Top NFL Fantasy Picks: Which Kickers to Start or Bench in the Final Week

Week 17 of the NFL season presents crucial decisions for fantasy football managers, especially concerning the kicker position. Choosing the right kicker can significantly impact fantasy scores, as the margin for victory often hinges on these special teams players’ consistency and opportunity.

Kickers face varying environments and matchups each week, which affects their scoring potential. Recognizing favorable matchups and recent performance trends is essential for making informed lineup decisions.

Start ‘Em: Kickers to Consider Starting

1. Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens)
   Tucker remains the top fantasy kicker due to his unparalleled accuracy and the Ravens’ strong offensive output. Week 17’s matchup offers ample scoring chances, making him a reliable starter.

2. Harrison Butker (Kansas City Chiefs)
   Playing with a high-powered offense that frequently reaches scoring range, Butker continues to provide consistent fantasy points. His recent string of successful field goals under pressure supports starting him this week.

3. Evan McPherson (Cincinnati Bengals)
   McPherson has demonstrated a strong leg and steady accuracy, especially in late-season matchups. Given the Bengals’ offensive tempo, he presents a valuable option at kicker.

Sit ‘Em: Kickers to Avoid Starting

1. Chase McLaughlin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
   McLaughlin operates behind an offense struggling to sustain drives efficiently. Against a tougher Week 17 defense, his scoring opportunities may be limited, increasing the risk for fantasy managers.

2. Matt Gay (Los Angeles Rams)
   Inconsistent kicking and a lackluster offensive performance have curtailed Gay’s fantasy viability lately. Managers should seek alternatives with better matchup outlooks.

3. Daniel Carlson (Las Vegas Raiders)
   Though Carlson has made some long field goals recently, the Raiders’ offensive inconsistencies reduce his chance for multiple scoring opportunities in this critical week.

Managers should consult the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings for updated nuanced analysis, as kicker performances can hinge on game flow and situational factors. Leveraging these expert insights contributes to stronger decision-making ahead of Week 17.

Decisions on kickers should emphasize those with supporting offenses that frequently reach scoring range and those playing under favorable field conditions. Conversely, it is prudent to bench kickers facing stout defenses or inconsistent offenses to maximize fantasy returns during this pivotal matchup week.