If you’ve ever drafted a fantasy football team, you’ve probably asked yourself: When should I draft a kicker?
Unlike quarterbacks, wide receivers, or running backs, kickers don’t get much attention. But they still matter, especially in close games where a few extra points can make the difference. The key is knowing when to take a kicker in fantasy football so you don’t waste valuable draft picks too early.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best draft strategy for kickers, whether you’re playing standard, PPR (points per reception), or leagues that factor in defenses.
Why Kickers Are Different in Fantasy Football
Before we dive into timing, let’s understand why kickers are unique:
Low Variance: Kickers don’t score as many points as other positions. Most top kickers average between 7–10 points per game, compared to 20+ from quarterbacks or wide receivers.
Unpredictability: A kicker’s success depends on how often their team gets into field goal range. That’s something you can’t fully predict.
Late-Round Value: Since kickers rarely decide an entire season, most fantasy managers wait until the end of their draft to pick one.
Translation: Kickers matter, but not as much as your core roster spots.
When to Take a Kicker in Fantasy Football?
The short answer: draft a kicker in the last or second-to-last round of your fantasy football draft.
Here’s why:
Other Positions Are Scarce
Running backs and wide receivers have limited elite options. Once they’re gone, you can’t replace their value. Kickers, however, score within a similar range.Matchup Flexibility
Instead of investing early, you can stream kickers week-to-week based on matchups, like choosing one who plays indoors or against weaker defenses.Draft Capital Matters
Using an 8th-round pick on a kicker when starting RBs are still available hurts your long-term roster.
Pro Strategy: Wait until the very end — unless you’re in a league that rewards kickers heavily (rare).
When Do You Take a Kicker in Fantasy Football PPR?
In PPR leagues, where wide receivers and tight ends get extra points per catch, kickers become even less important.
Extra catches make WRs and TEs far more valuable than a kicker.
Draft your kicker in the final round.
Focus instead on depth at WR and RB, since PPR makes those positions stronger.
Tip: If your league scores long field goals (50+ yards) with bonus points, kickers with big legs (like Justin Tucker) can give you a slight edge.
When to Take a Kicker in Fantasy Football Defense Drafts?
Some leagues make you draft a defense and a kicker. Which should you take first?
Defense has more impact: Top defenses can average 8–12 points per week.
Kickers are replaceable: Their weekly scoring doesn’t vary as much.
Strategy: Take your defense first (second-to-last round), then grab your kicker in the final round.
Factors That Affect a Kicker’s Fantasy Value
Not all kickers are equal. When deciding which one to draft, consider:
Team Offense Strength: A strong offense creates more scoring chances.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Stadiums: Indoor kickers avoid wind, rain, and snow.
Long-Range Ability: Kickers who hit 50+ yard field goals consistently are more valuable.
Consistency: Avoid teams that go for 4th-down conversions too often — fewer FG attempts.
Example: A kicker on the Chiefs or Eagles will likely score more than one on a struggling offense.
Should You Ever Draft a Kicker Early?
Most of the time, no. But there are exceptions:
Special League Rules: Some leagues give bonus points for 50–60 yard FGs or penalties for missed kicks.
14–16 Team Leagues: With many players drafting, getting a top kicker might give you a slight weekly advantage.
Personal Preference: If having Justin Tucker makes you feel secure, it’s not a bad choice in the second-to-last round.
Streaming vs. Stashing Kickers
There are two main strategies fantasy players use:
Stashing a Top Kicker
Draft one of the best in the last round.
Keep him all season unless injury or bye week forces a change.
Streaming Kickers
Don’t worry about keeping one all season.
Each week, pick a kicker with a favorable matchup (indoors, weak defense opponent).
Most experts recommend streaming unless your league rewards kickers unusually high.
Common Mistakes When Drafting Kickers
Taking a kicker too early (rounds 8–10) and losing value at RB/WR.
Ignoring matchups — outdoor kickers in winter can suffer badly.
Forgetting bye weeks and having to drop a kicker you picked too soon.
FAQs
When should I take a kicker in fantasy football?
Usually, in the last round of your draft.
What about in PPR leagues?
Even less important in PPR. Draft your kicker at the very end.
Should I take a kicker before defense?
No. Draft a defense first, then a kicker.
Who are the best kickers to draft?
Justin Tucker, Harrison Butker, and Evan McPherson are among the most reliable.
Should I keep the same kicker all season?
Not necessarily. Streaming kickers based on matchups is often a smarter approach.
Conclusion
So, when to take a kicker in fantasy football? Almost always in the last round of your draft.
Kickers are valuable in close games, but they don’t score enough to justify early picks. Focus on building depth at running back, wide receiver, quarterback, and defense first. Then, grab a reliable kicker at the end — or stream one week-to-week.
In fantasy football, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to smart decisions. Saving your kicker pick until last is one of those smart moves.
