Look, I get it. Nobody likes talking about kickers. They’re the "vegetables" of your fantasy football plate—something you deal with because you have to, not because you want to. But we’re deep into the 2025-2026 cycle now. It's mid-January. If you’re still playing, you’re likely in a playoff contest or a niche league that runs through the actual NFL postseason. At this stage, a three-point difference from your kicker isn't just a nuisance; it's the difference between moving on or staring at a "Season Over" screen.
The fantasy kicker rankings rest of season aren't just about who has the biggest leg anymore. We are officially in the "weather and dome" era of the year. You can’t just set-and-forget a guy playing in a Buffalo snowstorm and expect 12 points. It doesn't work that way. Honestly, you've probably realized that the hard way by now.
Why Kicker Tiers Shift So Much in January
Most managers focus on the big names. Brandon Aubrey is a god in Dallas. Ka'imi Fairbairn has been a literal machine for the Texans this year. But context is everything. When you're looking at the rest of the season, you have to weigh offensive efficiency against the "red zone stall" factor.
Think about the Detroit Lions. Jake Bates is a phenomenal story, coming out of the UFL and absolute nuking 60-yarders. But the Lions' offense is too good. Dan Quinn (now in Washington) used to be the king of settling for field goals, but modern play-callers like Ben Johnson would rather go for it on 4th-and-goal from the three. That kills kicker value. You want an offense that moves the ball between the 20s but hits a brick wall at the 15-yard line.
Fantasy Kicker Rankings Rest of Season: The Heavy Hitters
Let’s break down the guys who actually matter for the home stretch.
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1. Brandon Aubrey (Dallas Cowboys)
Aubrey is still the gold standard. He basically has a cheat code for a leg. Dallas plays in a controlled environment, and their offense is aggressive enough to get him in range but inconsistent enough to leave him on the field for three-point tries. In 2025, his accuracy from 50+ yards was historically significant. He isn't just a kicker; he's a weekly WR2 in terms of floor.
2. Ka'imi Fairbairn (Houston Texans)
Fairbairn is the ultimate professional. The Texans' offense under C.J. Stroud has a habit of moving the chains and then getting a bit "cute" in the red zone. That is music to Fairbairn's ears. He’s been one of the most consistent scorers all year because Houston trusts him from anywhere. If he's on your roster, you aren't overthinking this.
3. Cam Little (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Here is the young gun. Little has been a revelation. Jacksonville’s offense is volatile, which actually helps a kicker's volume. He has the leg strength to handle the January wind, though he doesn't have the "dome luxury" that some other top-tier options enjoy.
4. Cameron Dicker (LA Chargers)
Dicker "The Kicker" is incredibly accurate. Jim Harbaugh loves points. He doesn't care if they come in increments of three or seven. The Chargers play a brand of football that prioritizes field position and "sure things," making Dicker a safe, high-floor play for the rest of the season.
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5. Harrison Mevis (LA Rams)
If you're looking for a sleeper who has climbed the ranks, it's Mevis. Playing at SoFi Stadium is a massive advantage in January. The Rams' offense has been surprisingly efficient at getting into opposing territory, and "The Thicker Kicker" has the leg to punish teams from 55+.
The Weather Trap: What to Avoid
You have to be careful with the "East Coast Chill."
Teams like the Ravens or the Eagles have elite kickers—Justin Tucker and Jake Elliott—but the conditions in January can be brutal. A 20-mph crosswind in Philadelphia can turn a 45-yard "gimme" into a disaster. Honestly, unless you have a top-three option, you should be scouring the waiver wire for anyone playing in a dome or a warm-weather site.
Dome Dwellers vs. Cold Warriors
Take a look at the schedule. If you have the choice between a middle-of-the-pack kicker in a dome (like Will Reichard in Minnesota) and a "star" in a freezing rainstorm, take the dome. Every single time. Gravity and physics don't care about your kicker's Pro Bowl resume.
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Strategy for the Final Push
Streaming is still a viable strategy, even this late. Most people stop paying attention to the wire in January. Look for the "Golden Triangle" of kicker success:
- An offense ranked 10th–20th in Red Zone TD percentage.
- A game total (O/U) above 45 points.
- A game played indoors or in a stadium with minimal wind.
If a guy hits all three of those, he’s a top-five play regardless of his name. For example, Zane Gonzalez or whoever is holding down the fort for a high-scoring but slightly dysfunctional offense can often outscore a "better" kicker who only gets one attempt because his team scored five touchdowns.
Making the Move
If you're sitting on a guy like Tyler Bass or Chris Boswell, you've probably noticed the dip in production as the temperature dropped. It’s okay to move on. Loyalty in fantasy football is a fast track to second place.
Search your waiver wire for anyone playing in the NFC South or at a dome site. The points are there; you just have to stop looking at the jersey and start looking at the forecast.
Next Steps for Your Lineup:
- Check the Forecast: Look at the Saturday/Sunday wind projections. Anything over 15 mph is a red flag.
- Audit the Red Zone: Use a site like TeamRankings to see which offenses are struggling to convert TDs lately.
- Secure a "Dome Backup": If your starter is in a bad weather spot, swap them for a dome-based kicker immediately.
- Monitor Injuries: A backup QB can actually increase kicker value by moving the ball just enough to get into FG range but failing to find the end zone.