Kicker Rankings for Fantasy Football: Your Game-Changing Guide!
Alright, guys! Let's dive into the often overlooked, yet surprisingly crucial aspect of fantasy football: kicker rankings. I know, I know, it's not as glamorous as QB or RB rankings, but trust me, a reliable kicker can make or break your season. So, buckle up and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and kicker rankings for fantasy football.
Why Kicker Rankings Matter
Before we jump into the rankings, let's talk about why kickers are so darn important. In many fantasy football leagues, kickers score the most points per game on average. Plus, they're the most consistent position – no bye weeks, no injuries (well, hopefully not!), and no matchups to worry about. So, don't sleep on the kicker, folks!
How to Evaluate Kickers
When evaluating kickers, there are a few key stats to consider:
- Field Goal (FG) Percentage: A kicker's accuracy from 40-50 yards is crucial. The further back they can kick with confidence, the more points they'll score. - Extra Point (XP) Attempts: More attempts mean more points. Kickers who play on high-scoring offenses typically have more XP opportunities. - Long Field Goals (LFFG): Kickers who can hit from 50+ yards are gold. They can single-handedly win you a week. - Weather and Altitude: Kickers perform better in dome stadiums and at lower altitudes. Keep this in mind when evaluating kickers on teams with outdoor stadiums or high altitudes.
Top Kicker Rankings for 2022
Now, let's get to the main event! Here are my top kicker rankings for the 2022 fantasy football season:
1. Justin Tucker (BAL)
Why he's ranked #1: Tucker is the most accurate kicker in NFL history and has the strongest leg in the league. He's a lock for the top spot in kicker rankings year after year.
2. Younghoe Koo (ATL)
Why he's ranked #2: Koo has been one of the most consistent kickers in the league over the past few years. He's also benefited from the Falcons' offense, which often sets up scoring opportunities.
3. Harrison Butker (KC)
Why he's ranked #3: Butker is another consistent performer who benefits from playing on one of the league's highest-scoring offenses. He's also one of the best kickers from long range.
4. Wil Lutz (WAS)
Why he's ranked #4: Lutz is a proven commodity and joins a Commanders offense that should be improved in 2022. He's also one of the best kickers from long range.
5. Joey Slye (CAR)
Why he's ranked #5: Slye has a big leg and is capable of hitting from 50+ yards. He also has a favorable matchup in Week 1 against the Browns, who struggled against kickers in 2021.
Sleepers and Streamers
Here are a few kickers who could provide value in 2022:
- Cairo Santos (BAL) – With Tucker potentially holding out, Santos could be in line for a starting job. - Graham Gano (NYG) – Gano has a big leg and could benefit from an improved Giants offense. - Ricky Seals-Jones (WAS) – If he wins the starting job, RSJ could provide streaming value in favorable matchups.
Avoid These Kickers
While they may have name recognition, these kickers should be avoided in fantasy football:
- Daniel Carlson (LV) – Despite his strong 2021 campaign, Carlson's success was largely due to his offense's ability to move the ball into scoring position. The Raiders' offense may struggle in 2022. - Robbie Gould (SF) – Gould is consistent but lacks the upside of other kickers on this list. - Ryan Succop (TB) – Succop is a solid kicker, but the Buccaneers' offense may regress in 2022, leading to fewer scoring opportunities.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks! My top kicker rankings for the 2022 fantasy football season. While kickers may not be the sexiest position, they can certainly help you win your league. So, don't overlook the kicker – it could be the difference between a championship and a second-place finish.
Stay tuned for more fantasy football content, and good luck in your leagues!