We are witnessing two thrilling showdowns in the kicking realm of the NFL! First up, we have Jake Elliott, a kicker known for his reliability, who is currently battling against his own struggles. Despite a solid career, Elliott has faced challenges this season, particularly with long-range kicks. As we head into Week 16, he found himself 0-5 on field goals of 50 yards or more. Last week was particularly tough, as he missed a 56-yard attempt just before halftime, bringing his season record to 0-6 in that category. However, there was a glimmer of hope when he successfully converted a 50-yarder in the fourth quarter, lifting his stats to 1-7 for the year.
Epic Kicking Battles: Who Will Prevail?
In another exciting competition, Brandon Aubrey and Ka’imi Fairbairn are in a race to break the single-season record for 50-plus-yard field goals made. Aubrey is currently leading the charge, having nailed three such field goals last week, bringing his total to an impressive 14. Fairbairn is right on his heels with 13 successful attempts. With only two weeks left in the season, this race is heating up, and both kickers are poised to make history!
Understanding Fantasy Kickers
When it comes to fantasy football, having a kicker who can consistently drill 50-yarders is a game-changer. The ideal kicker not only possesses talent but also benefits from a strong offensive environment. This combination can elevate a kicker’s value on your fantasy roster, making them a reliable asset week in and week out.
Week 17 Fantasy Football Rankings
As we gear up for Week 17, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the rankings. These rankings are based on PPR scoring and were last updated on December 23. They will continue to be updated throughout the week, so stay tuned for the latest insights!
| RANK | PLAYER | TEAM | OPPONENT | CHANGE |
| 1 | Chris Boswell | PIT | at KC | |
| 2 | Cameron Dicker | LAC | at NE | |
| 3 | Jake Bates | DET | at SF | |
| 4 | Ka’imi Fairbairn | HOU | vs. BAL | |
| 5 | Brandon Aubrey | DAL | at PHI | |
| 6 | Chase McLaughlin | TB | vs. CAR | |
| 7 | Tyler Bass | BUF | vs. NYJ | |
| 8 | Jake Moody | SF | vs. DET | |
| 9 | Brandon McManus | GB | at MIN | |
| 10 | Justin Tucker | BAL | at HOU | |
| 11 | Harrison Butker | KC | at PIT | |
| 12 | Jason Myers | SEA | at CHI | |
| 13 | Jason Sanders | MIA | at CLE | |
| 14 | Chad Ryland | ARI | at LAR | |
| 15 | Will Reichard | MIN | vs. GB | |
| 16 | Zane Gonzalez | WAS | vs. ATL | |
| 17 | Cade York | CIN | vs. DEN | |
| 18 | Jake Elliott | PHI | vs. DAL | |
| 19 | Wil Lutz | DEN | at CIN | |
| 20 | Riley Patterson | ATL | at WAS | |
| 21 | Cairo Santos | CHI | vs. SEA | |
| 22 | Joshua Karty | LAR | vs. ARI | |
| 23 | Brayden Narveson | TEN | at JAC | |
| 24 | Anders Carlson | NYJ | at BUF | |
| 25 | Matt Gay | IND | at NYG | |
| 26 | Daniel Carlson | LV | at NO | |
| 27 | Eddy Pineiro | CAR | at TB | |
| 28 | Cam Little | JAC | vs. TEN | |
| 29 | Joey Slye | NE | vs. LAC | |
| 30 | Dustin Hopkins | CLE | vs. MIA | |
| 31 | Blake Grupe | NO | vs. LV | |
| 32 | Graham Gano | NYG | vs. IND |
Top Kickers to Start in Week 17
When it comes to the best fantasy kickers for Week 17, Brandon Aubrey is consistently at the forefront of our rankings. His ability to kick from anywhere inside of 65 yards makes him a formidable force in fantasy football. With the Dallas Cowboys facing a tough Philadelphia defense, Aubrey could find himself in a position to score big this week.
Chris Boswell may not have the same number of 50-yard field goals as Aubrey, but he’s no slouch either. As the top kicker of the year, Boswell is a regular threat to rack up 15-plus fantasy points, making him a must-start each week.
Ka’imi Fairbairn, who is vying for the 50-yard record alongside Aubrey, is another kicker to watch. The Texans are set to face a Baltimore defense that has shown vulnerabilities, so Fairbairn should have ample opportunities to score.
Fantasy Kicker Sleepers for Week 17
Looking for some sleeper picks? Will Reichard is one of the more underrated kickers in the league. Despite facing some challenges earlier in the season due to a quad injury, he has bounced back to go 18-20 on the year. With a high-scoring matchup between Green Bay and Minnesota, expect Reichard to have several chances to put points on the board.
Cade York has stepped up for the Bengals in Evan McPherson’s absence, going 4-5 in three games. With Cincinnati’s explosive offense, York is likely to see plenty of opportunities, although he may face the dilemma of touchdowns versus field goals. Nonetheless, that’s a risk worth taking for fantasy managers looking to maximize their points.
As we dive into Week 17, keep these kickers in mind to enhance your fantasy lineup. The kicking game is often overlooked, but it can make all the difference in your quest for victory!
