Brandon McManus Fantasy Football: The Kicker with a Kicking Edge
Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! Today, we're going to talk about a player who might not be the first name on your draft board, but certainly deserves a spot on your radar. We're talking about Brandon McManus, the Denver Broncos' reliable kicker. So, buckle up as we dive into the world of McManus and explore why he could be a game-changer for your fantasy team. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and brandon mcmanus fantasy.
Who is Brandon McManus?
Before we delve into the fantasy side of things, let's get to know Brandon McManus a little better. Born on January 10, 1991, in Chesterfield, Missouri, McManus played college football at Temple University. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and spent two seasons with the team before joining the Broncos in 2014. Since then, he has been Denver's starting kicker, earning a reputation as one of the most accurate and powerful kickers in the NFL.
Why McManus Matters in Fantasy Football
Now, you might be wondering, "Why should I care about a kicker?" Well, Brandon McManus isn't your average kicker. Here are a few reasons why he could be a valuable addition to your fantasy team:
Consistency is Key
One of the most important traits in a fantasy kicker is consistency. After all, you want points every week, right? McManus has proven himself to be just that - consistent. In the past three seasons, he has finished as a top-10 fantasy kicker, making him a reliable source of points week in and week out.
High Scoring Potential
While consistency is important, it's also crucial to have a kicker who can rack up the points when given the opportunity. McManus has shown that he has the leg strength to convert long field goals, making him a valuable asset in high-scoring games. In 2020, he connected on a 55-yard field goal, the longest of his career, proving that he's capable of providing big fantasy points in a single play.
Playing in an Offense-Friendly Environment
The Denver Broncos have been through a bit of a quarterback carousel in recent years, but one thing has remained constant - their offense's ability to move the ball down the field. This often results in more scoring opportunities for McManus, translating to more fantasy points for his owners. Even in down years for the Broncos' offense, McManus has still managed to finish as a top-15 fantasy kicker.
McManus vs. the Competition
When it comes to fantasy kickers, there are a few names that always seem to rise to the top - guys like Younghoe Koo, Justin Tucker, and Harrison Butker. So, how does Brandon McManus stack up against the competition?
Younghoe Koo
Koo burst onto the scene in 2020, finishing as the top fantasy kicker by a significant margin. However, his success was largely due to the high-scoring Atlanta Falcons offense. While McManus may not have the same upside as Koo, he offers more consistency and has a higher floor.
Justin Tucker
Tucker is widely regarded as one of the best kickers in NFL history, and for good reason. He's consistent, accurate, and has a powerful leg. However, McManus has been just as consistent as Tucker in recent years, and his lower draft cost makes him a more value-friendly option.
Harrison Butker
Butker has been a solid fantasy kicker since entering the league in 2017, but he's never quite reached the heights of McManus in terms of consistency. Plus, McManus has shown that he can be a high-scoring kicker when given the opportunity, making him a more appealing fantasy option.
Draft Strategy: When to Target McManus
When it comes to drafting Brandon McManus, the key is to wait until the right moment. Kicker is a position that can be easily addressed later in your draft, so there's no need to reach for one in the early rounds. Instead, wait until the middle to late rounds - think rounds 12 to 14 - and snag McManus when the value is right.
McManus' 2021 Outlook
Looking ahead to the 2021 season, there's plenty to be excited about if you're a Brandon McManus owner. The Broncos have made some significant additions to their offense, including quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who is returning from a torn ACL. This should result in more scoring opportunities for McManus and make him an even more valuable fantasy asset.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, folks - a comprehensive look at Brandon McManus and why he should be on your fantasy football radar. While kickers may not be the sexiest position to draft, McManus has proven that he can provide consistent fantasy production and has the potential to be a game-changer in any given week. So, don't sleep on McManus this draft season - he just might be the key to your fantasy football success.
Happy drafting, and remember - when it comes to fantasy football, every kick counts!