A strong fantasy football kicker doesn’t always need to be part of one of the NFL's most productive offenses. For instance, Washington's Drew Stevens showcased this against Philadelphia, turning a game with limited touchdown opportunities into one of the best kicking performances of Week 8.
The challenge for fantasy managers is to identify which offenses can consistently reach scoring territory without solely relying on touchdowns. Analyzing recent field-goal volume can provide valuable insights, although factors such as the opponent and changing offensive circumstances can turn even yesterday’s reliable starters into risky choices.
Week 9 offers several intriguing opportunities, including Chicago's improving offense and a Las Vegas kicker who has quietly become a significant fantasy contributor. Meanwhile, other familiar names are facing tough matchups or uncertainties regarding their roles. Here are the kickers to start and sit this week.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Kickers
Cairo Santos, CHI (vs. TB)
Cairo Santos has emerged as a promising streaming option as the Chicago Bears continue to find ways to score. In their recent game against Seattle, which they won 34-17 on Monday Night Football, Santos contributed two field goals and four extra points. His successful field goals were from distances of 38 and 44 yards, adding to a productive streak that included three field goals against New England in Week 7. The Bears have scored at least 30 points in three of their last four games, providing Santos with a much stronger offensive foundation than earlier this season. The team is creating scoring opportunities through various strategies, reducing their reliance on any single aspect of their offense.
Tampa Bay poses an intriguing matchup since its defense has shown the capability to disrupt opposing offenses. The Buccaneers recently shut out Atlanta, demonstrating their ability to keep opponents from reaching the end zone. This situation could favor Santos if Chicago maintains its recent offensive success while facing tougher resistance near the goal line.
Additionally, the Bears have displayed confidence in allowing Santos to attempt longer field goals, as he connected from 58 yards against New England, indicating that his scoring opportunities are not limited to shorter attempts.
Matt Gay, LV (@ SF)
Matt Gay has been one of the more productive kickers in fantasy football over the past eight weeks, despite playing for a Las Vegas team that has struggled to achieve consistent results. The Raiders scored 38 points against the Jets last weekend, and Gay contributed with a 53-yard field goal and five successful extra points. This performance continues a productive stretch in which Las Vegas has regularly provided him with scoring opportunities.
This season, Gay has converted 18 field goals, including several crucial attempts during close games. His performance against Kansas City in Week 4 was particularly impressive; he made all four attempts in a narrow 30-27 defeat. Although San Francisco is a tougher opponent, the matchup still holds significant fantasy value. The 49ers have faced challenges in preventing opposing teams from creating scoring opportunities, and the Raiders have shown they can move the ball against defenses with more established reputations.
Gay's value lies in the various ways he can contribute. The Raiders have generated enough touchdowns to create extra-point opportunities while also settling for field goals during crucial possessions. Given the potential for another competitive game, he is an appealing option, especially since his recent accuracy indicates he can capitalize when Las Vegas reaches scoring range.
Drew Stevens, WAS (vs. LAR)
Drew Stevens delivered an impressive performance against Philadelphia, converting four out of five field-goal attempts and adding an extra point during Washington's 27-10 victory. His successful attempts included a remarkable 56-yard field goal, showcasing the range that makes him especially valuable in fantasy leagues that award additional points for longer kicks.
While Washington's offense has struggled with consistency, Stevens has benefited whenever the Commanders advance into opposing territory without finishing drives with touchdowns. He has converted 14 of 17 field-goal attempts this season, including successful kicks from 55, 56, and 57 yards.
The upcoming matchup against the Rams is promising for a kicker capable of scoring from a distance. Los Angeles has allowed opposing kickers to accumulate significant fantasy points, and Washington may need to capitalize on every scoring opportunity to stay competitive.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Kickers
Harrison Butker, KC (vs. NYJ)
Harrison Butker's fantasy value has become increasingly unpredictable, especially in light of Kansas City's recent offensive struggles. In Week 7 against Seattle, he converted only one of three field-goal attempts, and his performance did not improve against Denver, where he missed one of two attempts during the Chiefs' 28-24 loss. These inconsistencies raise concerns about his reliability at a time when fantasy managers need consistent production.
Together with that, Kansas City has brought in competition for the kicker position by signing veteran Justin Tucker to its practice squad in late October. While this does not necessarily mean Butker has lost his starting job, it introduces uncertainty to a situation that previously seemed stable.
The upcoming matchup against the Jets is also concerning. New York has been effective at limiting opportunities for opposing kickers to score high fantasy points, while Kansas City's offense has struggled to maintain consistent scoring in recent weeks.
Chad Ryland, ARI (@ SEA)
Chad Ryland has achieved impressive field-goal totals this season; however, his upcoming matchup raises significant concerns. In Week 6, the Cardinals' kicker successfully converted all six of his attempts against the Rams, delivering an exceptional fantasy performance in a game where Arizona struggled to finish drives with touchdowns. He followed that performance with three successful field goals against Denver and two more against Dallas, solidifying his valuable role in Arizona's offense.
Unfortunately, the upcoming game against Seattle poses challenges. Earlier this season, the Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 31-7, preventing Arizona from even attempting a single field goal.
Article Continues BelowAlthough Ryland's accuracy and range are encouraging, the risk of another game with limited scoring opportunities makes him a potentially risky fantasy starter. Fantasy managers should consider prioritizing kickers on teams with more reliable scoring chances this week
Jake Elliott, PHI (vs. NYG)
Jake Elliott is facing a frustrating situation as the Philadelphia Eagles struggle to maintain offensive production. Last weekend, the Eagles scored only 10 points against Washington, and Elliott successfully converted just one of his two field-goal attempts. Throughout October, his opportunities have been limited. Philadelphia did not attempt a field goal against Carolina in Week 6 or Dallas in Week 7, leaving Elliott reliant solely on extra points. This inconsistent workload has made him difficult to trust, despite his proven kicking ability.
While the Giants may seem to present a favorable opportunity, the Eagles' recent struggles indicate that fantasy managers should be cautious about anticipating a sudden increase in scoring chances. The team has consistently failed to convert offensive possessions into reliable scoring, meaning Elliott cannot generate fantasy points without opportunities.
He still has the potential to deliver a strong performance if Philadelphia's offense improves, but the recent lack of attempts makes him a risky choice when better streaming options are available.
Final Takeaway
Chicago's improved offensive production makes Santos a tempting fantasy option. Meanwhile, Gay and Stevens have shown they can score points with longer field goals.
However, Butker's recent accuracy issues, along with Arizona's tough matchup and Philadelphia's inconsistent offense, suggest that there are better choices available. For Week 9, managers should focus on available field-goal opportunities instead of assuming that a well-known kicker will automatically provide a reliable fantasy score.