Streaming Kickers: Week 6 Targets

Oct 09, 2018

Projecting a kicker’s output isn’t as difficult or random as you may think—in fact, taking a look at Vegas odds is the best way to accurately predict a kicker’s weekly potential. By focusing in on the team implied point totals, we can get a cumulative idea of how that offense will perform when it comes to settling for field goals, distance of kicks, and the like.

Another metric useful in projecting a kicker’s output is 4for4’s schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed or aFPA. By removing the schedule bias, we can compare matchups in an apples-to-apples manner. By Week 4, there’s a solid sample size to work from, and the info gets more trustworthy with each data-filled week.

The goal in streaming the kicker position is to roster a player who will return starting kicker fantasy points and Week 5 was a “pat myself on the back type of week”. All six of my streamers were among the top 15, with my highest recommendation Graham Gano, posting 17 points as the top kicker. 4for4’s optimal streamer has 65 points this season—good enough for the highest point total at the position.

In order to provide advice you can actually implement, candidates for streaming must be owned in no more than 40 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues. As always, check 4for4’s rankings when making weekly decisions on any position.

Top Streaming Picks

Ka’imi Fairbairn, (Texans) vs. Bills

Perennially underowned, Fairbairn sits with the second-highest fantasy points among kickers so far this season. He gets a home contest in Week 6 against Buffalo, with the Texans currently favored by eight points. Houston’s kicker has saved their bacon two weeks in a row in overtime, which shouldn’t have to happen on Sunday, but Fairbairn could have ample chances to put points on the board. At just an 18 percent ownership in Yahoo leagues, he’s my top streamer for the week.