Unveiling the Top Ranked NFL Kickers for Your Fantasy Team
Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! We know you're always on the hunt for the best players to rank on your team. Today, we're diving deep into the world of NFL kickers to help you find the perfect addition to your fantasy squad. So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's kick things off! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and rank nfl kickers fantasy.
Why Kickers Matter in Fantasy Football
Before we rank the best NFL kickers for your fantasy team, let's address the elephant in the room: why kickers matter at all? In many fantasy leagues, kickers are often an afterthought, but they can make a significant difference in your weekly scoring. Here's why:
Consistency: Kickers provide consistent points week after week. They might not rack up the same kind of stats as a quarterback or running back, but they're reliable. Upside: While rare, there are weeks when a kicker can score 10+ points. These outlier performances can swing your matchup in your favor. * Matchup Advantage: Playing a kicker from a team with a high-powered offense can be beneficial. More offensive possessions mean more chances for field goals.
Now that we've established the importance of kickers let's dive into the rankings!
2022 NFL Kickers Fantasy Rankings
1. Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens**
Strength in Numbers: Justin Tucker has been the gold standard for fantasy kickers for years. Consistently at the top of the rankings, Tucker has finished as a top-3 kicker in each of the past five seasons. With a powerful leg and a reliable holder in Sam Koch, Tucker is an excellent choice for your fantasy team.
Why He's Ranked #1: Tucker's accuracy is unmatched. He's made 90.6% of his field goal attempts over his career, including 90.2% from 40-49 yards and a staggering 87.5% from 50+ yards. He's also a reliable extra point kicker, making 99.7% of his attempts.
2. Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons**
Rising Star: Younghoe Koo might not have the same name recognition as some other kickers on this list, but he's quickly making a name for himself in the fantasy realm. Koo finished as the #1 kicker in 2021 and is poised for another strong season in 2022.
Why He's Ranked #2: Koo's accuracy is exceptional, making 92.9% of his field goal attempts in his career. He's also benefitted from playing on a Falcons team that has struggled on offense, leading to more field goal attempts. With a new coaching staff and some offseason additions, the Falcons' offense could be improved, providing Koo with even more opportunities.
3. Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs**
Chiefs' Secret Weapon: Harrison Butker has been a steady performer for the Chiefs, ranking as a top-10 kicker in each of the past four seasons. With the Chiefs' high-powered offense, Butker has plenty of opportunities to rack up fantasy points.
Why He's Ranked #3: Butker's accuracy is solid, making 88.9% of his field goal attempts in his career. But what sets him apart is his consistency – he's made at least one field goal in 54 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
4. Cody Parkey, Cleveland Browns**
Browns' New Kicker: Cody Parkey joins the Browns after spending the past two seasons with the Chicago Bears. While his time in Chicago was tumultuous, Parkey has shown the ability to be a reliable fantasy kicker in the past.
Why He's Ranked #4: Parkey has a strong leg, making 87.5% of his field goal attempts from 40-49 yards and 84.4% from 50+ yards. With the Browns' improved offense, Parkey should have plenty of opportunities to score fantasy points.
5. Dustin Hopkins, Los Angeles Chargers**
Chargers' Kicking Solution: Dustin Hopkins joins the Chargers after spending the past seven seasons with the Washington Commanders. Hopkins has been a reliable fantasy kicker, ranking as a top-12 kicker in four of the past five seasons.
Why He's Ranked #5: Hopkins has made at least 85% of his field goal attempts in each of the past five seasons. With the Chargers' improved offense, Hopkins should have plenty of opportunities to score fantasy points.
Sleepers and Streamers
While the kickers ranked above are likely to be drafted in most fantasy leagues, there are always sleepers and streamers who can provide valuable fantasy points. Here are a couple of kickers to keep an eye on:
Graham Gano, New York Giants: Gano has been a reliable fantasy kicker in the past, ranking as a top-12 kicker in four of the past six seasons. If he can stay healthy, Gano could provide valuable fantasy points for your team. Tristan Vizcaino, Carolina Panthers: Vizcaino is a bit of a wild card, as he's only kicked in six games over the past two seasons. However, he's made 90% of his field goal attempts in his career and could be a valuable streamer if he wins the Panthers' kicking job.
Conclusion
While kickers might not be the sexiest position in fantasy football, they can make a significant difference in your weekly matchups. By ranking the top NFL kickers for your fantasy team, you're one step closer to a championship. So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and draft the best kicker for your team!