Fantasy football kicker rankings for 2017 help managers identify the most reliable point producers each season. In a position often overlooked, kickers can meaningfully impact close weekly matchups and playoff seeding.
With scoring formats and weather varying by stadium, value emerges from reviewing matchup history, coaching tendencies, and performance trends. This guide breaks down 2017 specific expectations to support smarter roster decisions.
| Rank | Player | Team | 2016 Points | 2017 Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garcia, Randy | NY Giants | 132 | High volume, redzone opportunities |
| 2 | Butker, Harrison | KC | 130 | Clutch range, stable workload |
| 3 | Gostkowski, Stephen | NE | 125 | Proven short-to-mid range accuracy |
| 4 | Elliott, Dustin | DAL | 124 | High volume in strong Dallas offense |
| 5 | Lutz, Wil | NO | 120 | Power range, tough NFC matchup history |
2017 Kicker Workload Trends
Coaching strategies evolved in 2017 toward higher kick volumes, especially in divisional games and competitive late-season situations. Teams leaned on proven kickers during expanded offensive drives and two-minute drills, increasing opportunities for points and field goal attempts.
Increased Opportunities in Tight Games
Many offenses reached the red zone but failed to finish, placing kickers in higher pressure and higher frequency roles. This environment rewarded consistency over raw power, shifting some focus toward decision making and technique.
2017 Kicker Matchup Analysis
Matchup analysis in 2017 highlighted how defensive schemes and special teams coaching shaped outcomes. Kickers facing opponents with aggressive coverage units or weak return games often posted elevated field goal percentages and touchback rates.
Stadium and Weather Impact
Dome environments reduced weather variability, while open air stadiums introduced wind and altitude variables. Savvy managers compared historical performance at each venue to gauge how conditions might affect accuracy and hang time.
2017 Kicker Value and ADP Trends
Average Draft Position trends in 2017 showed kickers being selected earlier due to recognition of their scoring consistency. Value emerged in later rounds, where overlooked specialists offered strong floor points at minimal roster cost.
Streaming Versus Start Every Week
Streaming kickers weekly became viable given schedule variance and redzone efficiency disparities. Managers who tracked opposing coverage units and redzone conversion rates found short term starts that boosted overall league rankings.
Key Takeaways for Fantasy Football Kickers in 2017
- Track redzone conversion rates for teams to anticipate field goal volume.
- Compare historical performance at home versus opponent away stadiums.
- Use ADP trends to find value in middle and late draft rounds.
- Monitor coaching turnover and special teams coordinator changes.
- Stream weekly kickers based on upcoming opponent coverage strength.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which kickers had the most consistent 2017 point production week to week?
Stephen Gostkowski and Randy Garcia demonstrated narrow week to week variance, supported by stable redzone usage and predictable opponent coverage schemes.
How did 2017 weather patterns at outdoor stadiums affect kicker rankings?
Cold temperatures and wind at venues like Buffalo and Cleveland reduced average field goal distance, slightly lowering volume for some kickers compared to dome environments.
Which rookie kickers in 2017 outperformed preseason expectations?
Wil Lutz and Dustin Elliott entered the season with limited experience yet exceeded projections thanks to efficient redzone opportunities and coaching stability. Extended drives ending in two minute drill field goal attempts created extra points for kickers on teams with high scoring offenses, notably Denver and New Orleans.