ClutchPoints
The fantasy football playoffs continue in Week 16 with the semi-finals. There are a lot of tough decisions to make at running back and wide receiver that will get all the attention. But the wrong fantasy kicker could cost you the championship. The Brandon Aubrey managers know who they’re starting, but who else should you start this week?
There is another kicker change for the New York Giants to monitor headed into Week 16. Younghoe Koo is no longer the kicker there, and it is likely to be 24-year-old rookie Ben Sauls. Koo was likely not on many semi-final teams, and Sauls should not be either. Injury-wise, Matt Prater’s run with the Buffalo Bills comes to a halt, with Michael Badgley taking over.
The kicker position could change your fantasy football playoff matchup. Who should you start this week?
Cameron Dicker, LAC (@ DAL)
At this time of year, it is wise to target kickers who play indoors rather than those who play in windy, snowy conditions. Dicker falls into that group for the rest of the fantasy football season, with a home game looming in Week 17. This week, the Chargers’ kicker will boot it in Dallas as the offense faces a weak Cowboys defense. All of that adds up to Dicker being a great kicker for fantasy managers.
The Chargers’ offense has not been sensational over the past two weeks, but they have picked up two big wins. Part of the reason they beat the Eagles and Chiefs was Dicker, who went 8-for-8 on field goals in the two matchups. Expect that to continue in great kicking conditions on Sunday.
Jake Elliott, PHI (@ WSH)
The Eagles’ offense has been much maligned in recent weeks. But a 31-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15 should get them back on track heading into the stretch run. They have the Washington Commanders this week, who are playing out the string with a terrible defense. That should lead to some fantasy football points for Jake Elliott.
Elliott has not been the greatest fantasy kicker this year, and it is understandable if managers cut him during Philadelphia’s downturn. But he is a much better option than some of the kickers coming later on this list.
Cam Little, JAX (@ DEN)
Managers may be tempted to bench Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little when they see the Denver Broncos on the schedule. With one of the best defenses in the league, it is understandable to predict a downturn for the Jags’ offense. But Little has the all-time record for longest field goal and is heading to the thin air of Denver. That could lead to multiple 50-yard field goals, which are worth more points.
The Jaguars’ offense scored 48 points against the lowly New York Jets last week. That likely will not repeat against the Broncos. But with the one seed on the line in this matchup, the Jags could get the edge...
