The fantasy football playoffs continue in Week 16 with the semi-finals. There are a lot of tough decisions to make at running back and wide receiver that will get all the attention. But the wrong fantasy kicker could cost you the championship. The Brandon Aubrey managers know who they're starting, but who else should you start this week?
There is another kicker change for the New York Giants to monitor headed into Week 16. Younghoe Koo is no longer the kicker there, and it is likely to be 24-year-old rookie Ben Sauls. Koo was likely not on many semi-final teams, and Sauls should not be either. Injury-wise, Matt Prater's run with the Buffalo Bills comes to a halt, with Michael Badgley taking over.
The kicker position could change your fantasy football playoff matchup. Who should you start this week?
Week 16 fantasy football kicker start 'em
Cameron Dicker, LAC (@ DAL)
At this time of year, it is wise to target kickers who play indoors rather than those who play in windy, snowy conditions. Dicker falls into that group for the rest of the fantasy football season, with a home game looming in Week 17. This week, the Chargers' kicker will boot it in Dallas as the offense faces a weak Cowboys defense. All of that adds up to Dicker being a great kicker for fantasy managers.
The Chargers' offense has not been sensational over the past two weeks, but they have picked up two big wins. Part of the reason they beat the Eagles and Chiefs was Dicker, who went 8-for-8 on field goals in the two matchups. Expect that to continue in great kicking conditions on Sunday.
Jake Elliott, PHI (@ WSH)
The Eagles' offense has been much maligned in recent weeks. But a 31-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15 should get them back on track heading into the stretch run. They have the Washington Commanders this week, who are playing out the string with a terrible defense. That should lead to some fantasy football points for Jake Elliott.
Elliott has not been the greatest fantasy kicker this year, and it is understandable if managers cut him during Philadelphia's downturn. But he is a much better option than some of the kickers coming later on this list.
Cam Little, JAX (@ DEN)
Managers may be tempted to bench Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little when they see the Denver Broncos on the schedule. With one of the best defenses in the league, it is understandable to predict a downturn for the Jags' offense. But Little has the all-time record for longest field goal and is heading to the thin air of Denver. That could lead to multiple 50-yard field goals, which are worth more points.
The Jaguars' offense scored 48 points against the lowly New York Jets last week. That likely will not repeat against the Broncos. But with the one seed on the line in this matchup, the Jags could get the edge with Little's massive leg.
Start ‘Em; Brandon Aubrey, DAL (v LAC), Kai'imi Fairbairn, HOU (v LV), Evan McPherson, CIN (@ MIA)
Week 16 kicker sit 'em
Harrison Butker, KC (@ TEN)
The Chiefs have had a season from hell this year in many different ways. The latest is Patrick Mahomes' season-ending ACL injury, which he suffered last week. With Kansas City eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in a decade, they are playing out the string against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday with Gardner Minshew at quarterback. That means fantasy football managers should sit Harrison Butker this week.
Butker has not had a great season, with four missed field goals and four more missed extra points. And with the offense's ceiling significantly lower, he won't get many opportunities to kick on Sunday. If Butker has brought you to the semifinals, it is time to find a new kicker for the final two weeks.
Nick Folk, NYJ (@ NO)
It may be tempting to snag the kicker who is playing indoors and has only missed on field goal all year long. But with undrafted free agent Brady Cook at quarterback, the New York Jets won't give Nick Folk many opportunities. It has been a great season for Folk, who won the job out of camp and never let it go. But he is not the guy to turn to in the fantasy football playoffs.
Even if Folk scores points this week, risking it with Cook at quarterback is not worth the gamble this week. There are kickers with a far higher upside and essentially no downside this week. Folk's downside is a goose egg, even against the Saints.
Cairo Santos, CHI (v GB)
On Saturday night, the NFC North could be decided as the Green Bay Packers visit the Chicago Bears. It is likely going to be freezing cold once again as the holidays grow near in the Midwest. The Packers are dealing with injuries, but the kicking game for the Bears has been weak this year. Do not pick up Santos for your fantasy football playoffs because of the conditions.
The Bears have a chance to earn a first-round bye and win the division this season. This is the biggest game the franchise has had since the double doink game. But in the cold, it is foolish to count on the kicker when you could find someone in a dome with your season on the line.
Sit ‘Em: Blake Grupe, IND (v SF), Riley Patterson, MIA (v CIN), Daniel Carlson, LV (@ HOU)
