow leads to a subsequent scoring drive by the offense.
The concept of “kicker defense scoring” is generally misapplied. Kickers don’t have their own defensive capabilities that earn them fantasy points. Their value is tied to their team’s offensive output and their ability to convert scoring opportunities.
Avoiding Kickers on Bad Teams
Generally, avoid kickers on teams that consistently struggle to move the ball or score points. While they might get a few opportunities, the overall volume and success rate can be low, and they are more prone to being in long-yardage situations for field goals, increasing the chance of misses.
The Case for Kickers on High-Powered Offenses
Kickers on offenses that frequently get into scoring range, even if they sometimes score touchdowns instead of field goals, can be reliable. They benefit from the sheer volume of opportunities.
Platform-Specific Scoring Variations
It’s crucial to reiterate that fantasy football kicker rules are not universal. Different platforms (ESPN, Yahoo, Sleeper, FanDuel, DraftKings) have distinct scoring settings. Always check your league’s specific rules.
Key Differences to Look For:
- Point values for field goals by distance: Some leagues are more generous with longer field goals.
- Penalties for missed field goals: The exact point deduction for misses can vary.
- Penalties for blocked kicks: Some leagues penalize blocked kicks, others don’t.
- Fumble/turnover penalties: While generally consistent (-2 for a lost fumble), confirm if there are any unique kicker-specific rules.
Example Scoring Table (Illustrative)
Here’s a hypothetical table showing how point values might differ across platforms:
| Scoring Event | League A (e.g., ESPN Standard) | League B (e.g., Yahoo PPR) | League C (e.g., Custom League) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Point Made | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Field Goal (0-39yd) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Field Goal (40-49yd) | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Field Goal (50+yd) | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Missed FG | -1 | -1 | -2 |
| Missed PAT | -1 | -1 | -1 |
| Blocked FG | 0 | -1 | 0 |
| Fumble Lost | -2 | -2 | -2 |
Note: This is a simplified example. Actual league settings can be much more granular.
As you can see, League C has a harsher penalty for missed field goals. This is the kind of detail you need to know.
Kicker Strategy: Beyond the Obvious
Drafting or picking up a kicker shouldn’t be an afterthought. Here are some advanced considerations.
Kickers on Teams with High Scoring Potential but Red Zone Issues
Sometimes, the best fantasy kickers are on offenses that are good enough to move the ball but struggle to finish drives with touchdowns. These teams often find themselves attempting multiple field goals from the 30-40 yard range, which can be highly profitable for a fantasy manager, even with the risk of a miss.
The “Bad Weather” Kicker Play
In leagues where weather is a factor, you might consider targeting kickers who have a history of performing well in adverse conditions or playing indoors during weeks with extreme weather forecasts. This is a niche strategy but can pay off in close matchups.
Backup Kickers and Streaming
Some fantasy managers employ a strategy of “streaming” kickers. This involves dropping your current kicker at the end of the week and picking up a new one based on the best matchup for the upcoming week. This requires active roster management but can maximize your kicker’s point potential week-to-week.
- Pros: Can lead to higher weekly scores by exploiting favorable matchups.
- Cons: Requires constant monitoring and can lead to zero points if you forget to make a move or if your intended pickup is taken by another manager. It also means you’re generally not rostering a “stud” kicker.
Dealing with Kickers on Bye Weeks
As mentioned, bye weeks are crucial. Set calendar reminders. If you don’t have a reliable backup, plan to pick up a streamer a few days before your kicker’s bye week to ensure you don’t end up with zero points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a kicker get negative points for a blocked kick?
Answer: It depends on the league’s specific fantasy football kicker rules. Some leagues penalize blocked kicks with a point deduction (often -1 point), while others simply award zero points for the attempt. Always check your league settings.
Q2: What happens if my kicker’s team scores a touchdown, but they miss the extra point?
Answer: If your kicker misses the extra point (PAT), they will typically lose 1 point from their fantasy score. This is a common way for kickers to get negative kicker points.
Q3: Do kickers lose points for penalties committed by their team’s offense?
Answer: Generally, no. A kicker’s score is tied to their own kicking actions and any specific penalties they personally incur (like unsportsmanlike conduct, though rare). Offensive penalties that push the ball back (e.g., holding, false start) reduce scoring opportunities but don’t directly deduct points from the kicker’s individual score unless it leads to a missed field goal situation.
Q4: How do missed field goals affect kicker scoring?
Answer: Missed field goals almost always result in negative points for the kicker. The amount deducted can vary by league, often being -1 or -2 points, and sometimes dependent on the distance of the missed kick. This is the most frequent cause of negative kicker points.
Q5: What are kicker turnovers in fantasy football?
Answer: Kicker turnovers refer to situations where the kicker, or the holder on a field goal/extra point attempt, fumbles the ball, resulting in a loss of possession for their team. This typically results in a -2 point deduction, similar to any other player fumbling the ball.
Q6: Should I draft a kicker early?
Answer: Generally, no. Most fantasy football experts recommend waiting until the final rounds of your draft to select a kicker. Their scoring can be volatile, and the points difference between the top kickers and those drafted later is often minimal. Focusing on high-upside skill positions in earlier rounds is usually a better strategy.
Q7: How do I research kicker matchups effectively?
Answer: To research kicker matchups, examine the offensive strength of the kicker’s team, their opponent’s defensive capabilities, the game’s location (indoor/outdoor), and weather forecasts. A kicker on a strong offense facing a weak defense in favorable conditions is usually a good bet.
Q8: What are the risks of relying on a kicker from a team that struggles in the red zone?
Answer: The risk is that while they might attempt more field goals, the team’s overall inability to score touchdowns can sometimes indicate a generally poor offense. This could lead to fewer overall scoring opportunities and a higher chance of facing longer field goals, increasing the probability of misses and negative kicker points.
Q9: Are there any situations where a kicker gets points for defense?
Answer: No, not directly. Kickers do not have separate kicker defense scoring. Their points are derived solely from their kicking actions and potentially negative penalties. The performance of their team’s defense is a separate category.
Q10: How important is it to know my league’s kicker rules?
Answer: It is extremely important. The scoring variations for field goals, missed kicks, and penalties can significantly alter a kicker’s fantasy value. Knowing your league’s fantasy football kicker rules is essential for maximizing your kicker’s scoring potential and avoiding unexpected point deductions.