In fantasy football, kickers score points primarily through successful field goals and extra points. They can also earn points or lose points based on the distance of their field goals, their accuracy, and even for failing to make kicks.
Deciphering Fantasy Football Kicker Scoring
When diving into fantasy football, a crucial element often overlooked is the scoring system for kickers. While quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends dominate draft discussions and waiver wire claims, a well-managed kicker can provide a surprisingly consistent stream of points. Fathoming how kickers earn fantasy points is key to maximizing your team’s potential. This isn’t just about who kicks the ball; it’s about the intricacies of their performance and how those actions translate into your virtual scoreboard.
The Core Mechanics of Fantasy Kicking Points
At its heart, fantasy football kicker scoring revolves around successful kicks. Each successful extra point (PAT) and field goal adds a set number of points to your roster. However, the real nuance in fantasy kicking points comes from how different leagues and platforms assign value to these kicks.
- Extra Points (PATs): Typically, a successful extra point is worth one fantasy point. This is a straightforward addition to your score.
- Field Goals: The point value for field goals varies more significantly.
- Short Field Goals (e.g., 1-29 yards): These often carry a lower point value, commonly 3 points.
- Medium Field Goals (e.g., 30-39 yards): These tend to be worth slightly more, often 3 points as well, or sometimes 3.5 points in certain scoring formats.
- Long Field Goals (e.g., 40-49 yards): The point value typically increases here, often ranging from 3 to 4 points.
- Very Long Field Goals (e.g., 50+ yards): These are the most valuable, frequently awarded 4 or even 5 points. Some leagues offer bonus points for kicks beyond 50 yards.
Beyond the Kick: Other Ways Kickers Earn Fantasy Points
The fantasy football point distribution for kickers isn’t solely about making kicks. There are other factors that contribute to their fantasy score, and importantly, some that can lead to negative points.
- Field Goal Distance Bonuses: As mentioned, longer field goals are generally rewarded more. This encourages fantasy managers to look for kickers on teams that can move the ball downfield effectively but might stall in the red zone.
- Missed Field Goals: This is where a kicker’s contribution can turn negative. A missed field goal typically results in a deduction of points, usually around 1 point.
- Missed Extra Points: While rarer, missed extra points can also result in a point deduction, typically 1 point.
- Blocked Kicks: A blocked kick can also lead to a negative point outcome for the kicker, often a deduction of 1 point.
- Turnovers: In some, though less common, scoring systems, kickers might be penalized if their kick is returned for a touchdown by the opposing team. This is a rare but significant potential negative point outcome.
Best Fantasy Kicker Scoring: A Comparative Look
The “best” fantasy kicker scoring is subjective and depends heavily on league settings. However, certain scoring systems tend to favor kickers who are accurate, capable of making long kicks, and are on offenses that consistently move the ball into scoring position.
Common Fantasy Football Kicker Scoring Systems
To truly grasp how kickers score points in fantasy football, it’s essential to examine different scoring system examples. Here’s a breakdown of typical fantasy kicking points awarded:
Table 1: Standard Kicker Scoring System
| Event | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Extra Point (PAT) | 1 |
| Field Goal (1-39 yards) | 3 |
| Field Goal (40-49 yards) | 4 |
| Field Goal (50+ yards) | 5 |
| Missed Field Goal | -1 |
| Missed PAT | -1 |
Table 2: PPR Kicker Scoring System (Often Includes Bonuses)
| Event | Points Awarded | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Point (PAT) | 1 | |
| Field Goal (1-29 yards) | 3 | |
| Field Goal (30-39 yards) | 3 | |
| Field Goal (40-49 yards) | 4 | |
| Field Goal (50+ yards) | 5 | Bonus for distance |
| Field Goal (60+ yards) | 6 | Additional bonus for extreme distance |
| Missed Field Goal | -1 | |
| Missed PAT | -1 | |
| Blocked Kick | -2 | Some systems penalize more heavily |
Table 3: Kickers with High Volume & Distance Bonuses
| Event | Points Awarded | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Point (PAT) | 1 | |
| Field Goal (1-39 yards) | 3 | |
| Field Goal (40-49 yards) | 4 | |
| Field Goal (50+ yards) | 5 | Standard long-field goal bonus |
| Field Goal (50-59 yards) | 5 | |
| Field Goal (60+ yards) | 7 | Significant bonus for kicks over 60 yards |
| Missed Field Goal | -1 | |
| Missed PAT | -1 |
The Impact of Different Scoring Formats
- Points Per Reception (PPR) Leagues: While PPR primarily impacts pass-catching players, it indirectly influences kickers by the general scoring balance of the league. Leagues that are generally high-scoring might see kickers as less crucial, while lower-scoring leagues can make kicker points more impactful.
- Bonuses for Long Field Goals: Leagues that offer substantial bonuses for field goals of 50+ yards or even 60+ yards can significantly elevate the value of a kicker with a strong leg. This is where you might find the absolute best fantasy kicker scoring opportunities.
- Negative Point Penalties: The severity of penalties for missed kicks can also influence kicker strategy. Leagues with harsher penalties might make kickers riskier plays, while more forgiving leagues make them steadier performers.
How Kickers Earn Fantasy Points: A Deeper Dive
Understanding the nuances of how kickers earn fantasy points is crucial for success. It’s not just about selecting a kicker; it’s about understanding their potential role within their team’s offense and the specific rules of your league.
Kicker Performance Fantasy Football: What to Look For
When evaluating kickers for your fantasy team, consider these factors that directly impact their fantasy kicking points:
- Offensive Efficiency: A kicker on a team that consistently moves the ball downfield and struggles to punch it into the end zone for touchdowns is often a prime candidate. This creates more field goal opportunities. Look for teams that rank high in yards per game but might be middle-of-the-pack or lower in touchdowns per game.
- Red Zone Struggles: Teams that frequently stall in the red zone are goldmines for kickers. Instead of seven points, they get three.
- Kicker’s Leg Strength: While not always directly quantifiable in fantasy stats, a kicker known for their powerful leg is more likely to hit longer field goals, which often carry bonus points.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Kicking: Kickers who play in domes or in stadiums with consistent weather conditions might be more reliable than those who have to battle the elements.
- Coaching Tendencies: Some coaches are more aggressive with field goal attempts, even on fourth down in opponent territory. Identifying these coaches can lead to a steady stream of opportunities for their kicker.
- Accuracy: A kicker’s historical accuracy is important. While a 50-yarder is great, a kicker who misses too many short kicks can quickly negate their upside.
Kicker Contribution Fantasy Leagues: Beyond the Obvious
The kicker’s contribution to a fantasy league can be significant, especially in leagues where roster spots are limited and point differentials are small.
- Consistency: A good kicker provides a consistent floor of points each week, unlike some skill positions that can be volatile. This predictability is valuable.
- Weekly Floor: Even in a “bad” game, a kicker might still attempt and make a few field goals or extra points, providing a baseline score.
- Weekly Ceiling: In games where a team struggles in the red zone or faces strong defensive play inside the 20-yard line, a kicker can become the primary scoring threat.
Tips for Drafting and Managing Kickers
Drafting a kicker too early can be a mistake, as their value tends to be lower than premium skill positions. However, neglecting them can also hurt.
Drafting Strategy
- Wait Until Late: In most standard-sized fantasy leagues, it’s advisable to draft your kicker in the last few rounds. Kickers are often among the last players selected in drafts.
- Target Kickers on Good Offenses: As mentioned, focus on kickers whose teams generate a lot of scoring opportunities.
- Consider Schedules: Look at a kicker’s upcoming schedule. Playing against defenses that are strong against the run but might give up yards in the intermediate passing game can lead to more field goal attempts.
In-Season Management
- Waiver Wire: The waiver wire is often a great source for reliable kickers. If your current kicker is underperforming or facing a particularly tough matchup, don’t hesitate to swap them out.
- Matchups Matter: Pay attention to weekly matchups. A kicker who is usually reliable might struggle against a team with a strong pass rush that can disrupt field goal attempts or against a defense that consistently holds opponents to touchdowns rather than field goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most common point value for a successful extra point in fantasy football?
The most common point value for a successful extra point (PAT) in fantasy football is 1 point.
Can kickers score negative points in fantasy football?
Yes, kickers can score negative points in fantasy football primarily through missed field goals and missed extra points. Some leagues also penalize for blocked kicks or opponent return touchdowns on kickoffs/punts.
How do I find the best fantasy kicker scoring for my league?
To find the best fantasy kicker scoring for your league, you need to carefully review your league’s specific scoring settings. Look for how points are awarded for different lengths of field goals, and if there are any bonuses for long kicks or penalties for missed attempts.
Who is typically the highest-scoring kicker in fantasy football?
The highest-scoring kicker in fantasy football typically changes year-to-year. However, they are usually kickers on high-powered offenses that often stall inside the opponent’s 40-yard line, leading to numerous field goal attempts, especially from long distances.
How do kickers earn fantasy points beyond successful kicks?
While less common, some fantasy leagues might award kickers points for distance of field goals (bonuses for 50+ yarders, for instance) or even for touchbacks on kickoffs, though this is rare. Their primary way of earning points remains successful field goals and extra points.
Why do kickers score fewer points than other positions?
Kickers generally score fewer points than other positions because their scoring opportunities are tied to specific game events (field goals and PATs) rather than consistent play-by-play involvement like running backs or wide receivers. Their role is more specialized.
How do I determine the fantasy football point distribution kicker for a specific league?
You determine the fantasy football point distribution for kickers by accessing your league’s settings page. This page will clearly outline how many points are awarded for each type of kick, including any bonuses or penalties.
What factors are most important for kicker performance fantasy football?
The most important factors for kicker performance fantasy football are their team’s offensive efficiency, their kicker’s accuracy, their leg strength (for long field goals), and the tendencies of their coaching staff regarding field goal attempts.
How can a kicker’s contribution fantasy leagues impact my team’s success?
A kicker’s contribution can significantly impact success, especially in close matchups. A reliable kicker can provide a consistent floor of points each week, helping to secure wins or prevent losses due to low scores from other positions. Their ability to hit long field goals can also provide a valuable ceiling.
Are there strategies for optimizing fantasy kicking points?
Yes, optimizing fantasy kicking points involves drafting kickers on offenses that frequently enter scoring range but struggle to score touchdowns, paying attention to field goal distance bonuses, and streaming kickers based on favorable matchups week-to-week.