RADIO
Week 17 of the 2018 season, and, for most of us, the fantasy season is all but over. A large number of fantasy championships took place last week, but there are a few of us that have matchups that have trickled into the final week. If you're still going, you likely still want to win, and kickers factor into that.
While some teams don't have much to play for, there are a number of teams that are fighting for their playoff lives in Week 17. For some, it's a win and their in, and a number of these teams will be relying upon their kickers to end drives with points or win at the end of games.
It's all about reading your situation in this final week. If you're looking for a high-floor option to maintain a lead, find the consistent one among the struggles. If you're looking for a high-ceiling option to make up a deficit, look for the volatile team with an excellent matchup.
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Week 17 Kickers To Start & Stream: Tiers & Rankings
Tier 1 NFL Kickers
1. Mason Crosby (GB) vs DET
2. Greg Zuerlein (LAR) vs SF
3. Adam Vinatieri (IND) @ TEN
4. Chris Boswell (PIT) vs CIN
5. Brett Maher (DAL) @ NYG
The Packers offense has struggled mightily this year. They are far from the elite group that they were earlier in the decade, but Crosby has been a great option, which will continue against Detroit this week. Zuerlein and the Los Angeles Rams have a battle against the San Francisco 49ers this week that could be the difference between them getting the second seed or the third seed in the playoffs. They should score well. Vinatieri and the Colts could get into a shootout this week, which will give him a lot of value.
Boswell and the Pittsburgh Steelers have slumped over the past month. With playoff hopes on the lines, they'll be looking to be more up than down this week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Maher and the Dallas Cowboys have been one of the best teams over the past month. Against the New York Giants, they'll be poised to keep that rolling, which will keep Maher in the upper group of these ranks.
Tier 2 NFL Kickers
6. Wil Lutz (NO) vs CAR
7. Harrison Butker (KC) vs OAK
8. Cody Parkey (CHI) @ MIN
9. Ka'imi Fairbairn (HOU) vs JAX
10. Justin Tucker (BAL) vs CLE
Lutz and the New Orleans Saints have the top seed in the NFC locked up. However, at home, they'll try to keep their momentum rolling into the playoffs against a struggling Carolina Panthers group. Butker and the Kansas City Chiefs have been one of the best teams in football all year. With a division title on the line, the Oakland Raiders give him a great matchup in Week 17. Parkey and the Chicago Bears can get the number two seed this week. Against a good Minnesota Vikings group that can slow them, he can be busy.
Fairbairn and the Houston Texans have been arguably the hottest team in the NFL over the past two months. Against the massively underwhelming Jacksonville Jaguars, they have the ability to keep that rolling again this week. Tucker continues to be arguably the most consistent kicker in the NFL. In a week where they can lock up the division title with a win, he'll be able to keep that going as the offense continues to improve.
Tier 3 NFL Kickers
11. Jake Elliott (PHI) @ WAS
12. Stephen Gostkowski (NE) vs NYJ
13. Mike Badgley (LAC) @ DEN
14. Ryan Succop (TEN) vs IND
15. Sebastian Janikowski (SEA) vs ARI
Since Nick Foles took over as the quarterback, the Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the hottest teams in football, and they will need to continue that in Week 17 to maintain their playoff hopes. Gostkowski and the New England Patriots could lose their first-round bye this week if they don't win. Against a New York Jets team they have dominated in the past, he should have plenty of scoring options. Badgley and the Los Angeles Chargers are the hottest team in football right now, and they have the matchup to keep it up.
Succop and the Tennessee Titans are looking to secure a playoff birth in the final week. Against an Indianapolis Colts team that scores plenty of points, they'll have to keep, which will keep Succop busy. Janikowski and the Seattle Seahawks have a great shot at the playoffs this week. As long as they take care of the Arizona Cardinals, he'll finish as a solid kicker as he usually does.
Kickers to Avoid
Brandon McManus and the Denver Broncos are usually a consistent fantasy pairing, especially at home. Against a great Chargers defense, that doesn't plan to hold true in the final week, and he should be left on the bench.
Greg Joseph and the Cleveland Browns are an ascending team. Against arguably the best defense in football in the Ravens, there is no guarantee they can put up a decent amount of points. They're going for their first winning season in a while, but there's no telling that Joseph will have the value.
Aldrick Rosas and the New York Giants can be one of the most explosive offensive teams in football. Against a great Dallas Cowboys defense, there is no way of telling how good the offense is going to perform, especially if wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. misses another game.
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