You kind of expect playoff teams to have established, quality kickers: Reliable guys who can be counted on in pressure situations. That might not be true in the NFL anymore, but it could very well be the case in your fantasy league.
Three playoff teams last season -- the Eagles, Saints and Chiefs -- are going with relatively-untested legs at kicker this year. A fourth (Denver) has to replace its kicker for the first quarter of the season. They're also going with someone new to the league. Meanwhile, plenty of experienced guys wait for a shot to be mocked in a new city.
As fantasy owners it shouldn't be surprising news. After all, who cares about kickers? Those guys are relegated to the last round of any self-respecting fantasy owner. In fact, some question why they exist in fantasy football at all. NFL teams know they're worthless, so why bother devoting any time to them?
Well, you should bother because NFL teams are wrong. Like it or not, the game is set up to make kickers valuable, and even a little experience can go a long way in making or breaking playoff fortunes. I'm not sure why franchises who pay millions to backups will cut a starting kicker to save a little cash.
Every year, teams lose games by a point, or two. And every year, teams lose out on playoff spots and home-field advantage by a single game. So why would you risk such an important position on an unproven commodity? Honestly, I have no idea. But (also honestly) I don't care. Millionaires can do whatever they want with their teams. In the end, they'll keep making money whether they make the playoffs or not.
Your team, however, is different. I actually want you to do well, and I know you can't make money unless you're winning games. And if you don't pay attention to your kicker you could lose an extra game or two, and maybe a playoff spot and a chance at some of the pot at the end of the year. Why do that to yourself?
If you've already held your draft or auction, at least take a look at the waiver wire and see if you can't improve the position. And if you still have a last-minute draft on the calendar, how about giving a little respect to a starter? Pretend it could help you win games, and try to get someone whose job is secure, who's reliable and who kicks well under pressure.
If you need a suggestion, how about Matt Bryant? The Falcons should be improved this year and their running game is poor. That's a good recipe for a team stalling out in the red zone. Plus they play in a dome, so that's eight weather-free games right there. But Atlanta has a couple of road dome games, too. Bryant has a good leg, plenty of experience and the general support of his team. He won't be one of the first kickers drafted and he's probably a better option than that sixth wide receiver you'll never start.
And if you've already drafted, maybe there's a better option available. Brandon McManus will be kicking for Denver while Matt Prater serves his suspension. I don't know much about him, except he'll be kicking for Denver while Matt Prater serves his suspension. And really, isn't that enough? The Denver air and the Denver offense looks like a good combination for a kicker, even if he's unproven. Sure, I'd rather have an experienced guy and his Denver debut was unimpressive, but McManus might be the best guy on the waiver wire. It's a low-risk move, anyway.
And there's one other option I want to share with you: The Saints' kicker. Great offense, questionable running game and a dome at home. Plus three more road games in domes. Counting the bye, New Orleans will play just one outside game in the first eight weeks. Then three of the next four are in New Orleans. If you have a chance, you might want to pick that guy up.
Oh yeah, there's just one little problem. I don't know who "that guy" is. And as of when I'm writing this, the Saints don't know, either. They don't have a kicker on their roster. It could be anybody. Maybe it'll be Gus (you know, the mule who kicks field-goals? No? Are you too young to remember him?) or maybe someone else. The downside is you'll have to actually care when they sign a kicker. But the upside is you have a good chance of getting him. He's not likely to be on an opponent's roster right now. And since he's "just a kicker," most owners won't even care.
But that's okay. Most owners don't make the playoffs. Most owners lose money each year. Most owner are happy with just anybody at that starter position. I suggest you pay a little more attention, get someone who's a little more reliable and reap any rewards that might result. Good luck in week 1.
Do you pay attention to kickers, and has it ever mattered to your fantasy team? Ever seen the movie "Gus?" Share your thoughts below.