Week 16 is upon us, and for many fantasy football managers, this marks the semifinal round of the playoffs. Whether you’re riding high after a decisive victory in the opening week or you’re eager to kick off your playoff journey after a well-earned bye, one thing is certain: the pressure is on. Every fantasy manager shares a common fear—what if your kicker lays an egg and derails your shot at glory?
The Kicker Conundrum
As we dive into the fantasy landscape, the performance of kickers can often feel like a roll of the dice. Week 15 seemed promising for many, with eight kickers scoring double-digit fantasy points before Sunday Night Football kicked off. Familiar names like Brandon Aubrey and Chase McLaughlin delivered solid performances, while newcomers like Cam Little and Joshua Karty surprised us with impressive outings. However, the unpredictability of kickers can be a nightmare for fantasy managers.
The Case of Jake Bates
One kicker who had been on a roll was Jake Bates of the Detroit Lions. Heading into Week 15, Bates had scored 11 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games. Yet, in a high-scoring affair against the Bills, he managed only five points. For many playoff teams, that could be the difference between advancing to the finals or watching their fantasy season come to a screeching halt. It’s a stark reminder that even the most reliable kickers can falter when it matters most.
Who are the best fantasy kickers in Week 16?
So, who should you trust in your lineup this week? Let’s break down the top contenders:
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Brandon Aubrey (DAL)
After attempting a 70-yard field goal last week, Aubrey showcased the Cowboys’ confidence in him. Despite a miss, his team’s potential to score against a shaky Tampa Bay defense makes him a must-start. -
Chris Boswell (PIT)
Boswell has been a reliable asset, averaging over 12 points per game. With Mike Tomlin’s conservative play calling, you can expect Boswell to be a key player in the Steelers’ scoring efforts. - Younghoe Koo (ATL)
The Falcons are set to face a struggling Giants defense that has allowed at least 27 points in three of their last four games. If Atlanta’s offense clicks, Koo could easily finish among the top five kickers this week.
Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings Week 16
These rankings were updated on December 16 and will continue to be refreshed throughout the week. Make sure to check back often!
| RANK | PLAYER | TEAM | OPPONENT | CHANGE |
| 1 | Brandon Aubrey | DAL | vs. TB | |
| 2 | Chris Boswell | PIT | at BAL | |
| 3 | Younghoe Koo | ATL | vs. NYG | |
| 4 | Cameron Dicker | LAC | vs. DEN | |
| 5 | Jake Bates | DET | at CHI | |
| 6 | Ka’imi Fairbairn | HOU | at KC | |
| 7 | Chase McLaughlin | TB | at DAL | |
| 8 | Tyler Bass | BUF | vs. NE | |
| 9 | Jake Moody | SF | at MIA | |
| 10 | Brandon McManus | GB | vs. NO | |
| 11 | Harrison Butker | KC | vs. HOU | |
| 12 | Justin Tucker | BAL | vs. PIT | |
| 13 | Jake Elliott | PHI | at WAS | |
| 14 | Jason Myers | SEA | vs. MIN | |
| 15 | Chad Ryland | ARI | at CAR | |
| 16 | Will Reichard | MIN | at SEA | |
| 17 | Greg Joseph | WAS | vs. PHI | |
| 18 | Cade York | CIN | vs. CLE | |
| 19 | Cairo Santos | CHI | vs. DET | |
| 20 | Wil Lutz | DEN | at LAC | |
| 21 | Joshua Karty | LAR | at NYJ | |
| 22 | Jason Sanders | MIA | vs. SF | |
| 23 | Nick Folk | TEN | at IND | |
| 24 | Anders Carlson | NYJ | vs. LAR | |
| 25 | Dustin Hopkins | CLE | at CIN | |
| 26 | Daniel Carlson | LV | vs. JAC | |
| 27 | Matt Gay | IND | vs. TEN | |
| 28 | Cam Little | JAC | at LV | |
| 29 | Eddy Pineiro | CAR | vs. ARI | |
| 30 | Joey Slye | NE | at BUF | |
| 31 | Blake Grupe | NO | at GB | |
| 32 | Graham Gano | NYG | at ATL |
Who are the best fantasy kicker sleepers in Week 16?
Now, let’s shine a light on some potential sleeper kickers who could make a big impact:
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Chad Ryland (ARI)
Ryland has been a game-changer lately, scoring 14-plus points in two of his last three games. Despite the Arizona offense’s inconsistencies, a matchup against Carolina could provide ample scoring opportunities. - Joshua Karty (LAR)
Karty has been on a scoring spree, racking up 21 points in his last two outings. If Matthew Stafford can lead the Rams into scoring positions against a Jets defense that has been surprisingly vulnerable, Karty could capitalize with multiple successful kicks.
As we gear up for Week 16, remember that every point counts. Make sure to evaluate your options carefully and trust in the kickers who have proven they can deliver when the stakes are high. Good luck, fantasy managers!
