Fantasy football has evolved over the years, offering managers the opportunity to build their dream teams and compete against friends or colleagues. One position that has sparked ongoing debate is the kicker. Kickers have gotten to the point where here at Faceoff Sports Network, we haven’t even been including them in most of our fantasy football rankings.
Some argue that kickers add excitement, strategy, and an element of unpredictability, while others find them frustrating and believe they introduce unnecessary randomness into the game. In this article, we will examine both sides of the argument to help you make an informed decision on whether or not your fantasy football league should include kickers.
Pros of Including Kickers
Added Strategy and Depth
Kickers require managers to consider multiple factors when making roster decisions. Assessing weather conditions, a kicker’s accuracy, and a team’s offensive potential adds another layer of strategy to the game. It encourages managers to research and analyze matchups, making each decision more impactful.
Excitement and Variety
Kicking plays can add excitement during games, especially when a manager’s fantasy football team relies on a clutch field goal or an extra point for a win. Kickers can provide a sense of unpredictability, making every game situation vital. Their contributions diversify the scoring opportunities and keep managers engaged throughout the season.
Real-Life NFL Relevance
Including kickers in fantasy football aligns the game closer to the real-life NFL. Kickers are an integral part of football, and having them in your fantasy league reflects the importance they hold in actual games. It offers a more authentic experience and connects the fantasy world to the on-field action.
Cons of Including Kickers
Inconsistent Scoring Patterns
Kickers often have an unpredictable scoring pattern compared to other positions. Their points can be influenced by factors beyond their control, such as offensive struggles or game situations. Overall, this randomness can be frustrating for managers. Especially when they invest time and effort into researching other positions.
Overemphasizing Individual Performances
Kickers’ contributions in real-life games often depend on their team’s ability to move the ball into scoring position. Including kickers in fantasy football can overemphasize individual performances instead of rewarding team success. Ultimately, this can lead to situations where a kicker’s success or failure has an outsized impact on fantasy football outcomes.
Difficulty in Predicting Performance
Needless to say, it can be challenging to accurately project a kicker’s performance from week to week. Variables like weather conditions, offensive game plans, and opposing defenses can significantly impact their scoring opportunities. This uncertainty can make it frustrating for managers who prefer more predictable and reliable point production.
In recent years, outside of stud kickers like Justin Tucker, the position is simply too random and tough to predict. Since 2012, Tucker has finished as a top-12 kicker every single season, depending on your scoring system of course.
Conclusion
The decision to include kickers in your fantasy football league ultimately rests on the preferences and goals of your league’s participants. While kickers add a layer of strategy, excitement, and real-life relevance, they also introduce inconsistency and unpredictability into scoring. To make an informed decision, consider the preferences of your league members, the desired level of depth and strategy, and the overall enjoyment of the fantasy experience.
If you want to maintain a closer connection to the real-life NFL and enjoy the strategic elements kickers offer, keeping them in your league might be the right choice. However, if you value predictability, simplified scoring, and a greater emphasis on offensive skill positions, eliminating kickers may be a viable option.
Ultimately, the success of your fantasy football league relies on creating an engaging and enjoyable experience for all participants. Whether you choose to include kickers or not, open communication and consensus among league members will ensure that the format aligns with the collective goals and preferences of your fantasy community.
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