Jets' Veteran Kicker Seems Like Smart Fantasy Option

Finding a hidden gem to fill an important position on your squad

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Aug 11, 2023 9:29 AM EDT

In this story:

Finding the right kicker for your fantasy football team is an important task that requires proper balance.

Twenty-six kickers scored 100+ fantasy points during the 2022 NFL season. Just like in real football, the kicker can be the difference between a win and a loss.

A fantasy manager does not want to jump the gun and use an early-round pick on a kicker, but, on the other hand, no one can afford to wait until it's too late. The key is to use a late-round selection on a kicker with the potential to substantially exceed the production expected by his average draft position.

That's where New York Jets' veteran Greg Zuerlein enters the conversation. In most cases, he won't be one of the first kickers off the draft board, but Greg The Leg's long-range efficiency could be the secret weapon your fantasy squad needs.

In 2022, his first season with Gang Green, Zuerlein set the franchise record by nailing a 60-yard field goal at Minnesota. He made 6 of 11 attempts from 50+ yards last year and he should get more chances in 2023 thanks to a potentially more productive Jets' offense.

The 35-year-old, who has also been known as Leg-a-tron, has shown no signs of slowing down this preseason.

Zuerlein has been near perfect from long distance during open training camp practices and his Hall of Fame Game performance was noteworthy. He made all three of his first-half field goal tries against the Cleveland Browns, hitting from 54, 44 and 53 yards.

“He’s definitely an asset,” said Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh following the preseason opener.

When it comes to the short stuff, Zuerlein has been as reliable as they come. Over the past three seasons he has missed only once in 39 attempts from inside of 40 yards.

SI Fantasy guru Michael Fabiano has boosted Zuerlein up to No. 11 overall in his position-by-position rankings.

Michael Fabiano on the importance of fantasy kickers:

"Consider that the top five kickers from a season ago scored more points than tight ends No. 6-11. That’s right … five kickers would have been No. 1 fantasy tight ends last season based on points. We also had more kickers score 100-plus points (26) than tight ends (22).

By comparison, the best kicker, Tucker, would have ranked 29th at running back and 43rd at wide receiver based on his 160 points. That means the top fantasy kickers would have been high-end starting tight ends but would barely sniff flex starter value as runners and would have been bench fodder as wideouts."