So, how do you pick a kicker in fantasy football? You want to choose a kicker on a high-powered offense playing in a dome or in good weather, ideally with a history of accuracy and playing for a team that often settles for field goals. While kicker selection might seem like an afterthought for many, a smart approach can provide a consistent edge in your fantasy league.
The kicker position in fantasy football is often overlooked, viewed as a mere formality or a late-round dart throw. However, with proper research and a strategic mindset, you can turn this seemingly minor decision into a significant advantage. This guide will delve deep into fantasy football kicker strategy, helping you identify the best fantasy football kickers and avoid common pitfalls. We’ll cover everything from kicker rankings fantasy football to how to draft a kicker with confidence.
Deciphering Kicker Scoring Fantasy Football
Before diving into selection, it’s crucial to grasp kicker scoring fantasy football. Most leagues award points for successful field goals based on distance, extra points, and sometimes even touchbacks on kickoffs.
- Field Goals: Points typically increase with distance (e.g., 3 points for 1-39 yards, 4 points for 40-49 yards, 5 points for 50+ yards).
- Extra Points (PATs): Usually worth 1 point.
- Missed Field Goals: Many leagues penalize kickers for missed field goals, particularly those from closer ranges.
- Kickoff Touchbacks: Some leagues award a small bonus for kickoffs that go through the uprights, though this is less common.
Always check your league’s specific scoring settings, as this can significantly influence player value.
The Role of the Kicker in Your Fantasy Team
Think of your kicker as a reliable source of points, especially in close games or when offenses stall in the red zone. They can be difference-makers, particularly when you’re picking a kicker on an offense that struggles to convert touchdowns into PATs but still moves the ball effectively.
Identifying Reliable Fantasy Kickers
Identifying reliable fantasy kickers involves looking beyond just the name on the back of a jersey. Several factors contribute to a kicker’s consistent point production.
Offense Matters: A Powerful Engine
A kicker’s success is intrinsically linked to the offense they play for.
- High-Powered Offenses: Teams that consistently move the ball and score points are more likely to give their kickers opportunities. Look for offenses that rank high in yards per game and points per game.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Even the best offenses can stall. If a team frequently drives deep into opponent territory but settles for field goals rather than touchdowns, their kicker will see increased opportunities.
- Coaching Tendencies: Some coaches are more aggressive and will attempt long field goals, while others are more conservative. Researching coaching tendencies can provide valuable insight.
Team Dynamics: More Than Just the Kicker
The environment in which a kicker operates is vital.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Games: Kickers playing in domed stadiums or in cities with generally favorable weather conditions (e.g., Southern California, Arizona) have a slight advantage due to less susceptibility to wind, rain, and snow.
- Team Record: While not a perfect indicator, teams that are often in close games or playing from behind might kick more field goals. However, teams that consistently win might also kick more field goals when the score is lopsided.
- Consistency of the Snapper and Holder: While often overlooked, the reliability of the snapper and holder can impact a kicker’s performance. This is harder to quantify but worth noting for true die-hard analysis.
Kicker-Specific Attributes: The Individual Talent
Beyond the team, the kicker themselves possesses individual skills.
- Accuracy: A kicker with a high career or recent-season field goal percentage is generally more reliable. Pay attention to their success rate on kicks of various distances.
- Leg Strength: For leagues that heavily reward long field goals, a kicker with a strong leg is a significant asset.
- Clutch Factor: While subjective, some kickers seem to perform better under pressure. This can be observed through their performance in crucial moments or in playoff games.
Drafting a Kicker Fantasy Football: When and How
The question of drafting a kicker fantasy football often revolves around draft capital. Most fantasy experts advise waiting until the very last rounds.
The Late-Round Approach
Drafting a kicker fantasy football typically occurs in the final rounds of your draft. The reasoning is simple: the positional advantage gained by drafting a top-tier kicker is usually minimal compared to securing a strong player at a more valuable position like quarterback, running back, or wide receiver.
How to Draft a Kicker
When it comes to how to draft a kicker, consider these points:
- Don’t reach: Avoid picking a kicker too early. There are usually several viable options available in the last few rounds.
- Target a need: If you’ve secured a strong core of offensive players, you can afford to be a bit more selective.
- Consider your league settings: If your league heavily favors long field goals, prioritize kickers with strong legs.
Value Picks Fantasy Football Kicker
Even in the late rounds, there are opportunities for value picks fantasy football kicker. This means finding a kicker who is being undervalued by the general draft consensus.
- Kicker Rankings Fantasy Football: Use reputable kicker rankings fantasy football as a guide, but don’t be afraid to deviate based on your research and league-specific knowledge.
- Undrafted Gems: Sometimes, a kicker who is being overlooked due to playing for a less popular team or having a quiet preseason can turn into a fantasy kicker sleepers.
Strategies for a Winning Fantasy Kicker Approach
A proactive approach to the kicker position can yield consistent results throughout the season.
Leveraging Kicker Rankings and Projections
Kicker rankings fantasy football are a starting point, but it’s essential to dig deeper. Understand the methodology behind these rankings and consider how they align with your league’s scoring system.
Analyzing Kicker Projections
Projections are educated guesses, but they can be valuable. Look for projections that consider:
- Team offensive yards and scoring potential.
- Team red zone efficiency.
- Kicker’s historical accuracy and leg strength.
- Strength of schedule for the team’s offense.
Identifying Fantasy Kicker Sleepers
Fantasy kicker sleepers are those players who are ranked lower than their potential point output might suggest. These can be found by:
- Looking at kickers on strong offenses who are perhaps overlooked due to a high-profile team.
- Identifying kickers who are new to a potent offense or have a new coaching staff that emphasizes field goals.
- Considering kickers who are transitioning from smaller conferences to the NFL, if they have a track record of elite performance.
Streamer Strategies for Kickers
For those who prefer a more active approach, fantasy football kicker tips often include a streaming strategy. This involves picking up a different kicker each week based on favorable matchups.
What is a Kicker Streamer?
A kicker streamer is a fantasy manager who drops their current kicker at the end of a week and picks up another kicker from the waiver wire who has a better matchup for the upcoming week.
How to Stream Kickers Effectively
- Target Kickers on Dome Teams: Kickers playing in domes have a consistent environment, making them easier to plug and play.
- Target Kickers Facing Weak Defenses: Look for teams playing against defenses that struggle to prevent opponents from getting into field goal range.
- Consider Game Totals: High-total games often mean more scoring opportunities for both teams.
- Home Field Advantage: Kickers playing at home, especially in favorable weather, can be a good target.
When to Avoid Streaming Kickers
- When you have a truly elite, consistent kicker.
- During bye weeks where waiver wire options are thin.
- If you have a limited waiver wire budget or priority.
Advanced Fantasy Football Kicker Tips
Beyond the basics, a few advanced strategies can give you an edge.
Weather Watch: A Kicker’s Nemesis
Weather can wreak havoc on kicking. While a full weather report for every game might be too much, be aware of:
- Wind: Strong winds can make long field goals extremely difficult and can even affect shorter kicks.
- Rain/Snow: Wet balls are harder to kick cleanly. Snow can also make footing unstable.
- Cold: Extreme cold can make the ball harder and potentially affect leg strength and accuracy.
Prioritize kickers playing indoors or in milder climates during adverse weather weeks.
Team Offensive Tendencies: Beyond the Stats
Digging into a team’s offensive tendencies can reveal hidden value.
- Fourth-Down Attempts: Does a team frequently go for it on fourth down, or do they call for a field goal? A team that often settles for FGs on fourth down is gold for a kicker.
- Red Zone Conversion Rate: A team with a low red zone touchdown conversion rate but a high number of drives into the red zone will provide plenty of field goal opportunities.
Evaluating Kicker Accuracy by Distance
Not all kickers are created equal when it comes to distance.
- League-Specific Scoring: If your league heavily rewards long field goals (50+ yards), a kicker with proven range will be more valuable.
- Historical Data: Review a kicker’s success rate on kicks from 40-49 yards and 50+ yards.
Common Kicker Drafting Mistakes to Avoid
Many fantasy managers make the same mistakes year after year when it comes to kickers.
Drafting a Kicker Too Early
As mentioned, this is the most common error. You’re sacrificing potential talent at other positions for a marginal gain at kicker.
Overvaluing a Kicker on a Bad Team
A kicker on a team that struggles to move the ball might still get a lot of attempts if the offense is consistently stalling. However, if the offense is so bad that they rarely get into scoring position, even frequent attempts won’t equate to many points.
Ignoring League Settings
Assuming all leagues score kickers the same way is a critical error. Always check your league’s rules for unique scoring bonuses or penalties.
Neglecting the Waiver Wire
Forgetting about kickers once your draft is over and not utilizing the waiver wire can be a missed opportunity. Top-tier kickers can be found and streamed throughout the season.
Final Thoughts on Selecting Your Fantasy Kicker
Choosing a kicker in fantasy football doesn’t have to be a gamble. By applying a strategic approach, focusing on offenses that provide ample opportunities, and understanding individual kicker strengths, you can secure a consistent point producer for your team. Remember to always check your league settings, leverage kicker rankings fantasy football, and be aware of potential fantasy kicker sleepers. With these fantasy football kicker tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make smart picks and maximize your kicker’s impact on your season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When should I draft a kicker in fantasy football?
A1: You should almost always draft a kicker in the very last round of your fantasy football draft. There is rarely a significant difference in points between the top kickers and those drafted later.
Q2: What makes a kicker a good fantasy football pick?
A2: A good fantasy football kicker is typically on a high-powered offense that frequently moves the ball into scoring position. They should also have a good accuracy record, preferably playing in a dome or good weather conditions. A team that often settles for field goals is also a positive indicator.
Q3: How important is kicker accuracy in fantasy football?
A3: Kicker accuracy is important, especially in leagues that penalize missed field goals or heavily reward longer kicks. However, opportunity (number of attempts) often outweighs pure accuracy, as a kicker who attempts many shorter, successful field goals can outscore a kicker who attempts fewer, but longer, successful kicks.
Q4: Are there specific stadiums or weather conditions that favor kickers?
A4: Yes, kickers playing in domed stadiums or in cities with consistently mild weather (like Arizona or Southern California) are generally in more favorable conditions. Adverse weather like high winds, heavy rain, or snow can significantly hinder a kicker’s performance.
Q5: What’s the difference between a kicker and a defensive player in fantasy football?
A5: Kickers score points by kicking field goals and extra points. Defensive players (often referred to as “D/ST” or “Defense/Special Teams”) score points by preventing the opposing team from scoring, forcing turnovers, sacking the quarterback, and scoring defensive touchdowns. They are entirely different positions with different scoring mechanisms.
Q6: How do I find “fantasy kicker sleepers”?
A6: To find fantasy kicker sleepers, look for kickers on ascending offenses that might be overlooked. Consider kickers on teams that have recently changed their coaching staff and might implement a more aggressive field goal strategy, or those on teams that historically struggle to convert touchdowns in the red zone, leading to more field goal attempts.
Q7: Should I worry about a kicker’s strength of schedule?
A7: While kicker strength of schedule isn’t as critical as it is for other positions, it can be a factor, especially for longer field goals. However, focusing on the offensive firepower and scoring opportunities of the team the kicker plays for is generally more important than the specific opponent’s defensive rank against kickers.
Q8: What is a “value pick” in fantasy football kicker selection?
A8: A value pick fantasy football kicker is a kicker who is being drafted significantly later than their projected fantasy output suggests. This could be a reliable kicker on a good offense who is being overlooked due to playing for a less prominent team or a kicker who is consistently accurate and has a strong leg but isn’t being ranked highly by mainstream analysts.