Streaming Kickers: Week 8 Targets

Oct 23, 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 in Week 7, four of my streamers were among the top 11. 4for4’s optimal streamer has 104 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

Chris Boswell, (Steelers) vs. Browns

The Steelers’ kicker rarely qualifies as a streamer, but coming off a bye his ownership is currently at just 23 percent. Pittsburgh is favored to win on their home turf by eight points, which is usually a solid indicator for a positive kicking performance. If you’re into redemption narratives, Boswell will be looking for vindication after missing a 42-yarder in Week 1 which would have given his team the win over the Browns in overtime.