When Should I Draft a Kicker in Fantasy Football? And Why Does My Cat Judge Me for It?

Fantasy football is a game of strategy, research, and sometimes, pure chaos. One of the most debated topics among fantasy managers is when to draft a kicker. Should you grab one early, or wait until the very end? And why does your cat seem to judge you every time you make a questionable draft decision? Let’s dive into the nuances of drafting a kicker and explore some unconventional perspectives.
The Case for Drafting a Kicker Early
- Consistency Matters: Kickers like Justin Tucker or Harrison Butker are known for their reliability. Drafting a top-tier kicker early ensures you have a consistent source of points week in and week out.
- Positional Scarcity: While kickers are often overlooked, the difference between the best and the 10th-best kicker can be significant. Securing a top option early can give you an edge.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a dependable kicker allows you to focus on other positions during the draft. No last-minute scrambling for a kicker in the final rounds.
The Case for Waiting Until the Last Round
- Opportunity Cost: Drafting a kicker early means passing up on a potential sleeper at a skill position. Why take a kicker in the 10th round when you could snag a breakout wide receiver?
- Streaming Strategy: Many fantasy managers prefer to stream kickers based on matchups. This approach allows you to maximize points without committing a draft pick.
- Kickers Are Unpredictable: Even the best kickers can have off weeks. Why waste a mid-round pick on a position that’s inherently volatile?
The Middle Ground: Drafting a Kicker in the Mid-to-Late Rounds
- Balanced Approach: If you miss out on the elite kickers, you can still find solid options in the middle rounds. This strategy allows you to address other needs early while still securing a reliable kicker.
- League Settings Matter: In leagues where kickers score more points, it might be worth investing a mid-round pick. Conversely, in leagues that devalue kickers, waiting makes more sense.
- Flexibility: Drafting a kicker in the mid-to-late rounds gives you the flexibility to adjust your strategy based on how the draft unfolds.
Unconventional Perspectives
- The Emotional Factor: Sometimes, you just feel like drafting a kicker. Maybe you’re a Ravens fan and want Justin Tucker on your team. Fantasy football is supposed to be fun, after all.
- The Cat Factor: If your cat stares at you judgmentally during the draft, maybe it’s a sign to wait on a kicker. Or maybe your cat just wants attention. Either way, consider the feline perspective.
- The Chaos Factor: Drafting a kicker in the first round would certainly make your league mates question your sanity. But hey, it’s your team. Embrace the chaos.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, when to draft a kicker depends on your league settings, draft strategy, and personal preferences. Whether you’re a “draft early” advocate, a “wait until the end” proponent, or somewhere in between, the key is to have a plan and stick to it. And if your cat judges you, just remember: they’re probably not even a football fan.
Related Q&A
Q: Can I win my league without drafting a kicker?
A: Technically, yes. Some leagues allow you to drop your kicker and use the spot for an extra skill position player. However, this strategy is risky and not recommended for beginners.
Q: Should I prioritize a kicker over a defense?
A: It depends on your league’s scoring system. In most cases, defenses have a higher variance in scoring, so they might be a better investment than a kicker.
Q: What if my kicker gets injured?
A: Injuries are rare for kickers, but if it happens, you can always pick up a replacement from the waiver wire. This is why streaming kickers can be a viable strategy.
Q: Does my cat actually understand fantasy football?
A: Probably not. But they definitely understand the sound of a treat bag opening, so maybe bribe them for draft advice next time.