Kicking Up the Fantasy: A Deep Dive into Fantasy Rankings for Kickers

Alright, guys, let's dive into the world of fantasy football and talk about something that's often overlooked but can make a significant difference in your league - fantasy rankings for kickers. Yes, you heard it right! Kickers might not be the sexiest position, but they can certainly help you secure that W each week. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy rankings kickers.

Why Should You Care About Fantasy Rankings for Kickers?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of who's who in the kicking world, let's address the elephant in the room. Why should you, a proud fantasy football manager, care about kickers? Well, let me tell you, kickers can be the difference between a first-place finish and a participation trophy.

In most standard leagues, kickers score an average of 7-10 points per game. That might not sound like much, but when you're battling it out in the playoffs, every point counts. Plus, have you ever seen a kicker decide a game with a last-second field goal? It happens more often than you think!

Understanding Kicker Rankings

Now that we've established the importance of kickers, let's talk about how to read and understand fantasy rankings for kickers. Unlike other positions, kicker rankings are mostly based on three factors:

1. 1. Team's Offense: Kickers who play for high-scoring offenses have more opportunities to kick field goals and extra points, hence more fantasy points.
2. 2. Kicker's Leg Strength: Kickers with strong legs can attempt (and make) longer field goals, increasing their fantasy value.
3. 3. Weather Conditions: Weather can play a significant role in a kicker's performance. Kickers in dome stadiums or warm climates tend to perform better.

Top Fantasy Kickers: The Elite Squad

Now, let's get to the meat and potatoes. Who are the top fantasy kickers you should be targeting in your drafts? Remember, the best strategy is to wait as long as possible to draft a kicker, as there's usually little drop-off after the top tier.

1. Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons

Koo was a revelation in 2020, leading all kickers in points scored. He's got a strong leg, plays for a high-scoring offense, and kicks in a dome stadium. What's not to love?

2. Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs

Butker has been one of the most consistent kickers in fantasy over the past few years. He benefits from playing with one of the league's highest-scoring offenses and has a strong leg, making him a reliable fantasy option.

3. Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens

Tucker is the gold standard when it comes to kickers. He's the most accurate kicker in NFL history and has a powerful leg, making him a top fantasy option year after year.

4. Wil Lutz, New Orleans Saints

Lutz has been one of the most consistent kickers in fantasy over the past few years. He benefits from playing in a dome stadium and has a strong leg, making him a reliable fantasy option.

5. Jason Myers, New York Jets

Myers might seem like an odd choice, but hear me out. He's got a strong leg, and while the Jets' offense might not be the most exciting, it does mean he'll have plenty of opportunities to kick field goals.

Sleepers and Streamers: The Kicker Lottery

If you're looking to wait even longer to draft a kicker, here are a few sleepers and streamers who could pay off big time:

- Cairo Santos, Chicago Bears: Santos has a strong leg and could benefit from an improved Bears offense in 2021. - Ryan Succop, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Succop had a career year in 2020, kicking for the high-scoring Bucs offense. He's a solid streaming option if he can keep it up. - Dane Cruikshank, Tennessee Titans: Cruikshank has a powerful leg and could see an increase in opportunities if the Titans' offense takes a step forward in 2021.

Kicker Defense: The Secret Weapon

While not a traditional strategy, using a kicker's defense as a streaming option can be a valuable tool in fantasy. The logic is simple - if a team's defense is good, they'll allow fewer points, leading to more field goal attempts for their kicker. Here are a few teams with strong defenses to consider:

- Los Angeles Rams - Pittsburgh Steelers - Miami Dolphins - New England Patriots

Kicker Strategy: When and How to Draft

So, when should you draft a kicker? The general consensus is to wait as long as possible. In most 12-team leagues, you can get away with drafting a kicker in the final round or even after the draft is over (known as "kickers and defenses" leagues).

As for how many kickers to roster, it's generally best to stick with one. Unless you're in a league that starts two kickers, there's no need to roster multiple kickers. However, if you're in a "kickers and defenses" league, you might consider streaming kickers each week to maximize your points.

Conclusion

Alright, guys, that's all for our deep dive into fantasy rankings for kickers. While they might not be the most glamorous position, kickers can certainly help you win your league. So, don't overlook them in your drafts, and make sure you've got a solid plan for the kicker position. Now go out there and kick some ass (pun intended)!