Most years, there's maybe one kicker injury that fantasy football owners even notice, but this year, there have already been at least four. Couple that with the start of the bye weeks, and our Week 6 fantasy kicker rankings are missing some notable players.
The Titans (Randy Bullock), Lions (Michael Badgley), Texans (Ka'imi Fairbairn), and Raiders (Daniel Carlson) are off this week, knocking out one highly owned kicker (Carlson) and one top-10 kicker (Fairbairn). It also takes away one of the best kicker matchups (Texans).
There isn't much to say here other than don't hold onto a kicker through his bye. Yes, Carlson is great and Fairbairn has been solid this year, but they're not worth wasting a roster spot on if they're not playing. If someone else picks them up, then such is life. You'll find someone else and move on in Week 7. You don't want to be the owner with two kickers on their roster. Ever.
WEEK 6 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs
More concerning this week is the ongoing injury struggles of Harrison Butker (ankle) and the new ailments plaguing Matt Prater (hip), Dustin Hopkins (quad), and Jake Elliott (ankle). Hopkins (vs. Broncos in Week 5), Prater (@ Seahawks), and Elliott (vs. Cowboys) would have top-10 matchups if they play, so check back on their statuses before next Sunday. Potential fill-ins Taylor Bertolet (vs. Broncos), Matt Ammendola (@ Seahawks), and Cameron Dicker (vs. Cowboys) have some upside if you're willing to gamble, but Dicker is the only one we feel even semi-confident about.
WEEK 6 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs
Some of the top kickers have tough matchups this week, including Brett Maher (@ Eagles), Youngoe Koo (vs. 49ers), and Chris Boswell (vs. Buccaneers). We still like the first two as starters, especially since Koo is playing indoors, but they come with a little more risk than usual. Ryan Succop (vs. Steelers) and Tyler Bass (@ Chiefs) also have tough statistical matchups, but we're even less worried about them given their offenses.
WEEK 6 DFS: Best stacks | Best values
On the flip side, favorable matchups for Evan McPherson (@ Saints), Wil Lutz (vs. Bengals), Cairo Santos (vs. Commanders), Matt Gay (vs. Panthers), Justin Tucker (vs. Giants), and Robbie Gould (@ Falcons) all have highly favorable matchups. Gould is dealing with a leg injury, though, so that's another injury situation to watch. McPherson, Lutz, Gay, and Gould get the added bonuses of kicking in stadiums with a roof.
WEEK 6 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings
We have to caution that matchups only mean so much for kickers, especially this early in the season, but if an already-solid kicker is in a good statistical spot, then it only makes sense to start them. Sometimes it doesn't work out, but at this position, you don't have much else to go on.
WEEK 6 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
We'll be updating our kicker rankings as needed throughout the week, so check back for the latest changes.
Fantasy Kicker Rankings Week 6: Who to start, sit in fantasy football
Rank Player
1 Justin Tucker, Ravens @ Giants
2 Evan McPherson, Bengals @ Saints
3 Wil Lutz, Saints vs. Bengals
4 Matt Gay, Rams vs. Panthers
5 Ryan Succop, Buccaneers @ Steelers
6 Tyler Bass, Bills @ Chiefs
7 Graham Gano, Giants vs. Ravens
8 Cade York, Browns vs. Patriots
9 Jake Elliott, Eagles vs. Cowboys
10 Riley Patterson, Jaguars @ Colts
11 Younghoe Koo, Falcons vs. 49ers
12 Brett Maher, Cowboys @ Eagles
13 Cairo Santos, Bears vs. Commanders
14 Robbie Gould, 49ers @ Falcons
15 Brandon McManus, Broncos @ Chargers
16 Harrison Butker, Chiefs vs. Bills
17 Greg Zuerlein, Jets @ Packers
18 Jason Myers, Seahawks vs. Cardinals
19 Chris Boswell, Steelers vs. Buccaneers
20 Mason Crosby, Packers vs. Jets
21 Greg Joseph, Vikings @ Dolphins
22 Jason Sanders, Dolphins vs. Vikings
23 Dustin Hopkins, Chargers vs. Broncos
24 Eddy Pineiro, Panthers @ Rams
25 Joey Slye, Commanders @ Bears
26 Nick Folk, Patriots @ Browns
27 Matt Amendola, Cardinals @ Seahawks
28 Chase McLaughlin, Colts vs. Jaguars
Week 6 kicker fantasy projections, rankings from Draft Sharks
We're proud to offer SN Fantasy readers an exclusive look at Draft Sharks’ award-winning projections and rankings every week. To see Draft Sharks' Week 6 3D floor-to-ceiling projections for kickers -- plus get access to all of Draft Sharks' industry-leading tools -- become a Draft Sharks' member today at the link below!
TRY DRAFT SHARKS FREE: Dominate with exclusive tools, including Free-Agent Finder & Trade Navigator!
