Fantasy Kicker Rankings Week 1: Who to start, sit at kicker in fantasy football

The kicker position, a dying breed in fantasy football, still plays a part in the leagues that recognize its existence. Depending on scoring settings, a good or bad kicker can have a big impact on a team’s matchup. That’s why it’s important to look at all factors when evaluating the best kickers each week, and our Week 1 fantasy kicker rankings take all those variables into account. 

As kickers go, the only perennially sure thing at this point is the Ravens' Justin Tucker (aka Bad MotherTucker, Optimus Nine, or the GOAT-leg). While the Baltimore baddie has never finished an NFL season with the points crown, he has also never recorded under 128 points in his 10-year career, and he’s averaged 138.5 points over the past six seasons. His made field-goal percentage? A sizzling 91.1 percent. From under 50 yards, he’s at 95.2 percent. He’s missed just three of 97 attempts between 30-39 yards and zero from under 30 yards. And, oh yeah, he’s never missed a game.

If you aren’t fortunate enough to have Tucker (@ Jets) on your squad for Week 1, no worries. A new crop of elite placekickers always emerge. Last season, the Raiders’ Daniel Carlson (@ Chargers) and Patriots’ Nick Folk (@ Dolphins) led the NFL with 150 points. Matt Gay (vs. Bills) of the Super Bowl-champion Rams ranked just below them, with the Cardinals’ Matt Prater (vs. Chiefs) tied with Tucker for fourth. All are great bets this week, and it's especially nice that Carlson, Gay, and Prater kick in stadiums with a roof. The same goes for Evan McPherson (at Rams), who hit a whopping 12 field goals from 50-plus yards to lead the league last year. Long-distance kickers are always a plus.

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Sometimes, just having the kicker for a strong offense translates to success. That’s usually the case for the Chiefs’ Harrison Butker (@ Cardinals), the Packers’ Mason Crosby (@ Vikings), and the Buccaneers’ Ryan Succop (@ Cowboys) -- also all playing indoors, though Crosby (knee) is banged-up, which is why he's ranked lower this week. They will get plenty of scoring chances again. Several PATs and even just a couple FG attempts can add up to a safe, high floor, which is why our rankings are more conservative and lean toward more "established" kickers this week.

WEEK 1 STANDARD FANTASY RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs

No matter your strategy with kickers, it’s a good idea to have a game plan. It may seem frivolous, but specific matchups can matter. New Orleans and Denver allowed the lowest percentage of red-zone TDs last season, so the Falcons’ Younghoe Koo (vs. Saints) -- hey, indoors! -- should be a good Week 1 bet, though we wouldn't feel great about Seattle's Jason Myers (vs. Broncos) given his offensive situation. As we get more stats once the season gets going, we'll have more to base our rankings on.

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Good luck, have fun, and watch the weather forecasts! Laces out!

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We'll be updating our kicker rankings as needed throughout the week, so check back for the latest changes.

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Fantasy Kicker Rankings Week 1: Who to start, sit in fantasy football