3 FanDuel Kickers to Target in Week 17
Kickers. Love 'em or hate 'em, they are a part of the game. Even in fantasy football.
While you may be tempted to do so, don't leave the position for last when building your FanDuel lineups. Just like you do with the rest of your roster, maximize your squad's potential by spending the extra minute and finding out the best options out there at kicker.
It's time to stop "punting" the spot and start giving the lonesome kicker the attention he deserves.
The following are the top-three kickers we are targeting in Week 17.
Kai Forbath, Minnesota Vikings
FanDuel Price: $5,000
Kai Forbath has been a busy man for the Minnesota Vikings. In the last three weeks, he has attempted 9 field goals and 6 extra points while averaging 11.0 FanDuel points per game. That includes going 3-for-3 on field goal tries in single-digit temperatures (not the best kicking conditions) in a 16-0 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. This Sunday, the Vikings return home to warmer conditions under the roof of US Bank Stadium in a matchup against the kicker-friendly Chicago Bears.
The Bears have allowed 29 made field goals -- seventh-most in the league -- while surrendering the 10th-most FanDuel points to opposing kickers. In 10-of-15 games this season, opponents have attempted multiple field goals against the Bears, leaving Forbath in great shape, especially considering the Vikes' status as early 12.0-point favorites in Sunday.
Josh Lambo, Jacksonville Jaguars
FanDuel Price: $4,800
In 6 of the 9 games Josh Lambo has kicked for the Jacksonville Jaguars this season, he has attempted at least 2 field goals. He has missed only 1 try too, for a 94.7% success rate, the fourth-best mark in the league. This Sunday, Lambo figures to have plenty of chances to show off his accuracy as he faces the team that surrenders the most FanDuel points to opposing kickers: the Tennessee Titans.
On average, opposing kickers average 10.9 FanDuel points against the Titans, nearly a full point more than second-worst Oakland. In 15 games, the Titans have given up the most field goal attempts (40) and makes (36) in the NFL. Over their last four games, the numbers have ballooned, with kickers having tried 19 field goals against them, an average of 4.8 per game. Opponents have attempted multiple field goals against them in six consecutive games and in 9 of their last 10 with Lambo looking to make it seven in a row.
Adam Vinatieiri, Indianapolis Colts
FanDuel Price: $4,600
Despite playing for one of the worst offenses -- the Indianapolis Colts are 30th in points (16.1) and 31st in yards (286.9) per game -- in the NFL, Adam Vinatieri has been put to work, attempting at least 2 field goals in 10 of 15 games this season. That includes 5 tries last week. The league's oldest player has averaged 9.5 FanDuel points the last two weeks and is the best bargain option of the week, priced just $100 over the minimum versus the Houston Texans.
Thanks to the dome in Indy, you can put weather concerns out of your mind, a big plus for Vinatieri in Week 17. Another positive is the Colts sitting as 4.0-point favorites this week over the Texans. But the biggest pro for using him on Sunday is Houston's weakness against kickers. The Texans have given up 31 made field goals, nearly two per game (1.9) this season. During their current five-game losing streak, that number has jumped up to 2.4 per game. Overall, they give up the third-most FanDuel points to opposing kickers, putting Vinatieri in a solid spot this week.
Dale Redman is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.
