Week 17 Kicker Rankings: Who To Start?

Hey guys! Welcome to your ultimate guide for Week 17 kicker rankings. If you're still in the fantasy football playoffs, every single point matters, and that includes the points coming from your kicker! Kickers can be the unsung heroes or the agonizing zeros of your fantasy team. This week, with playoff dreams on the line, nailing your kicker choice is more crucial than ever. So, let's dive into the rankings and figure out who's ready to boom and who's destined to bust. We'll break down the top contenders, analyze their matchups, consider weather conditions, and even peek at their historical performance. Basically, we're leaving no stone unturned to help you make the most informed decision possible. Remember, a well-chosen kicker can be the difference between celebrating a championship and lamenting a painful loss. So, buckle up, fantasy fanatics, and let's get this kicking party started! Understanding the nuances of kicker performance goes beyond just looking at raw stats. Factors like team offensive efficiency, red zone conversion rates, and even coaching tendencies play a significant role. A kicker on a high-scoring offense might get more opportunities, but a kicker on a team that struggles in the red zone might get more field goal attempts. Similarly, a coach who is aggressive on fourth down might limit field goal chances, while a more conservative coach might rely on the kicker more often. Analyzing these underlying factors can give you a significant edge in predicting kicker performance. Furthermore, consider the impact of weather. A windy or rainy game can drastically reduce the accuracy of even the most talented kickers. Always check the weather forecast before setting your lineup, and be prepared to make adjustments if necessary. By taking a comprehensive approach to kicker analysis, you can increase your chances of finding a hidden gem who can deliver valuable points when you need them most. After all, in fantasy football, every point counts, and the kicker position is no exception. Gamecocks Football: Your Ultimate Guide To The Season

Top Tier Kickers: The Reliable Point Scorers

These are the guys you can generally set and forget. They're consistently putting up points and have favorable matchups this week. You likely drafted them high (for a kicker, anyway!) and they've been reliable all season. Let's highlight a couple of names you should feel good about rolling with. Identifying the top-tier kickers involves a blend of statistical analysis, matchup assessment, and gut feeling. These are the players who have consistently performed well throughout the season, demonstrating accuracy, leg strength, and the ability to convert crucial kicks under pressure. When evaluating top-tier candidates, consider their field goal percentage, average distance of successful kicks, and their success rate on extra-point attempts. A kicker who consistently makes long-distance field goals is more valuable than one who only excels at shorter kicks. Matchup analysis is equally important. A top-tier kicker facing a team with a weak defense and a tendency to stall in the red zone is likely to have more opportunities for field goal attempts. Conversely, a kicker facing a strong defense that limits scoring opportunities might struggle to produce fantasy points. Gut feeling also plays a role. Sometimes, a kicker simply has a knack for performing well in specific situations or against certain opponents. Trust your instincts and consider the overall narrative surrounding the player and their team. Remember, the top-tier kickers are not always the highest-scoring players, but they are the most consistent and reliable options for your fantasy team. Their ability to deliver steady points week after week makes them valuable assets in your quest for a championship. So, do your research, trust your judgment, and confidently deploy your top-tier kicker knowing that they are likely to contribute significantly to your team's success. Also, keep in mind that even the best kickers can have off weeks, so don't panic if they miss a kick or two. The key is to focus on their overall performance and trust that they will bounce back stronger in the following weeks.

Mid-Range Options: Decent Matchups, Some Risk

Okay, so maybe you didn't snag a top-tier kicker. No sweat! There are plenty of solid mid-range options that could provide a decent score this week. These guys might have tougher matchups or be a little less consistent, but they have the potential to surprise. Scouring the mid-range kicker pool requires a keen eye for opportunity and a willingness to embrace some risk. These kickers may not be household names, but they often possess the potential to deliver valuable fantasy points, especially in favorable matchups. When evaluating mid-range options, focus on their recent performance, their team's offensive trends, and the opposing defense's vulnerabilities. A kicker who has been consistently making field goals over the past few weeks, even if they haven't attempted many long-distance kicks, could be a reliable option. Similarly, a kicker whose team has been struggling to score touchdowns but has been moving the ball effectively into field goal range could be poised for a productive week. Pay close attention to the opposing defense's tendencies. If they are particularly susceptible to allowing field goal attempts, or if they struggle to defend against certain types of offenses, a mid-range kicker could capitalize on those weaknesses. However, be aware of the risks involved. Mid-range kickers are often less consistent than top-tier options, and they may be more prone to missing kicks or facing challenging weather conditions. Consider the potential for rain, wind, or snow, which can significantly impact kicker performance. Ultimately, choosing a mid-range kicker is a calculated gamble. Weigh the potential rewards against the risks, and make an informed decision based on the available data and your own gut feeling. With careful analysis and a bit of luck, you might just uncover a hidden gem who can deliver a winning performance for your fantasy team. Remember, in the world of fantasy football, sometimes the best rewards come from taking calculated risks. So, don't be afraid to explore the mid-range kicker pool and see if you can find a diamond in the rough. Lee Corso's College Journey: A Look At His Alma Mater

Stash Away: Kickers to Watch for Next Season

While winning this week is the priority, it never hurts to keep an eye on the future! These are kickers who might not be relevant right now, but have the potential to be valuable assets next season. Maybe they're young guys showing promise, or veterans on teams with changing situations. Evaluating kickers to stash away for next season is a forward-thinking strategy that can pay dividends in the long run. Identifying potential breakout candidates requires a blend of scouting, statistical analysis, and a keen understanding of team dynamics. Look for young kickers who are showing promise but may be currently blocked by established veterans. These players could be poised to take over the starting role next season if the veteran departs or struggles with performance. Similarly, keep an eye on kickers who are currently on struggling teams but have demonstrated strong accuracy and leg strength. If their team improves its offensive performance in the offseason, these kickers could see a significant increase in their fantasy value. Statistical analysis can also provide valuable insights. Look for kickers who have a high field goal percentage, a strong average distance on successful kicks, and a consistent track record of making crucial kicks under pressure. However, be aware that statistics don't always tell the whole story. Consider the team's offensive philosophy, the coaching staff's tendencies, and the overall environment in which the kicker operates. A kicker who is playing in a dome or in a warm-weather city is likely to have a more consistent performance than one who is playing in a cold-weather city with unpredictable weather conditions. Ultimately, stashing away kickers for next season is a long-term investment. It requires patience, foresight, and a willingness to take risks. But if you can identify a potential breakout candidate early, you could gain a significant advantage over your league mates when draft day rolls around. So, keep your eyes peeled, do your research, and don't be afraid to take a chance on a kicker who has the potential to become a valuable asset in the future. After all, in fantasy football, the future is always just around the corner. Kamala Harris Pronouns: Clearing Up Misinformation

Good luck this week, and may your kicks be true!

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Steve Wollaston

Editor of iGB Affiliate at Clarion Gaming ·

I completed a week's worth of work experience at Closer Magazine in August 2016. My tasks included archiving, researching, transcribing and writing stories.