How Kickers Earn Points in Fantasy Football: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Have you ever wondered how kickers earn points in fantasy football? You’re not alone! Many fantasy football players overlook kickers, but these special teams stars can make a big difference in your weekly matchups. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about kicker scoring in fantasy football leagues.
What is a Kicker in Football?
Before we dive into fantasy scoring, let’s talk about what kickers do in real football games. A kicker is a player who specializes in kicking the ball, mainly for field goals and extra points. They’re part of the special teams unit and can be a crucial part of a team’s success.
Kickers in Fantasy Football
In fantasy football, kickers are usually the last position players drafted. But don’t let that fool you – a good kicker can rack up points and help you win close matchups. Understanding how kickers score points is key to making smart decisions when managing your fantasy team.
how Kickers Earn points in Fantasy Football
Most fantasy football leagues use a standard scoring system for kickers. Here’s how kickers typically earn points:
- Field Goals
Field goals are the main way kickers score points in both real football and fantasy football. In most leagues, kickers get:
- 3 points for field goals from 0-39 yards
- 4 points for field goals from 40-49 yards
- 5 points for field goals from 50+ yards
Some leagues might award bonus points for extra-long field goals, like 6 points for a 60+ yard field goal.
- Extra Points
After a touchdown, teams can try for an extra point. Kickers usually take these kicks, which are worth:
- 1 point for each successful extra point
- Missed Kicks
In some leagues, kickers can lose points for missed kicks:
- -1 point for missed field goals
- -1 point for missed extra points
Not all leagues use negative scoring for missed kicks, so check your league’s rules.
Factors That Affect Kicker Scoring
Now that we know how kickers earn points, let’s look at some factors that can influence their scoring potential:
- Team Offense
A strong offense gives kickers more chances to score. Teams that move the ball well but struggle in the red zone can be great for kicker points, as they often settle for field goals. - Weather Conditions
Bad weather can make kicking harder. Wind, rain, and snow can all affect a kicker’s accuracy and distance. Keep an eye on the forecast when choosing your kicker. - Stadium Type
Some kickers play in domed stadiums, which means perfect conditions for kicking. Others play in outdoor stadiums where wind and weather can be a factor. - Coaching Strategy
Some coaches are more aggressive and go for it on fourth down instead of kicking field goals. Others prefer to play it safe and take the points. Knowing a team’s tendencies can help you pick a high-scoring kicker.
Strategies for Choosing Kickers in Fantasy Football
Now that you understand how kickers earn points, here are some tips for picking the right kicker for your fantasy team:
- Look for Kickers on Good Offenses
Teams that score a lot of points give their kickers more opportunities. A kicker on a high-scoring team will likely get more extra point attempts and field goal chances. - Check the Schedule
Look at the kicker’s upcoming games. Are they playing teams with strong defenses that might force more field goal attempts? Or weaker teams that could lead to lots of extra points? - Consider Home vs. Away Games
Some kickers perform better at home, especially if they play in a dome or favorable climate. Pay attention to where your kicker is playing each week. - Don’t Overspend on Kickers
While kickers are important, they’re not as valuable as other positions like quarterbacks or running backs. Don’t use an early draft pick on a kicker – wait until the last round or two. - Be Ready to Stream Kickers
“Streaming” means picking up different kickers each week based on matchups. This strategy can be effective if you don’t have one of the top kickers in the league. - Pay Attention to Bye Weeks
Every NFL team has one week off during the season, called a bye week. Make sure you have a plan for when your kicker is on bye.
Advanced Kicker Scoring Systems
Some fantasy leagues use more complex scoring systems for kickers. Here are a few examples:
- Distance-Based Scoring
Instead of fixed points for field goal ranges, some leagues award points based on the exact distance of each field goal. For example:
- 3 points + 0.1 point for each yard over 30 (so a 45-yard field goal would be worth 4.5 points)
- Percentage-Based Bonuses
These leagues give bonus points for kickers who maintain high accuracy:
- 1 extra point for kickers who make 90% or more of their field goals in a game
- Volume Bonuses
Some leagues reward kickers who attempt a lot of kicks:
- 2 bonus points for attempting 4 or more field goals in a game
- Tiered Extra Point Scoring
With the NFL moving extra point attempts back, some leagues have adjusted their scoring:
- 1 point for extra points from 0-33 yards
- 2 points for extra points from 34+ yards
The Impact of Kickers on Fantasy Football Strategy
While kickers might not be the stars of your fantasy team, they can still play a crucial role in your success. Here’s why kickers matter:
- Consistency
Top kickers can provide a steady stream of points week after week. This consistency can be valuable, especially in close matchups. - High Ceiling
On a good day, a kicker can score 15-20 points or more. This potential for big games means kickers can sometimes win you a week. - Tiebreakers
In leagues where total points matter for playoffs or tiebreakers, every point counts. A few extra points from your kicker could make the difference. - Roster Flexibility
Because kickers are easier to replace than other positions, you can use your kicker spot strategically. For example, you might drop your kicker to pick up an extra player during bye weeks, then add a new kicker just before game time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Kickers in Fantasy Football
Even experienced fantasy players can make mistakes when it comes to kickers. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Drafting a Kicker Too Early
Don’t waste an early or middle-round pick on a kicker. The difference between the top kicker and an average one isn’t big enough to justify the cost. - Ignoring Matchups
Just like other positions, kickers can have good or bad matchups. Don’t set and forget your kicker – pay attention to who they’re playing each week. - Overreacting to One Bad Game
Kickers can have off days. Don’t rush to drop a usually reliable kicker just because of one poor performance. - Neglecting Bye Weeks
It’s easy to forget about your kicker’s bye week. Make sure you have a plan to replace them when needed. - Chasing Last Week’s Points
Just because a kicker had a huge game doesn’t mean they’ll repeat it. Don’t pick up kickers based solely on their previous week’s performance.
The Future of Kickers in Fantasy Football
As fantasy football evolves, so does the role of kickers. Some trends to watch for:
- Kicker-less Leagues
Some leagues are experimenting with removing kickers entirely, focusing instead on skill positions. - More Complex Scoring
As data becomes more available, leagues might adopt more nuanced scoring systems that better reflect a kicker’s real-world value. - Integration with Other Special Teams
Some leagues are combining kickers with punt and kick returners to create a more comprehensive “special teams” position.
(FAQ) About Kickers in Fantasy Football
Do kickers lose points for missed field goals in fantasy football?
It depends on your league settings. Some leagues deduct points for missed field goals, typically -1 point, while others don’t. Check your specific league rules to be sure.
How many points does a kicker get for a 50-yard field goal?
In most standard scoring leagues, kickers earn 5 points for field goals of 50 yards or more. However, some leagues may offer bonus points for longer kicks, so always verify your league’s scoring system.
Can a kicker score a touchdown in fantasy football?
Yes! If a kicker somehow scores a touchdown (for example, on a fake field goal play), they would typically earn 6 points, just like any other player scoring a touchdown. This is rare but possible.
Should I draft more than one kicker for my fantasy team?
Generally, it’s not recommended to draft multiple kickers. Most fantasy experts suggest using only one roster spot for a kicker and picking up a replacement during your regular kicker’s bye week.
How important is a kicker’s accuracy in fantasy football?
Accuracy is important, but opportunity often matters more. A less accurate kicker on a high-scoring team might earn more points than a very accurate kicker on a low-scoring team.
Do kickers get points for kickoffs in fantasy football?
No, standard fantasy scoring doesn’t award points for kickoffs, regardless of whether they result in touchbacks or not.
What’s the highest score a kicker has ever achieved in fantasy football?
While this can vary based on league scoring, some of the highest single-game scores for kickers have been around 27-30 points. These exceptional games usually involve multiple long field goals and several extra points.
Conclusion
Understanding how kickers earn points in fantasy football is an often overlooked but important part of managing a successful team. While they might not be the flashiest players, kickers can provide steady points and sometimes even win you a tough matchup. By knowing how kicker scoring works and following the strategies we’ve discussed, you can gain an edge in your fantasy league.
Remember, every point counts in fantasy football. So don’t neglect your kicker – they might just be the difference between victory and defeat!
Whether you’re a fantasy football rookie or a seasoned pro, paying attention to how kickers earn points can help you make smarter decisions and improve your chances of winning. So next time you’re setting your lineup, give your kicker the consideration they deserve. After all, in the world of fantasy football, every kick counts!
