Choosing the right kicker can make a significant difference in a closely contested matchup. With Week 8 approaching, managers need to consider more than just recent point totals. Offensive efficiency, coaching tendencies, kicking conditions, and the likelihood of field-goal opportunities all matter. Brandon Aubrey headlines this week's recommended starters thanks to his powerful leg and favorable home environment. On the other hand, several recognizable names could struggle to deliver consistent fantasy football production. Here are the kickers to start and sit as you prepare your Week 8 lineup.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Kickers
Brandon Aubrey, DAL (vs. ARI)
Brandon Aubrey is arguably the safest kicker to start in Week 8. The Cowboys host Arizona at AT&T Stadium. The indoor environment eliminates weather-related concerns and gives Aubrey ideal conditions.
Dallas' offensive firepower is another major advantage. The Cowboys regularly move the ball into opposing territory. That should create opportunities for Aubrey to contribute through both field goals and extra points. His ability to convert attempts from beyond 50 yards is particularly valuable. That should give him a ceiling that few players at the position can match.
The matchup against Arizona further strengthens his appeal. Dallas expects to generate plenty of scoring opportunities. Whether the Cowboys finish drives with touchdowns or settle for field goals, Aubrey should have multiple opportunities to produce. He is a must-start kicker for Week 8.
Cam Little, JAC (vs. IND)
Cam Little deserves consideration after another encouraging performance before Jacksonville's Week 7 bye. He converted his lone field-goal attempt and all four extra-point attempts in the Jaguars' 34-31 loss to Houston. Little has missed just one kick this season. That shows both accuracy and exceptional leg strength. His ability to connect from long distance gives him additional fantasy football appeal.
The bye week provided Jacksonville an opportunity to regroup before facing Indianapolis in Week 8. Little should benefit from playing behind an offense capable of generating scoring opportunities. That makes him an appealing starting option.
Chad Ryland, ARI (@ DAL)
Chad Ryland has emerged as a worthwhile streaming option after another productive outing. He converted all three field-goal attempts and his lone extra-point attempt in Arizona's Week 7 loss to Denver. Ryland accounted for 10 of the Cardinals' 16 points. Arizona struggled to finish its offensive drives, but that actually worked in the kicker's favor.
The challenge gets tougher against Dallas in Week 8. However, if Arizona continues moving the ball into scoring territory without consistently finding the end zone, Ryland could receive another healthy workload.
Other Starts: Evan McPherson, CIN (vs. TEN); Will Reichard, MIN (@ DET).
Week 8 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Kickers
Drew Stevens, WAS (vs. PHI)
Drew Stevens has shown encouraging accuracy, converting 10 of 12 field-goal attempts while adding 10 extra points this season. He also made a 51-yard field goal in Washington's 23-17 loss to San Francisco back in Week 6.
Despite those numbers, the matchup against Philadelphia makes him a risky fantasy football option. The Eagles can potentially limit Washington's ability to sustain drives into scoring territory. Stevens has demonstrated that he can convert longer attempts, but getting enough opportunities remains the bigger question. Managers should look for a more favorable streaming option.
Nick Folk, ATL (@ TB)
Nick Folk delivered a productive performance in Atlanta's 29-20 victory over San Francisco. He converted all three field-goal attempts and two of three extra points. His lone blemish was a missed extra point.
Folk is now 12-for-15 on field goals this season, with a long of 51 yards. Those are respectable numbers. However, his Week 8 matchup against Tampa Bay makes him a less appealing option. Managers should consider alternatives with more dependable opportunities. Folk is not necessarily an automatic drop, but he is a candidate to sit this week.
Article Continues BelowCameron Dicker, LAC (vs. LAR)
Cameron Dicker remains an accurate kicker. That said, the Chargers' offensive struggles have limited his fantasy football upside. He converted both field-goal attempts in Los Angeles' 22-6 loss to Kansas City in Week 6. He connected from 23 and 30 yards to account for all six of the team's points.
While Dicker did his job, the Chargers struggled to generate scoring opportunities. That lack of offensive consistency is concerning heading into Week 8. Even a reliable kicker needs opportunities. Managers should be cautious about relying on Dicker until the Chargers demonstrate an ability to sustain more productive drives.
Other Sits: Andre Szmyt, CLE (@ PIT); Wil Lutz, DEN (vs. KC).
Final Takeaway
Aubrey is the standout Week 8 starter. Little and Ryland offer appealing alternatives based on their leg strength and recent production. Meanwhile, Stevens, Folk, and Dicker carry enough matchup or opportunity concerns to warrant a seat on the bench. Prioritize kickers attached to productive offenses. Monitor late-week developments and avoid overlooking the importance of scoring opportunities.