Week 2 Kicker Waiver Wire Pickups & Adds: Mason Crosby Stands Out

We had four kickers tie for the most points among kickers last week. Some of them came at a surprise as we imagined that their offenses would struggle to put up points. Josh Lambo is one of those that scored a lot this week but can we expect the Jaguars to keep scoring? As we move into week 2, we have some data to base our predictions on. We have seen first glimpses at what offenses look good to start the year and which are not clicking together. When picking a kicker, you want the balance between a good offense and a not so good offense because field goals are the main priority. For those streaming kickers as I usually do, matchups also play a big role. I will be going over my top streaming options for the week that are owned in under 50% of leagues. Using last week’s performance as well as a look into the upcoming matchup, here are the best waiver wire additions of kickers for week 2.

Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers

Opponent: Detroit Lions
Own %: 18.1

Mason Crosby and the Green Bay Packers look hot to start the season. The Packers created tons of scoring opportunities for Crosby, and he took full advantage of them. He converted on both of his field-goal attempts, one coming from 40+ yards. He also sent all five of his extra points through the uprights. Seeing how so many kickers are missing much more now, this is a good sign for things to come. Looking ahead, the Packers face the Lions who are a low rated defense. We saw them blow a 23-6 lead to the Bears in week 1, so scoring should not be a problem. As the Packers have shown that they can put up loads of points on a top defense, this week should be huge for Crosby coming up.

Joey Slye, Carolina Panthers

Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Own %: 4.6

We saw the Carolina Panthers come out of the gates strong offensively. Joey Slye reaped the benefits from it in fantasy terms. He had three field goal opportunities in which he nailed all three, two coming from 40+ yards. He tacked on an extra point but did miss one. Christian McCaffrey’s performance is the best indicator of how well the Panthers are doing and when he scores twice, they are in good shape. Seeing how well he started week 1, the future is bright for the Panthers’ offense. As long as the Panthers are scoring, Slye will be scoring. The Buccaneers gave up 34 points to the Saints last week which shows there are holes in the defense. McCaffrey should have a fun time exploiting that defense, giving Slye plenty of more opportunities.

Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons

Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
Own %: 47.4

I am high on Younghoe Koo for the whole season as I see the Falcons as one of those teams that have weapons but are not considered a top offense in the league, leaving plenty of opportunities for field goals throughout the season. Last week gave more reasoning into my theory as he hit both of his 40+ yard field goal attempts. The Cowboys serve as not a bad or good matchup for Koo and the Falcons. As long as it is not a bad matchup for Koo, I would feel safe playing him every week and it boggles my mind that still less than half of leagues have him rostered. I see him finishing the season as at least a top 5 kicker as long as he keeps hitting his targets. He has given no real reason not to trust him.

Rodrigo Blankenship, Indianapolis Colts

Opponent: Minnesota Vikings
Own %: 32.8

Many of the questions looming around the Colts have been answered after week 1. How would Philip Rivers look like with his new receiver corps? What is the plan with their running backs? We saw Nyheim Hines go off out of the backfield, showing the depth of the Colts. Rodrigo Blankenship will only continue to benefit from the strength of the Colts’ offense. He did miss one short field goal but as a new kicker in the NFL, I think we can cut him a break. He made his other two attempts as well as two extra points. The Vikings gave up 43 points to the Packers last week. While it might be a fluke, it is not a good sign for their defense. The Colts along with Blankenship have the ability to put up loads of points this coming week.

Josh Lambo, Jacksonville Jaguars

Opponent: Tennessee Titans
Own %: 6.1

Josh Lambo and the Jaguars had a great start to their season in week 1 which resulted in Lambo tying for first in fantasy points among kickers. If the Jaguars can keep it up, Lambo’s value could skyrocket as he is a kicker no one would consider before. I have a hard time judging the Jaguars because I think this week is not what to expect going forward. There still remains the stats to back up that this type of week is possible because the Colts are by no means a bad defense. The Titans serve as an easier matchup than week 1, so it is completely possible that we see a repeat of week 1. The 50+ yard field goal played a huge factor in Lambo’s scoring but it shows the strength of his leg and his consistency.

Samuel Sloman, Los Angeles Rams

Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
Own %: 6.0

Samuel Sloman and the Rams kicked off their season strongly against the beloved Cowboys. He connected on two of his three attempts while converting both extra points. Malcolm Brown went off running the ball which will most likely not become a regular week to week thing, but it shows hope for the Rams. The Rams are one of those teams that will likely not be a huge touchdown team but good enough to give many field goal attempts. That increases Sloman’s value. While that value is not super high, it is enough to provide some value to fantasy teams. The Eagles have shown early struggles in week 1 which the Rams can use as momentum into week 2 and give a similar performance to week 1 in week 2.