Fantasy football managers looking for a midseason boost might find unexpected value at the kicker position. A few trending names have quietly shifted the balance in recent weeks as offensive dynamics and quarterback changes shake up scoring opportunities.
With bye weeks creating roster holes, these under-the-radar options could make a real difference in tight matchups. The right pickup now might be the edge that saves your season.
Tyler Loop, Baltimore Ravens
Rookie kicker Tyler Loop has become one of the more exciting kickers in the NFL this year, but is now available on waivers after his Week 7 bye. Loop was the eighth-best kicker in fantasy from Weeks 1-4, but that production dipped when Lamar Jackson got injured.
From Weeks 5-7, with the Baltimore Ravens floundering on offense, Loop ranked 31st among kickers in fantasy points per game. Jackson is expected to be available this weekend, and the Ravens should be a fantasy force once more.
The Chicago Bears have been a great fantasy defense, with their aggressive nature creating the most turnovers in the NFL. They have also allowed the eighth-most points per game this season, and Loop should have plenty of opportunities to put points on the board.
Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard ranks ninth at the position in fantasy points per game this season (10). This Thursday, he should have an excellent opportunity to continue that fine form against the Chargers, who just gave up 38 points to the Colts in Week 7.
Carson Wentz will start again for Minnesota, with J.J. McCarthy nearing a return from injury. That’s good news for the Vikings’ chances of winning and their players’ fantasy value.
Reichard has scored 2.3 more fantasy points per game since Wentz took over from McCarthy in Week 3, improving from an average of 8.5 (18th) to 10.8 (sixth). The Minnesota kicker led the position with 18 fantasy points in Week 7, and is a solid weekly option until McCarthy gets his job back.
Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals
Right behind Reichard in the second-to-last week was Evan McPherson, who made all four of his field goal attempts against the Steelers. Like Reichard, McPherson has seen his average fantasy production improve significantly following his team’s latest quarterback change.
In Weeks 3-5, with Jake Browning starting, McPherson averaged 5.3 fantasy points per game, which ranked 27th at the position. Over the last two weeks, with Flacco running the offense, McPherson has averaged 11 fantasy points per game, which ranks eighth in that time.
The Bengals face the 0-7 Jets this weekend and should be able to run up the score, benefiting their kicker. The Jets have allowed the seventh-most points in the NFL this season, and will have a hard time stopping Cincinnati’s explosive offensive weapons.
