The National Football League season is nearing its midpoint, and fantasy football managers are diligently scanning the waiver wire for potential difference-makers. This week, the kicker position is seeing important movement, with several players stepping up to offer valuable fantasy points. A recent trend shows that reliable kicking can often be the deciding factor in close matchups.
Several teams are navigating bye weeks, creating increased opportunities for backups and lesser-known players to shine. The Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks will all be without their regular kickers in Week 8.
Will Reichard: A Viking Surge
Minnesota Vikings’ Kicker Will Reichard is quickly gaining attention after a standout performance in Week 7. He converted all five field goal attempts and added an extra point, totaling 18 fantasy points – the highest among all kickers that week. Reichard’s strong performance has propelled him into the top ten at his position.
The Vikings face the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night,offering Reichard a prime chance to continue his success in the favorable conditions of SoFi Stadium. According to data from FantasyPros, kickers playing in dome stadiums typically score 5-10% more points on average.
Nick Folk: Consistency in the Chaos
Despite the New York Jets’ ongoing struggles as the only winless team in the NFL, Kicker nick Folk remains a remarkably consistent performer. He has yet to miss a kick this season, going 2-for-2 in Week 7. At 40 years old, Folk offers a level of reliability that is increasingly rare in the unpredictable world of fantasy football.
Facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8, Folk is poised to continue delivering steady fantasy production, even amidst his team’s offensive challenges.
Jake Moody: A Second Chance Story
Kicker Jake Moody, formerly with the San Francisco 49ers, is experiencing a resurgence with the Chicago Bears. After being released by the 49ers, he has delivered two double-digit fantasy performances, including a game-winning field goal against the Washington Commanders in Week 6 and a 4-for-4 showing against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7.
The Bears’ willingness to give Moody a second chance is paying dividends, and he is quickly becoming a viable option for teams in need of kicker help.He will face a tough test against the baltimore Ravens this week.
Key Kicker Matchups – Week 8
| Player | Team | Opponent | Rostered (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Reichard | Minnesota vikings | @ Los Angeles Chargers | 5.6 |
| Nick Folk | New York Jets | @ Cincinnati Bengals | 7.9 |
| Jake Moody | Chicago Bears | @ Baltimore Ravens | 5.1 |
Did You Know? kicker performance is often correlated with weather conditions.Cold weather, wind, and rain can significantly impact field goal accuracy.
Pro Tip: When selecting a kicker, consider not only their recent performance but also the strength of their offense. A high-scoring offense will create more field goal opportunities.
The fantasy football kicker position often feels like a lottery, with unpredictable swings in performance. However, identifying players with consistent opportunities and favorable matchups can provide a significant edge. Don’t underestimate the value of a reliable kicker in a tight league.
Frequently asked Questions
- What is the best strategy for selecting a fantasy football kicker? Focus on consistency, opportunity (strong offense), and favorable matchups.
- How do bye weeks impact kicker availability? Bye weeks create increased demand for available kickers, making waiver wire pickups more competitive.
- Are kickers more valuable in certain league formats? Kickers tend to be more valuable in leagues with standard scoring rules compared to those that emphasize total points.
- Can weather conditions affect a kicker’s performance? Yes, adverse weather conditions like wind and rain can significantly decrease field goal accuracy.
- Is it worth using a high draft pick on a kicker? Generally, no. Kickers should typically be drafted in the later rounds,focusing on value and potential upside.
Do you think Will Reichard can maintain his hot streak against the Chargers? And which of these kickers offers the most long-term fantasy value? Share your thoughts in the comments below!