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The fantasy football playoffs are quickly approaching (or are already here), making every lineup decision more crucial than ever. Whether you are fighting for a playoff spot or looking to secure a first-round bye, having the right kicker can make all the difference.
Managers will be without Wil Lutz, Joey Slye, Matt Gay, Zane Gonzalez, Ka'imi Fairbairn, and Justin Tucker due to their Week 14 byes. Luckily, some excellent streaming options are available, along with a few names to avoid. Kicker decisions might seem minor, but they can have a significant impact during these critical weeks. If you are starting your playoffs this week and have one of those bye-week kickers, you'll need to find a replacement.
If you play in a league with kickers, you understand their importance, especially at this stage of the season. Thanks for joining me as we dive into the best starts and avoids for Week 14!
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Week 14 Kicker Rankings for Fantasy Football
| Kicker Tier | Kicker Rank | Kicker Name | Opp. | Pos. |
| 1 | 1 | Chase McLaughlin | LV | K |
| 1 | 2 | Jake Elliott | CAR | K |
| 1 | 3 | Tyler Bass | @LAR | K |
| 1 | 4 | Chris Boswell | CLE | K |
| 1 | 5 | Brandon Aubrey | CIN | K |
| 2 | 6 | Jason Myers | @ARI | K |
| 2 | 7 | Jake Bates | GB | K |
| 2 | 8 | Brandon McManus | @DET | K |
| 2 | 9 | Cameron Dicker | @KC | K |
| 2 | 10 | Evan McPherson | @DAL | K |
| 3 | 11 | Jason Sanders | NYJ | K |
| 3 | 12 | Nick Folk | JAX | K |
| 3 | 13 | Blake Grupe | @NYG | K |
| 3 | 14 | John Parker Romo | ATL | K |
| 3 | 15 | Younghoe Koo | @MIN | K |
| 3 | 16 | Jake Moody | CHI | K |
| 4 | 17 | Chad Ryland | SEA | K |
| 4 | 18 | Cairo Santos | @SF | K |
| 4 | 19 | Daniel Carlson | @TB | K |
| 4 | 20 | Dustin Hopkins | @PIT | K |
| 4 | 21 | Graham Gano | NO | K |
| 5 | 22 | Spencer Shrader / Matthew Wright |
LAC | K |
| 5 | 23 | Joshua Karty | BUF | K |
| 5 | 24 | Cam Little | @TEN | K |
| 5 | 25 | Anders Carlson | @MIA | K |
| 5 | 26 | Eddy Pineiro | @PHI | K |
Kicker Streamers to Target for Week 14
Only players rostered in fewer than 60% of fantasy football leagues are considered streamers.
Chase McLaughlin (TB) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
42.5% Rostered on Sleeper
Chase McLaughlin has been a steady contributor for fantasy managers this season, currently ranked as the K8 in overall scoring. In Week 13, he delivered a stellar performance against the Carolina Panthers, connecting on four of his five field-goal attempts.
His lone miss came on a 55-yard try. He also converted both of his extra-point attempts in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 26-23 overtime victory. Despite missing a kick in overtime, the 28-year-old redeemed himself by hitting a game-winning 30-yarder following a Panthers turnover.
Chase McLaughlin wins it for the @Buccaneers! pic.twitter.com/Weqhj4aDvc
— NFL (@NFL) December 2, 2024
This week, Tampa Bay faces the Las Vegas Raiders. Las Vegas gives up the most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers. With an average of 9.00 fantasy points per game this season, the Illinois product is positioned for another big outing.
The Buccaneers offense has been effective in moving the ball but cannot always get into the end zone, creating plenty of scoring chances for McLaughlin. He is a top streaming option for Week 14 and a trustworthy play if he is still available in your league.
Tyler Bass (BUF) at Los Angeles Rams
44.9% Rostered on Sleeper
The Buffalo Bills offense provides plenty of scoring opportunities, and their kicker, Tyler Bass, usually capitalizes on them. While recent weeks have been disappointing -- just 5.00 fantasy points in Week 11, a bye in Week 12, and 4.00 points in Week 13 -- there is reason for optimism.
Currently ranked as K13 in fantasy scoring, the 2020 draft pick averages 8.00 points per game and has been reliable for much of the season.
TYLER BASS!!!!!!!!!!!!
📺: @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/0YUMp5a5qI
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 3, 2024
In last week's snowy contest against the San Francisco 49ers, Bass missed his only field-goal attempt but converted all five extra points in a 35-10 win.
Snow will not be a concern this week as Buffalo heads to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams allow the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing kickers, making this an ideal bounce-back opportunity for Bass. Expect him to return to form in this environment.
Jason Myers (SEA) at Arizona Cardinals
19.2% Rostered on Sleeper
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers enters Week 14 after a decent performance versus the New York Jets, where he knocked in both field-goal attempts and converted two of three extra points.
The former Pro Bowler's field goals, including a 54-yarder, highlight his range and reliability in critical moments. Despite missing an extra point in three of the last four games, Myers still posted 10.00 fantasy points last week, showcasing his ability to produce even with minor hiccups.
Precision personified: Jason Myers. pic.twitter.com/z5HaXfv40q
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 2, 2024
This week, he faces the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium, a venue with a retractable roof, minimizing weather concerns. The Cardinals are a favorable matchup, surrendering the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing kickers.
Arizona is also tied for the fourth-most field goals of 50+ yards allowed this season, an area where Myers excels. Having nailed seven 50+ yarders this season -- four in the last three games -- he is set for another strong showing. Look for the 33-year-old to deliver a productive fantasy outing in Week 14.
Kickers to Avoid for Week 14
Dustin Hopkins (CLE) at Pittsburgh Steelers
3% Rostered on Sleeper
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins has struggled with consistency this season, making him a risky option for Week 14. His accuracy issues were evident during Week 13's Monday Night Football matchup against the Denver Broncos, where he missed one of his two field goals. He did make all three of his extra-point attempts. The Browns completed a two-point conversion in this contest and have the most two-point conversions in the league, which also hinders Hopkins' numbers.
The veteran kicker has posted negative fantasy points twice this year and recorded a score of zero in another game, reflecting his volatility. Double-digit fantasy performances have been rare, occurring only three times this season.
The Browns' inconsistent offense has not benefited Hopkins, nor does his Week 14 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers inspire confidence. The Steelers give up the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to kickers, making this a difficult battle.
This game will take place outdoors at Acrisure Stadium in December, where weather could play a factor. With Hopkins' shaky track record this season and the difficult conditions, he is best left out of your starting lineup this week.
Cairo Santos (CHI) at San Francisco 49ers
6.1% Rostered on Sleeper
Cairo Santos of the Chicago Bears finds himself on the avoid list again this season, and for good reason. Averaging just 6.67 fantasy points per game, he has failed to deliver the numbers fantasy managers seek.
Over the past four games, the Tulane alum has not surpassed 8.00 fantasy points, including a disappointing 2.00 points in Week 13. Against the Detroit Lions, he connected on two extra points but did not attempt a field goal, as the Bears offense struggled to give him scoring chances.
Week 14 does not look any more promising for Santos. He faces a San Francisco 49ers defense that has permitted the 12th-fewest fantasy points to kickers. The 49ers have given up just 19 field-goal attempts this season.
The Bears' offensive inconsistencies further limit Santos' opportunities, making him an unsafe option. Once a top-3 kicker in 2023, the 33-year-old has seen a steep decline this year. The Bears' inability to convert on critical plays, like their missed chance to tie the game in Week 13, has only added to his troubles. Santos should stay on your bench this week.
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