Kicker Fantasy Football Rankings: Your 2022 Draft Day Guide
Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! It's that time of year again when we're all scouring the internet for the best kicker fantasy football rankings to dominate our leagues. You've come to the right place! In this article, we're going to dive deep into the world of kickers, provide you with the ultimate 2022 draft day guide, and help you make informed decisions that'll take your team to the championship. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and kicker fantasy football rankings.
Why Care About Kickers in Fantasy Football?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the rankings, let's address the elephant in the room – why should you care about kickers at all? Well, kickers are points machines, and in many leagues, they can be the difference between winning and losing. A reliable kicker can net you 10-12 points a week, which is more than some starting quarterbacks or running backs!
Moreover, kickers are easy to predict. Unlike other positions, kickers' performance is largely dependent on their team's offense and not their individual skills. So, if you've got a good offense, you've got a good kicker.
2022 Kicker Fantasy Football Rankings: The Top 15
Alright, let's get down to business. Here are our top 15 kicker fantasy football rankings for the 2022 season. Remember, these rankings are based on a points-per-reception (PPR) league with 1 point per extra point and 3 points per field goal.
1. Younghoe Koo (ATL)
Koo was a fantasy goldmine in 2021, leading all kickers with 158 points. He's got a strong leg, kicking 50+ yard field goals with ease, and he's supported by a high-scoring Falcons offense. Expect more of the same in 2022.
2. Justin Tucker (BAL)
Tucker is the GOAT of kickers, and for good reason. He's consistent, accurate, and has a powerful leg. The Ravens' offense may not be as explosive as some others, but Tucker's field goal range makes up for it. He's a safe bet for the top spot in any given week.
3. Harrison Butker (KC)
Butker has been a top-5 kicker for the past three seasons, and there's no reason to believe that'll change in 2022. The Chiefs' offense is always among the league's best, and Butker's leg strength makes him a valuable asset. He's a must-start every week.
4. Tyler Bass (BUF)
Bass was a revelation in his second season, finishing as the fourth-highest scoring kicker. He's got a big leg, booming 50+ yard field goals, and is supported by a high-powered Bills offense. He's a great late-round value in 2022.
5. Cade York (CLE)
The Browns drafted York in the fourth round, and he's already making waves. With a strong leg and a Browns offense that should be improved in 2022, York has the potential to be a top-5 kicker in his rookie season.
6. Joey Slye (WAS)
Slye had a down year in 2021, but he's got the leg strength to be a top-5 kicker. The Commanders' offense should be improved with Carson Wentz at the helm, and Slye's powerful leg makes him a valuable asset. He's a sleeper worth considering in 2022.
7. Greg Zuerlein (DAL)
Zeuerlein has been one of the most consistent kickers in the league over the past decade, and he's got a powerful leg. The Cowboys' offense should be improved in 2022, and Zeuerlein is a safe bet for top-10 production.
8. Daniel Carlson (LV)
Carlson has been a top-10 kicker for the past two seasons, and he's got a strong leg. The Raiders' offense may not be as explosive as some others, but Carlson's leg strength makes up for it. He's a solid option in 2022.
9. Jason Myers (NYJ)
Myers has been a top-10 kicker for the past three seasons, and he's got a strong leg. The Jets' offense may not be as explosive as some others, but Myers' leg strength makes up for it. He's a solid option in 2022.
10. Dustin Hopkins (LAC)
Hopkins has been a top-10 kicker for the past three seasons, and he's got a strong leg. The Chargers' offense should be improved in 2022, and Hopkins is a solid option in 2022.
11. Randy Bullock (TEN)
Bullock has been a consistent kicker over the past decade, and he's got a strong leg. The Titans' offense may not be as explosive as some others, but Bullock's leg strength makes up for it. He's a solid option in 2022.
12. Graham Gano (NYG)
Gano has been a top-10 kicker for the past three seasons, and he's got a strong leg. The Giants' offense may not be as explosive as some others, but Gano's leg strength makes up for it. He's a solid option in 2022.
13. Ryan Succop (TB)
Succop has been a consistent kicker over the past decade, and he's got a strong leg. The Buccaneers' offense may not be as explosive as some others, but Succop's leg strength makes up for it. He's a solid option in 2022.
14. Matt Gay (LAR)
Gay has been a consistent kicker over the past three seasons, and he's got a strong leg. The Rams' offense may not be as explosive as some others, but Gay's leg strength makes up for it. He's a solid option in 2022.
15. Mason Crosby (GB)
Crosby has been a consistent kicker over the past decade, and he's got a strong leg. The Packers' offense may not be as explosive as some others, but Crosby's leg strength makes up for it. He's a solid option in 2022.
When to Draft a Kicker
So, you've got your top 15 kicker fantasy football rankings for 2022. But when should you draft a kicker? The answer is simple – as late as possible. Kickers are incredibly unpredictable, and there's no need to reach for one in the early rounds.
In most 12-team leagues, you can wait until the final round (or even later) to draft a kicker. The key is to draft a kicker who's supported by a high-scoring offense and has a strong leg. That way, you can minimize the risk and maximize your chances of winning.
Kicker Strategy: Handcuffing and Streaming
If you're in a league that starts two kickers or requires you to start a kicker and a defense, you might want to consider handcuffing or streaming your kicker. Here's how it works:
- Handcuffing: Draft two kickers who play in different games each week. That way, you can start the best-performing kicker in any given week. - Streaming: Pick up and drop kickers each week based on their matchups. This strategy requires more management but can be incredibly rewarding.
Both strategies can help you gain an edge in your league, but they're not for everyone. If you're in a standard league that starts just one kicker, you can probably get away with drafting one and forgetting about it.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it – our comprehensive 2022 kicker fantasy football rankings and draft day guide. Remember, kickers may not be the most glamorous position, but they can win you championships. So, don't sleep on them – draft a reliable one and watch the points roll in.
Good luck in your drafts, and here's to a fantastic 2022 fantasy football season!