Scoring a Touchdown: Unlocking the Power of Fantasy Football Kickers
Hello, football fanatics! Welcome back to our fantasy football series. Today, we're diving into a often overlooked, yet crucial position: the fantasy football kicker. Now, we know what you're thinking, "Kickers? Really?" But bear with us, guys. We're about to show you why these foot-soldiers can make or break your season. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football kicker scoring.
Why Kickers Matter in Fantasy Football
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how kickers score points, let's talk about why they matter in the first place. In many fantasy football leagues, kickers are the most consistent scorers. They play every game, and they're not subject to the same kind of boom-or-bust performances that, say, quarterbacks or wide receivers are.
Kickers score points on nearly every drive, whether it's a touchdown, a field goal, or even a missed field goal that results in a safety. This consistency is gold in fantasy football. It's like having a steady stream of points flowing into your team's account, week after week.
How Kickers Score Points in Fantasy Football
Now, let's talk about how kickers score points. The scoring system varies from league to league, but here's a typical breakdown:
- Field Goals: Kickers score 1 point for every 10 yards of a field goal. So, a 20-yard field goal is worth 2 points, a 30-yarder is worth 3 points, and so on. - Extra Points: After a touchdown, kickers get 1 point for a successful extra point attempt. However, many leagues have switched to awarding 2 points for a successful 2-point conversion attempt, making extra points less valuable. - Missed Field Goals: Some leagues award points for missed field goals that result in a safety. This is usually 2 points. - Touchbacks: In some leagues, kickers get points for touchbacks. This is usually 1 point.
The Art of the Kicker Draft
When it comes to drafting a kicker, timing is everything. In most leagues, the best strategy is to wait until the very last round. Why? Because kickers are incredibly consistent, and there's not a huge drop-off in performance from the top kickers to the bottom.
However, there are a few things to consider when drafting a kicker. First, look at the team's offense. A powerful offense that can score touchdowns from anywhere on the field might not give their kicker many opportunities to score. On the other hand, a team with a strong defense might find themselves in a lot of low-scoring games, giving their kicker more chances to kick field goals.
Second, consider the kicker's leg strength. A kicker who can consistently kick 50-yard field goals is worth more than one who can't.
Finally, consider the kicker's consistency. Some kickers are streaky, while others are consistent week in and week out. In fantasy football, consistency is key.
The Kicker Waiver Wire
Even if you don't draft a kicker, you can still use the waiver wire to your advantage. Many leagues have a dedicated "kicker" spot on the waiver wire, making it easy to find and claim a kicker.
The key to the waiver wire is to stay informed. Keep an eye on the kicker rankings and make sure you're always fielding the best kicker available. This might mean dropping a kicker who's having a bad week to pick up one who's on a hot streak.
Should You Start Your Kicker?
Now, let's talk about whether or not you should start your kicker each week. In most leagues, kickers are a starting requirement. But should they be?
The answer is a resounding yes. Kickers are one of the most consistent scorers in fantasy football. Starting a kicker ensures that you're getting a steady stream of points every week.
However, there are a few exceptions. If you have a kicker who's having a particularly bad week, or if you're facing a team with a strong defense that could limit your kicker's opportunities, you might consider benching your kicker. But these situations are rare.
Conclusion: Don't Sleep on Kickers
So there you have it, folks. Kickers might not be the sexiest position in fantasy football, but they're incredibly important. They're consistent scorers who can help you win your league.
So, the next time you're drafting, don't forget about the kicker. And the next time you're setting your lineup, don't leave that kicker on the bench. Trust us, guys, you'll thank us in the playoffs.
Until next time, happy drafting and good luck this season!