Fantasy Kicker Rankings Week 9: Who to start, sit at kicker in fantasy football

Matt Lutovsky

Fantasy Kicker Rankings Week 9: Who to start, sit at kicker in fantasy football image

Justin Tucker and Daniel Carlson are back from their byes, and they immediately slide into the Nos. 1 and 2 spots in our Week 9 fantasy kicker rankings. Not only are they arguably the best two kickers in the NFL, but they also have favorable matchups. Even with that said, don't be upset if you dropped either last week -- there are plenty of other solid starting options.

Randy Bullock (@ Rams) has been a consistent scorer and has a statically good matchup in a stadium that has a roof this week. Note that we didn't say a "dome," as SoFi Stadium is technically open air but is still at least partially shielded from the elements. Bullock is also widely available in many leagues. Greg Joseph (@ Ravens) is also one of the season's top scorers and widely available, and while his matchup isn't quite as good on paper, we're not too worried given the unpredictability of scoring chances for kickers.

WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST

We also like Graham Gano (vs. Raiders) to continue his solid production. Heading into Week 7 Gano was tied for the league lead in field goals from 50-plus yards (5), so that's been part of his solid showing, but he had also missed just two of his league-high 17 attempts. At some point, that figures to regress, but New York will also likely start giving him more PAT attempts, so it could even out somewhat.

WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST

Dustin Hopkins has also been a high scorer this year, which is why it was bit surprising when Washington cut him a few weeks ago. He's caught on with the Chargers, a team that should provide him with ample scoring chances. He was tied for the league lead in fields from 40-49 yards (6) despite missing a game, so he could start seeing more long-range connections soon. 

WEEK 9 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings | Yahoo

Fortunately, only one of the four kickers on bye, Ryan Succop, was likely in fantasy lineups, so if you need a replacement for him, there are plenty of options. Matchup-wise, Michael Badgley (vs. Jets), Jason Sanders (vs. Texans), and Ka'imi Fairbairn (@ Dolphins) have the best on the board, but none are particularly reliable, both in terms of opportunities or efficiency. Badgley is at least kicking indoors, though, so that's another reason to take a shot on him. 

WEEK 9 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder

Note: We'll update these kicker rankings as needed throughout the week, so check back for the latest player movement.

WEEK 9 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em

Fantasy Kicker Rankings Week 9: Who to start, sit in fantasy football

RankPlayer
1Justin Tucker, BAL vs. MIN
2Daniel Carlson, LV @ NYG
3Tyler Bass, BUF @ JAX
4Matt Gay, LAR vs. TEN
5Nick Folk, NE @ CAR
6Matt Prater, ARI @ SF
7Greg Zuerlein, DAL vs. DEN
8Randy Bullock, TEN @ LAR
9Graham Gano, NYG vs. LV
10Younghoe Koo, ATL @ NO
11Greg Joseph, MIN @ BAL
12Mason Crosby, GB @ KC
13Michael Badgley, IND vs. NYJ
14Jake Elliott, PHI vs. LAC
15Brandon McManus, DEN @ DAL
16Jason Sanders, MIA vs. HOU
17Dustin Hopkins, LAC @ PHI
18Ka'imi Fairbairn, HOU @ MIA
19Robbie Gould, SF vs. ARI
20Harrison Butker, KC vs. GB
21Chris Boswell, PIT vs. CHI
22Cairo Santos, CHI @ PIT
23Chase McLaughlin, CLE @ CIN
24Evan McPherson, CIN vs. CLE
25Brian Johnson, NO vs. ATL
26Zane Gonzalez, CAR vs. NE
27Matthew Wright, JAX vs. BUF
28Matt Ammendola, NYJ @ IND

Matt Lutovsky

Matt Lutovsky has been a writer and editor for The Sporting News since 2007, primarily writing about fantasy sports, betting, and gaming.