Streaming defenses and kickers in fantasy football is a time-honored tradition that has given fantasy players an edge in the game. Instead of blindly aligning yourself with one team or player, you allow yourself to identify mismatches that can give your team an edge in fantasy matchups. This week, I will look at the kicker rankings to find the best values to stream.
If you got your hands on an elite kicker from your draft, that’s great—don’t cut them! Justin Tucker, Harrison Butker, and Brandon Aubrey come to mind for me personally.
These streamers are rostered in 60% or less of Yahoo fantasy leagues.
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Kicker Streamers for Week 1:
Matt Gay (23%) vs. Houston Texans
This one meets all the criteria for a solid kicker streamer. Indoors game, facing a high-powered offense, and attached to a strong offense with Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor. The Colts scored an average of 25 points last season in two games against the Texans, proving that they can move the ball against them. The 49.5 game total is tied for the third highest of the week.
Chase McLaughlin (2%) vs. Washington Commanders
This one is a sneaky selection, but Chase McLaughlin is in a smash spot this Sunday. Washington finished the 2023 season with the No. 32-ranked pass defense. The rushing defense wasn’t much better, finishing with the No. 27 ranked run defense. The Buccaneer offense is good enough to exploit a lesser defense, leading to opportunities for McLaughlin this Sunday. Keep an eye on the weather reports, as there is a chance of showers but no wind. If the rain and wind are light, McLaughlin is a fine option.
Matt Prater (6%) vs. Buffalo Bills
I will rarely suggest a kicker that is playing in Buffalo, but for Week 1, the weather should bring minimal impact. Prater is tied to Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, and Marvin Harrison Jr., which gives us some hope that they can move the ball. Buffalo could struggle on defense without their best pass coverage linebacker, Matt Milano, allowing for longer sustained drives for the Cardinals.
Currently, Vegas has a team total of 21 for the Cardinals, which isn’t great, but there’s potential for the Cards to move the ball efficiently and give Prater scoring opportunities.
Jake Bates (2%) vs. Los Angeles Rams
This is a deep, deep option, but Jake Bates is in a good spot with the Lions. The game is indoors, and the Lions have the highest team total in Week 1 with a 27.5 total. The game total against the Rams is the highest point total of the weekend at 51. Bates was known for his work in the UFL, where he was a productive kicker, even hitting a 64-yard field goal. My fear with Bates is that Dan Campbell is not afraid to go for it on 4th down, so he could miss out on some scoring opportunities if Campbell is feeling feisty, so beware of the risk with Jake Bates!
Cam Little (2%) vs. Miami Dolphins
I understand that this could go poorly to trust a rookie kicker in his first career start. The Dolphins and Jaguars have a respectable 49-point total for their Sunday matchup. The Dolphins offense should be able to move the ball effectively against Jacksonville.
This should give plenty of opportunities for Trevor Lawrence and company. The Jaguars drafted Little in the sixth round of the draft this offseason. He never missed an extra point in all three years of his college career! I don’t love the idea of investing in an unknown rookie kicker, but the metrics point to him having a respectable day.
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