Week 15 Fantasy Football: Three Kickers to Bench for the Playoff Push

The NFL fantasy football playoffs are here for many managers. Key lineup decisions now make or break seasons. One critical but often overlooked choice is the kicker position. Performance and matchups are everything at this stage.According to trusted fantasy analysis, several kickers face unfavorable conditions in Week 15. Their recent form or the game environment suggests they are risky starts. Bench them for more reliable options if you want to advance.

Chad Ryland’s Unreliable Streak Continues

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland is in a brutal slump. He has missed one field goal attempt in each of his last four games. Two of those misses were very makeable kicks that impacted game outcomes.This consistent inconsistency is a major red flag. The Cardinals’ offense has struggled and become one-dimensional. They face a tough Houston Texans defense this week.Houston is 8-5 and fighting for the AFC South title. Arizona has lost nine of its last ten games. The Cardinals may be forced into scoring garbage-time touchdowns, limiting Ryland’s field goal opportunities.

Blake Grupe Faces Elements and Uncertainty

Indianapolis Colts kicker Blake Grupe has his own challenges. He has missed eight field goals this season. That lack of reliability is a problem for fantasy managers needing steady points.Grupe must kick in the potentially tricky elements of Seattle this weekend. The Seahawks’ defense also tends to allow more touchdowns than field goals. This environment further reduces Grupe’s scoring ceiling.The Colts’ quarterback situation adds another layer of uncertainty. With Philip Rivers recently signed, offensive flow could be disrupted. All these factors point to looking for a safer fantasy kicker this week.

Joey Slye’s Hot Streak Meets a Wall

Tennessee Titans kicker Joey Slye has been excellent lately. He has made seven field goals over the past five weeks without a miss. However, his Week 15 matchup is a significant concern.The Titans face the San Francisco 49ers’ stout defense. This unit can stifle opposing offenses and limit drives. Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward may find moving the ball consistently very difficult.When a team plays from behind, it often opts for touchdowns over field goals. The Titans could be in that exact situation. This makes Slye a potential victim of his team’s game script, despite his recent accuracy.

George Pickens Contract Dilemma Puts Cowboys’ Future in Spotlight

Choosing the right fantasy kicker in Week 15 requires careful matchup analysis. Benching volatile options like Ryland, Grupe, and Slye could be the smart move for managers in must-win scenarios. Your playoff hopes may depend on it.

Info at your fingertips

Why are kickers so unpredictable in fantasy football?

Kicker scoring is highly dependent on their team’s offensive performance and game script. A team that stalls in the red zone creates field goal chances. A team that scores touchdowns or gets shut down does not.

What is the most important factor for a fantasy kicker?

The matchup is crucial. Look for kickers on teams with good offenses facing defenses that are strong in the red zone. This scenario often leads to more stalled drives and field goal attempts.

Should I drop a kicker having a bad week?

Do not overreact to one bad week. Consistency over the season is key. However, if a kicker has multiple misses or his team’s offense is collapsing, like Arizona’s, it may be time to find a new option.

Do weather conditions affect kicker performance?

Yes, wind, rain, and cold can significantly impact field goal accuracy. Always check the forecast, especially for outdoor stadiums, before locking in your fantasy kicker.

Who are some good kicker pickups for Week 15?

Look for kickers on high-powered offenses with favorable indoor or warm-weather matchups. Kickers for teams like Detroit, Miami, or the LA Rams often provide a stable weekly floor.