Despite the common tendency among fantasy football enthusiasts to overlook the kicker role, this season has revealed a surprising trend: seven kickers are currently averaging a remarkable 11 points per game, which significantly elevates their value in fantasy leagues. If you disregard this position, particularly with the 49ers kicker’s collective performance grouped as one, you do so at your own peril.
In fact, Justin Tucker stands out as the most frequently started kicker in ESPN leagues, boasting a staggering 93.2% start rate—far ahead of his closest competitor, who hovers just above 82%. Not only is Tucker essential to fantasy lineups, but he also ranks eighth overall in points per game. Equally noteworthy is Harrison Butker, positioned 13th in points yet is the sixth most frequently started kicker, showcasing a palpable underestimation of this crucial position among fantasy league participants. This presents an excellent opportunity for savvy players to stream kickers weekly based on favorable matchups.
This week, several kickers are available in over 50% of ESPN public leagues, making them prime candidates to start in your fantasy football roster for Week 10.
The question arises: How long will Tyler Bass remain readily available in fantasy leagues? This standout kicker is part of one of the NFL’s elite offenses and has demonstrated impressive consistency with fantasy scores of 10.0, 17.0, and 15.0 points over the last three games.
In his upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, who are statistically tied for providing their opponents with the 10th-best average starting field position this season, Bass is poised for another high-scoring performance.
With the Bills favored by 4.5 points and an over/under set at 46.5, it’s anticipated that Bass will thrive in this scenario. He’s likely to maintain his momentum and could very well feature prominently in next week’s discussions as well.
Previously highlighted last week, Blake Grupe delivered a solid performance, tallying 12 fantasy points against the struggling Carolina Panthers. Although he experienced a dip in performance during a challenging stretch, particularly with the absence of quarterback Derek Carr, Grupe has otherwise maintained a reliable presence.
This week, Grupe faces another favorable matchup, squaring off against the Atlanta Falcons, a team notorious for yielding the most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers this season. Although his initial 7.0-point showing against the Falcons left room for improvement, the context of this matchup suggests a strong bounce-back opportunity.
The matchup is anticipated to be a high-scoring affair, as indicated by the two teams’ thrilling first encounter, which saw a combined total of 50 points. Consequently, Grupe is positioned to play a significant role in the offensive action.
Will Reichard’s availability stands at 64.7% in fantasy leagues; however, his status for this week’s game remains uncertain. If he ends up sidelined, it’s expected that whoever fills in as the Vikings kicker will be widely available and immediately relevant.
Regardless of the kicker’s individual skill level, this situation provides an alluring opportunity. A kicker converting 75% of their attempts can be just as productive as one with an 85% conversion rate, particularly when considering potential attempts during a game.
The Vikings, emboldened by their offensive prowess, should capitalize on their matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have allowed the third-most combined attempts for field goals and extra points across the league. With a 4.5-point betting line and a total set at 47.5 points, it’s clear that their kicker—whether Reichard or another—will likely have ample opportunities to contribute on the scoreboard.
**Fantasy Football Kicker Insights: An Interview with Expert Analyst Jane Doe**
*Interviewer (I):* Welcome, Jane! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the evolving landscape of kickers in fantasy football this season. Let’s start with a surprising statistic: seven kickers are averaging 11 points per game. What does this trend say about the kicker position this year?
*Jane Doe (JD):* Thanks for having me! It’s been intriguing to see kickers gaining relevance in fantasy football, which historically gets little attention compared to skill positions. This season’s data shows that with strategic selections, kickers can indeed score heavily and make a significant impact on match outcomes. Overlooking them can be a real mistake for fantasy managers.
*I:* One name that stands out is Justin Tucker, especially with a staggering 93.2% start rate. Why do you think he’s maintained such high popularity in fantasy leagues?
*JD:* Justin Tucker is a proven commodity. He consistently delivers high scores and has a long history of accuracy and leg strength. Managers are understandably drawn to his track record—he’s not just a kicker; he’s a cornerstone of fantasy rosters. Plus, with the Ravens’ offensive capabilities, he often gets opportunities to score big.
*I:* You also mentioned Harrison Butker’s position and start rate. How does underestimating kickers like Butker present an opportunity for savvy fantasy players?
*JD:* It’s essential to recognize the value in kickers who play for high-scoring offenses, like Butker with the Chiefs. Fantasy players who are attentive to matchups and trends can capitalize on this. Many overlook kickers and fail to stream them effectively, which can lead to missed opportunities for solid points during weekly matchups.
*I:* Speaking of matchups, Tyler Bass has been performing well. What should fantasy managers know about him ahead of his game against the Colts?
*JD:* Tyler Bass is a prime streaming option this week! He’s shown impressive consistency recently, and facing the Colts—who provide favorable field positioning—could lead to another solid outing. With the Bills favored in this matchup, if you can snag Bass, it could be a game-changer for your lineup.
*I:* Lastly, let’s touch on Blake Grupe. He’s coming off a decent performance against the Panthers and now faces the Falcons. What’s your take on him this week?
*JD:* Grupe is definitely worth considering. The Falcons have been generous to kickers this season, so there’s a potential for Grupe to notch significant points again. With the right conditions, he could be poised for another solid performance, making him a valuable asset for fantasy teams looking to maximize their kicker points.
*I:* Great insights, Jane! Any final words of wisdom for fantasy managers as we head into Week 10?
*JD:* Stay vigilant with your kicker choices! Watch for matchups and trends, and don’t hesitate to rotate or stream based on favorable opportunities. It could make all the difference in a close matchup! Thanks for having me!
*I:* Thank you, Jane! We appreciate your expert analysis and look forward to seeing how these kickers perform this week.
