Looking to get an edge in fantasy football this week? With several kickers performing well indoors and intriguing waiver options emerging, now is a valuable time to reassess your lineup.
Fantasy football success often comes down to smart pickups, especially at positions that can swing a close matchup. If you want to strengthen your squad, this week’s kicking landscape offers plenty of reasons to investigate the latest waiver recommendations.
Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans (vs. BUF)
After high winds impacted several kickers in Week 11, I’ve opted for three kickers who all play indoors this week. Chief among them is Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, who is available for a limited time after missing two weeks through injury.
Fairbairn leads all kickers in FPPG this season (11.9) and has missed only three of his 25 field-goal attempts this year, and is perfect from inside 50 yards. Top kickers and defenses are only ever available after a bye or an absence, and Fairbairn won’t be on waivers beyond this week.
Even if you have a capable kicker, Fairbairn would be an upgrade on almost anyone this week, and should be a priority waiver target who can last you the rest of the season.
Cam Little, Jacksonville Jaguars (at ARI)
Elsewhere, NFL record-holder Cam Little is also available in what could be a high-scoring game in Arizona. Before the Jaguars’ outlier five-touchdown game against the Chargers on Sunday, Little had strung together two straight top-four fantasy finishes in Weeks 9 and 10.
Little has already proven that he can hit from inside his own half, and the Jaguars need only make it to the halfway line to attempt a kick. The Cardinals are giving up plenty of points, 85 over their last two games, to be precise, and there should be plenty of scoring opportunities for the Jaguars’ kicker.
Jacksonville’s offense was perfect in the red zone on Sunday, but for two rushing plays to run the clock down at the end of the game. That efficiency is unlikely to last, though, and Little should be kicking for three again this weekend.
Zane Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons (at NOR)
In two games for the Falcons, journeyman kicker Zane Gonzalez, now playing for his fifth NFL team, has put up 18 fantasy points. That ranked seventh (tied) among all kickers in Weeks 10 and 11 combined, and makes him a solid option in fantasy this weekend.
The Falcons are on the road, but will be expected to beat the Saints, who sit at the bottom of the NFC South with only two wins this season. The Falcons will be without starting quarterback Michael Penix, who is feared to be out for the season after aggravating a previous knee injury in Week 11.
In his place, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins should be able to move the ball on a Saints defense that has allowed an average of 25 points per game this year. Gonzalez remains perfect for Atlanta through two games and should get more opportunities in New Orleans this weekend.
