Fantasy Football Insights: Top Kickers to Draft in 2024

2024 NFL Fantasy Football: Navigating the Kicker Position with a Betting Twist

The Elite Kicker: Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens, A Fantasy Goldmine

When it comes to kickers in fantasy football, there’s one name that stands above the rest: Justin Tucker. The Ravens’ kicker is not only the most reliable in the NFL but also a surefire Hall of Famer. Tucker’s accuracy and range make him a top pick in any fantasy draft, and he’s the only kicker you might consider drafting a bit earlier than usual. While most fantasy managers wait until the final rounds to pick a kicker, Tucker’s consistency—especially with bonus points for 50+ yard field goals—could justify selecting him slightly ahead of the pack.

Emerging Stars: Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys and Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs

Aubrey of the Cowboys had a breakout season in 2023, proving to be one of the best value picks among kickers. His powerful leg, highlighted by a 66-yard bomb in the preseason, makes him a great option for fantasy managers, especially in leagues that reward long-field goals. Aubrey plays half his games indoors, which further increases his value.

Butker of the Chiefs is another solid option, though he doesn’t offer the same level of excitement as Tucker or Aubrey. Butker benefits from playing on a high-scoring Chiefs offense, which gives him plenty of opportunities. However, he’s been inconsistent at times, so while he’s a safe pick, you might prefer the upside of a kicker like Aubrey.

Kicker Draft Strategy: The Importance of Indoors and High-Scoring Offenses

When drafting kickers, many fantasy managers look for those who play indoors, as weather conditions can significantly impact kicking performance. Kickers like Younghoe Koo (Atlanta Falcons) and Ka’imi Fairbairn (Houston Texans) offer reliable options, particularly when playing in controlled environments. Fairbairn, who plays on an improving Texans offense, could be a sleeper pick, especially if you’re looking for a kicker in the later rounds.

Another key strategy is to target kickers on high-scoring offenses. Jake Elliott of the Philadelphia Eagles and Tyler Bass of the Buffalo Bills fall into this category. Both teams are expected to be among the highest-scoring in the NFL, providing their kickers with ample opportunities to rack up points. While neither Elliott nor Bass is likely to be the first kicker off the board, both are excellent choices if you prefer to wait until the last couple of rounds to draft your kicker.

Betting Insights: Kicker Props and the Impact of Weather

When it comes to betting, kicker props can offer intriguing opportunities, especially when you consider factors like weather and game location. For instance, in Week 1, if you’re betting on a game taking place indoors or in a dome, targeting kickers like Aubrey or Koo for total points or longest-field goal props could be profitable.

In games where weather might be a factor, such as those in Buffalo or Green Bay later in the season, it’s wise to consider the impact of wind and cold temperatures. Betting the under-on-field goal props in these conditions can be a smart play, as adverse weather often leads to more conservative play-calling and fewer long-field goal attempts.

Late-Round Gems: Finding Value at the Bottom

For those who wait until the very end of their draft to select a kicker, there are still solid options available. Jake Moody of the San Francisco 49ers is one such player. Playing on a team with a strong offense, Moody should get plenty of opportunities to score. Additionally, Jason Sanders of the Miami Dolphins is another late-round option, particularly attractive due to the Dolphins’ potent offense and favorable weather conditions.

However, be wary of picking kickers who might be on shaky ground. Anders Carlson was a popular name early in the preseason, but as of late August, he was released by the Green Bay Packers, making him an unviable option. Always double-check team rosters and kicker depth charts before making your final selection.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while the kicker position might not be the most glamorous in fantasy football, it still requires a strategic approach. Targeting kickers from high-scoring teams, those who play indoors, and monitoring the latest roster changes can give you an edge. And if you’re betting, don’t overlook kicker props, as they can offer some of the best value, especially when factoring in weather conditions and game settings. Remember, while you shouldn’t invest too heavily in a kicker, making the right pick can still make a difference in close fantasy matchups.

 

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.