Week 1 Kicker Streamers and Starts - 2025 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

Kacey Kasem looks at all 2025 fantasy football Week 1 kickers -- streamers, starts, sits, targets, avoids, and waiver wire pickups. Our Week 1 rankings and tiers for all of the NFL kickers.

I'm currently in Alaska, and we got to do one of the coolest excursions today. We took a helicopter to the Meade Glacier, walked around, and had the opportunity to drink clean water straight from the source. (If you ever get the chance to do this, do not pass it up!)

I knew I was taking on the kicker article for RotoBaller again this season, and as I was up on the glacier, I couldn't help but think about "icing the kicker." Sorry, football never really leaves my brain.

Now, back on the ship, I can sit down and explore kicker options to help you out in Week 1 since it's been on my mind anyway. I'm looking at those players who are available to stream and those best left on your bench. I'll also provide you with my kicker rankings for the week so you can go into the season prepared at the position.

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Week 1 Kicker Rankings for Fantasy Football

Kicker Streamers to Target for Week 1

Only players rostered in fewer than 60% of fantasy football leagues are considered streamers. 

Ka'imi Fairbairn (HOU) at Los Angeles Rams
48% Rostered on Sleeper

Last season, Fairbairn was the K4 overall, averaging 10.1 fantasy points per game. Additionally, he posted ten double-digit outings. Fairbairn hit 36-of-42 field goals in 2024 while staying perfect on extra points. His big leg was displayed as he nailed 13 kicks from 50+ yards.

To start the season, the Texans take on the Rams in Week 1. The Rams ranked middle-of-the-pack against kickers last season, which bodes well for Fairbairn.

On the day he became the Texans' all-time leader in points, Ka'imi Fairbairn walks it off.

The Houston Texans hold on for the win over the Billspic.twitter.com/PRGdQmwjTD

— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) October 6, 2024

With C.J. Stroud at the helm, a healthy Nico Collins, and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel adding more firepower to the offense, Houston should be able to move the ball. The run game should struggle at times, which means Fairbairn looks to attempt plenty of field goals to start the season.

After he was able to stay on the field for 17 games last season, he became one of the most consistent options for fantasy. He's got a strong streaming appeal to begin the year.

Wil Lutz (DEN) vs. Tennessee Titans
25% Rostered on Sleeper

Entering his third campaign with the Broncos, Lutz looks to improve on his K8 finish from last season.

In 2024, he knocked in 31-of-34 field goals for a 91% completion rate. He also went for a perfect 46-of-46 on extra points. Lutz delivered whenever called upon, including his massive 22-point showing in Week 12.

RECORD-BREAKING ‼️

Wil Lutz is the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career points. Congratulations @wil_lutz5! #LightItBlue | #PantherPro pic.twitter.com/WIR4CjCgYJ

— GSU Football (@GeorgiaStateFB) December 3, 2024

The Broncos take on the Titans in the first week of the season. The Titans gave up 6.7 points per contest to kickers last year, but did allow the fourth-most extra points and tied for second in field goals given up from 20-29 yards.

Lutz has a path to both solid floor and ceiling production in Week 1, especially with QB Bo Nix expected to leap forward in Year 2. The offense is pointing in the right direction, and Lutz looks to benefit.

Daniel Carlson (LV) at New England Patriots
20% Rostered on Sleeper

One of the biggest legs in the league belongs to the Raiders' Carlson. He's racked up 832 career points since joining the NFL. Although he saw his accuracy slip some last season, as he hit 34-of-40 field goals, he remained perfect inside 40 yards.

Geno Smith is now under center, and playmakers like Brock Bowers and newly drafted Ashton Jeanty should generate more scoring power this season.

DANIEL CARLSON, @Raiders K - Since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020, Carlson, has recorded 5 consecutive seasons scoring over 100 points - averaging 133.2 points per season (Per PFR) #RaiderNation #Raiders #LasVegas #LVR #NFL #NFLTop100 #NFLNews #NFLUK #NFLPreseason pic.twitter.com/7JjA7n0KZh

— Pro Football Hall of Fame Ambassador (@PFHOFAmbassador) August 7, 2025

The Raiders face the Patriots in Week 1, a defense that was 16th against kickers last year (7.1 fantasy points per game to the position). Additionally, New England allowed the ninth-most extra points last season.

With a strong leg and an improved offense, Carlson makes the perfect Week 1 streamer.

Kickers to Avoid for Week 1

Harrison Butker (KC) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
83% Rostered on Sleeper

Last season, Butker struggled, ending the season as the K27 overall after missing four weeks with a left knee injury.

He nailed 21-of-25 field goals but failed to make three kicks from 50+ yards. Butker also missed on two extra-point attempts. The Chiefs' offense was middle-of-the-pack last season, with the volume just not there for Butker.

"That leg buckled once again."

- Ian Eagle on Harrison Butker's missed 29-yard field goal pic.twitter.com/JxBE7QeOhu

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 15, 2024

Week 1 doesn't offer much in the positive department. The Chiefs battle the Chargers, a defense ranked 10th against kickers last year while allowing just 6.06 fantasy points per matchup to the position.

With a less-than-ideal matchup for the kicker and a Kansas City team that hasn't been as up-tempo as in the past, Butker is a fade for Week 1 rosters.

Jake Moody (SF) at Seattle Seahawks
10% Rostered on Sleeper

49ers fans might have thought Greg Joseph would replace the struggling Moody at kicker, but Joseph was released in early August. Moody might have job security for now, but that doesn't make him a fantasy option in Week 1.

Across his first two campaigns, Moody has hit just 24-of-34 field goals for a rough 76.3% success rate. Last season's high-ankle sprain only added to the poor showing. Now, the 49ers have changed special teams coordinators and are hoping for more consistency from their kicker.

Don't forget the contractual side of the kicking competition. Jake Moody has 2 years left on his deal. Greg Joseph had only one year.

All factors even, the 49ers weren't going to jettison the deal with 2x the team control. They can re-sign Joseph to another one-year deal if…

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) August 4, 2025

Seattle takes on the 49ers in Week 1, with the Seahawks ranking 14th versus kickers last season. They allowed just seven field goals of 40+ yards all of last year.

Until Moody shows an improvement in his kick game, there's no reason to roll him out against an average defense. The 49ers could opt to go for TDs instead of settling for FGs in this contest.

Tyler Loop (BAL) at Buffalo Bills
52% Rostered on Sleeper

Loop makes this list, but I do it begrudgingly (big hopes for the rookie this season). He takes over in Baltimore after Justin Tucker was released in the offseason. Tucker's 13 years with the team have concluded, and now rookie Tyler Loop takes over.

The Arizona alum connected on 9-of-11 field goals in the preseason, including a 61-yarder. He also hit all eight extra point attempts, earning the starting job.

Loop to the league 🎯@tyler_loop is headed to Baltimore! pic.twitter.com/XkxutY2jkZ

— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) April 26, 2025

His first NFL contest takes place against the Bills, the stingiest defense against kickers last season. Buffalo gave up just 4.0 fantasy points per matchup to kickers, the fewest in the league.

Loop should turn into a solid fantasy kicker this season, but his debut won't be the time to start him. I wouldn't roster two kickers to keep him for Week 1, but I'd eye him on waivers for Week 2.

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