Let's be honest, most of you draft your kicker in the last round because some "expert" told you it doesn’t matter. You basically treat the position like a chore. But if you were watching the 2025 season closely, you saw Jason Myers and Ka'imi Fairbairn absolutely carry rosters while "elite" options like Harrison Butker fell off a cliff.
The reality of nfl kicker fantasy rankings is that they change faster than a head coach's mind on fourth-and-short. We aren't in the era of just picking Justin Tucker and setting it for ten years anymore. The landscape has shifted toward leg strength and high-volume dome offenses.
The 2026 Tier 1: The Automatic Starters
If you have a draft today, or you're looking at the 2026 outlook, there’s a clear top-heavy group. Brandon Aubrey is the gold standard. The guy is essentially a cheat code. In 2025, he was banging home 60-yarders like they were extra points, finishing with 155 total points and a long of 64. He’s the K1 for a reason.
Then you have Ka'imi Fairbairn in Houston. People overlook him because the Texans' offense is so good they should be scoring touchdowns, right? Wrong. They move the ball so efficiently that they stall just enough to give Fairbairn 48 attempts last year. He made 44 of them. That’s a 91.7% clip. You've gotta love that kind of floor.
- Brandon Aubrey (DAL): High volume, massive leg, plays in a dome.
- Ka'imi Fairbairn (HOU): Led the league in field goals made (44) last season.
- Jason Myers (SEA): The surprise 2025 points leader with 171. He’s a volume king.
- Cam Little (JAX): The kid has a cannon. Hit two from 60+ in his rookie campaign.
Why the "Big Names" Are Trap Picks
It’s easy to see the name Harrison Butker and think you’re safe. Honestly? You aren't. Butker had a rough 2025, finishing around K9 or K10 depending on your scoring. The Chiefs' offense struggled to be as explosive as we're used to, and his accuracy took a slight dip on the long-range stuff.
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The same goes for Justin Tucker. It hurts to say, but the GOAT is showing some age in his leg. If you’re ranking kickers based on what they did in 2020, you’re going to lose. You need to look at nfl kicker fantasy rankings through the lens of current opportunity.
Take a look at someone like Will Reichard in Minnesota. He was a waiver wire hero for much of 2025, hitting 94.3% of his kicks. He doesn't have the "prestige" of the big names, but he's playing in a dome for a team that loves to settle for three. That's the profile you want.
The Dome Advantage is Real
Look at the top of the 2025 leaderboards. Brandon Aubrey (Dome), Cameron Dicker (Dome), Will Reichard (Dome), Chase McLaughlin (Warm/Dome). It’s not a coincidence. You’re looking for kickers who don’t have to fight 20 mph winds in November.
Cameron Dicker "The Kicker" is a prime example. Playing for the Chargers, he finished K4 last year. He’s boring, but he’s accurate (92.7%). In a fantasy world where a missed kick can cost you three points, "boring" is actually a superpower.
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Sleeper Alerts and 2026 Projections
If you're looking for the next breakout, keep an eye on Harrison Mevis with the Rams. Sean McVay's teams have historically been very kicker-friendly. Mevis started to heat up late in the 2025 season, and if he keeps that job, he’s a top-5 candidate.
Another name is Andy Borregales in New England. The Patriots' offense isn't great, but they move the ball enough to get into plus territory and then they stall. Borregales ended up with 144 points in 2025, which is elite production from a guy most people didn't even draft.
What Actually Matters for Rankings:
- Red Zone Inefficiency: You want an offense that can get to the 25-yard line but struggles to get into the end zone.
- Coach Aggression: Does the coach go for it on 4th and 3? If yes, find a different kicker. You want the old-school guys who take the points.
- Leg Strength: In modern fantasy, 50-yarders are worth 5 points. A kicker who can't hit from 55 is a liability.
How to Handle Your Draft
Don't be the person who reaches for a kicker in the 10th round. It's just not worth the opportunity cost of a high-upside wide receiver. However, once you hit the 14th or 15th, don't just "auto-pick."
Target the guys in high-scoring offenses that play in controlled environments. If Brandon Aubrey is gone, don't panic. Grab someone like Chase McLaughlin or Cairo Santos late. Both are incredibly consistent and will give you a steady 8-10 points a week without the headache of the "big name" volatility.
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The 2025 season proved that the kicker position is more about situation than pure talent. Jason Myers leading the league in points (171) wasn't because he’s the best kicker in history; it’s because Seattle gave him 48 chances to score. Follow the volume, ignore the jersey name, and you'll find yourself at the top of the standings.
If you want to maximize your roster, keep your eyes on the weather reports and the weekly projected totals. A kicker in a game with a 52-point over/under is always a better bet than a "star" in a 38-point slog.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your league's scoring settings. If 50+ yarders are worth 5 points, prioritize leg strength (Aubrey, Little, McPherson). If there are no penalties for misses, go for the high-volume guys like Myers or Fairbairn. Monitor the Rams and Patriots' kicker competitions during the 2026 preseason, as these teams offer the best "undervalued" scoring opportunities.