Brandon Aubrey has shown fantasy football managers why a strong leg is one of the most valuable assets at the kicker position. The Dallas Cowboys have experienced many ups and downs on offense this season, but their willingness to attempt field goals from long distances gives Aubrey an advantage over most of his competitors. Week 9 features an interesting array of matchups, particularly for kickers whose offenses frequently move the ball but don’t always finish drives with touchdowns. Houston's Ka'imi Fairbairn continues to excel in long-distance situations, while Jason Myers has a favorable matchup despite a disappointing performance on Monday Night Football.
Some of the most appealing kicker options are connected to offenses that have struggled to score consistently, which is why fantasy managers should consider factors beyond team records when evaluating kickers. Here are the players worth trusting, several potential sleepers, and the top 15 kicker rankings for Week 9.
Fantasy Football Standouts
Brandon Aubrey, Cowboys at Colts
Aubrey remains the strongest option at kicker this week, particularly with Dallas traveling to Indianapolis following a narrow 33-30 defeat against Arizona.
The Cowboys generated enough offense to create four field goal opportunities in that game, with Aubrey converting three attempts and contributing another three extra points. He has now made 15 field goals through eight games, including three from at least 50 yards.
His accuracy has been less impressive than in previous seasons, with four missed attempts, but Dallas continues trusting his ability to attempt kicks from distances that would discourage many other coaching staffs.
Indianapolis enters Week 9 following a humiliating 42-7 loss against Jacksonville. The Colts have struggled to contain opposing offenses, and their inability to consistently prevent sustained drives should provide Dallas with opportunities to move into scoring territory.
Aubrey's greatest fantasy advantage comes from his ability to generate substantial points without requiring the Cowboys to reach the red zone. A pair of successful long-distance attempts could produce a strong fantasy performance before extra points are even considered.
Jason Myers, Seahawks vs. Cardinals
Jason Myers experienced a difficult Monday night against Chicago, converting one of his two field goal attempts while having another blocked. Seattle's 34-17 defeat also limited his opportunities to accumulate points through extra-point attempts.
That performance should not overshadow the consistency he demonstrated during the opening seven weeks.
Myers has converted 15 of 17 field goal attempts this season, including several important kicks from beyond 50 yards. His five-field-goal performance against San Francisco earlier in October illustrated how valuable he becomes when Seattle consistently reaches scoring range.
The matchup against Arizona offers an opportunity for a productive response.
Seattle defeated the Cardinals 31-7 during their previous meeting, and the Seahawks should be capable of moving the football against a defense that surrendered 30 points to Dallas last weekend.
The presence of a reliable kicking option could become particularly important if Arizona successfully limits some of Seattle's opportunities near the end zone.
Myers remains a strong fantasy starter despite his disappointing Week 8, with enough offensive support and favorable conditions to justify a place near the top of the rankings.
Ka'imi Fairbairn, Texans at Chargers
Ka'imi Fairbairn has quietly delivered one of the most impressive kicking seasons in the NFL, making 15 of 16 field goal attempts while remaining perfect on all 16 extra-point opportunities.
His production becomes even more remarkable when considering his success from long distances. Fairbairn has converted six field goals from at least 50 yards, giving him substantial value in leagues that reward kickers for distance.
Houston has not consistently produced the offensive performances expected entering the season, but those difficulties have occasionally worked in Fairbairn's favor. Drives that reach opposing territory without resulting in touchdowns can provide multiple field goal opportunities, particularly when the offense remains competitive throughout the game.
The Chargers have struggled to generate offensive momentum themselves, creating the possibility of a relatively close contest where field goals carry significant importance.
Fairbairn will also benefit from playing indoors at SoFi Stadium, removing some of the weather concerns that can affect longer attempts during November.
His combination of accuracy, exceptional range and dependable opportunities makes him one of the safest fantasy selections this week.
Other Kicker Standouts
Will Reichard, Vikings vs. Bills
Will Reichard continues delivering excellent fantasy production despite Minnesota's occasional difficulties moving the football through the air.
He has converted 18 field goals this season, including six from at least 50 yards, while establishing himself as a dependable option whenever the Vikings reach scoring territory.
Minnesota's 19-15 defeat against Detroit highlighted how difficult touchdowns have become for its offense. The Vikings managed only 15 points, and their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities has placed considerable pressure on their kicking game.
Buffalo presents another difficult challenge, particularly after limiting Baltimore to 10 points last weekend.
The Vikings may struggle to generate frequent touchdowns against a defense showing signs of improvement, but Reichard's range gives Minnesota opportunities to collect points even when drives stall outside the red zone.
His reliability makes him especially appealing for managers seeking dependable production rather than relying on an unusually high-scoring game.
Jake Bates, Lions at Dolphins
Jake Bates has benefited from Detroit's offensive consistency, and the Lions' upcoming matchup against Miami could provide another productive afternoon.
Detroit has demonstrated an ability to sustain drives through its running game while creating scoring opportunities through an effective passing attack.
Bates has converted 12 of 13 field goals this season, demonstrating the accuracy necessary to remain a dependable fantasy option even when the Lions finish possessions with touchdowns rather than field goals.
Miami's defensive difficulties could create plenty of scoring opportunities for Detroit, although managers should recognize that touchdowns sometimes limit a kicker's ceiling in formats that reward field goals more heavily than extra points.
Bates remains an appealing starter because Detroit consistently gives him opportunities to contribute, and Sunday's matchup presents favorable conditions for another productive performance.
Evan McPherson, Bengals at Falcons
Evan McPherson should receive plenty of consideration after Cincinnati scored 43 points against Tennessee in Week 8.
The Bengals' offense has demonstrated an ability to generate substantial production when its passing game finds rhythm, creating opportunities for McPherson to accumulate points through both field goals and extra points.
His accuracy has been exceptional, with a perfect field goal record through seven games and five successful kicks from at least 50 yards.
Atlanta has experienced defensive inconsistencies, including a shutout defeat against Tampa Bay last weekend that raised additional questions about its ability to remain competitive against productive offenses.
McPherson's impressive range gives Cincinnati flexibility when possessions stall, and his reliable accuracy makes him a strong option for managers targeting a kicker attached to an aggressive offense.
- Brandon Aubrey (DAL) at IND
- Jason Myers (SEA) vs. ARI
- Ka'imi Fairbairn (HOU) at LAC
- Will Reichard (MIN) vs. BUF
- Jake Bates (DET) at MIA
- Evan McPherson (CIN) at ATL
- Cam Little (JAX) at BAL
- Spencer Shrader (IND) vs. DAL
- Tyler Bass (BUF) at MIN
- Harrison Butker (KC) vs. NYJ
- Cairo Santos (CHI) vs. TB
- Eddy Piñeiro (SF) vs. LV
- Chase McLaughlin (TB) at CHI
- Matt Gay (LV) at SF
- Dominic Zvada (NYG) at PHI