I still don’t know what my appendix does.

I guess I could look it up. I’m in my 40s now, so I probably should. But, I’ll be honest. The appendix doesn’t do anything interesting. And I’ve been so used to the status quo. I carry the thing around. It sits there without bothering me. Well, at least for the most part.

Kickers are the appendix in fantasy football. We argue about QB accuracy, WR route running, and RB vision every day. Go and check social media right now. You won’t have to scroll far to find an argument about every position except for one: kickers. But let’s switch it up. With some adjustments to scoring, we can elevate their status amongst the other roles.

Optimal Kicker Scoring Settings In Fantasy Football 2025

Extra Points and Field Goals Are Worth Three Points

Let’s be real for a sec.

Before you come at me with the whole “extra points in real life are just worth one point lol” argument, let’s look at QBs.

So, a quarterback buying time, throwing across his body, and putting it in place for his WR to score is just worth four points, right (before factoring in the yardage)? I’m sure you’re also fine with a reception behind the line of scrimmage and gaining zero yards equaling the same number of points as a receiver fighting through a defender ten yards downfield. Anyway, just because it’s always been doesn’t mean it’s always been right.

Besides, extra points aren’t the same as they used to be. In 2015, the league moved the XP line from the two to the 15-yard line. If we’re keeping it a buck, at 33 yards, extra points should already be worth three points based on the distance alone. So, let’s at least keep it consistent and award the kickers their points.

The NBA Jam Bonus

OK, so maybe I didn’t appeal to your sensible side. I probably used too many numbers. Let’s see if your sense of entertainment is more rational.

I remember Brandon Aubrey’s streak of long-distance kicks. He didn’t miss an attempt of 40 yards or more until the middle of November. His hype (or aura, as the kids say) drew attention. Even as Dallas’ season deteriorated around him, Aubrey made the games watchable. 

I’ll admit seeing a kicker come out once or twice for a chip-shot field goal is equal parts boring and disappointing. Their presence means my skill player(s) didn’t find the end zone. However, perfect accuracy is commendable. Especially if a few deep shots get mixed into a game.

Like in the classic video game, streaks should be worth a bonus. Any kicker who can make it through a single contest or string together multiple weeks without a miss should get double the points for every field goal once they’ve established a streak. Twice the points might be too much. But hey, NBA Jam made scoring easier and fun. Accordingly, a stretch of perfection in a real game should have a similar effect.

The Clutch Bonus

A hot stretch didn’t sway you?

Fair enough. It’d likely be extra work for your commissioner. They (or you) would have to track each kick, figure out how to add the bonus, and update your score. Logistically, the juice might not be worth the squeeze. However, there’s another event that kickers can participate in, which we can catch in real time.

Usually, we bestow the clutch genes on QBs and their pass-catchers. We always analyze the decision of putting the game in the hands (foot?) of the kicker in hindsight. If they make it, let’s celebrate. A miss “signals” a lack of trust in the offense and warrants coaching or personnel changes. So, if the stakes are that high, let’s reward the guy who came through in the moment.

Game-winning kicks should get an 11-point bonus. 11 seems random, but hear me out. The value of a kick that swings a loss to a win is almost incalculable. Vibes go from the dumps to immaculate. It could save a season. So, it’s at least worth more than a touchdown. And a field goal. Heck, throw in an extra point, too. If my math is right, that’s ten.

So, a kicker that brings home the W for their squad? Give them 11 points.

The Bad Weather Multiplier

I don’t even like driving to work in my heated car if it’s cold out. I’ll stay inside if it’s raining. I can handle a little wind, but you get the idea here.

Respect to the folks who can bear the elements for their line of work, especially football players. But the skills guys get to move around and stay warm throughout the game. Kickers just sit there. Imagine having to wait your turn to work and do your job in the worst conditions.

I’ll start the debate regarding a weather multiplier for kickers at 1.5x their normal points. 

Yes, everyone else has to play on the same field. But they get multiple attempts. There’s (usually) another first down or goal-line attempt to work through any footing issues. Quarterbacks don’t get just one throw on a gusty day and then call it quits. And yet, kickers have one shot. However, I’m not giving them all the love.

Everyone else receives 1.25 times their normal points. See? I’m a man of the people. They’re out in the rain, wind, or snow, too. Mother Nature isn’t making their day any easier. Accordingly, their production should be worth more. But since kickers get fewer opportunities to adjust, their production should have a bit more value.

The Doink Incentive

All right. I’ve got one more.

At the end of the day, fantasy football should be fun. And I’ll be honest, tracking kickers and their game situations isn’t as interesting as projecting workloads for every other position. Remember, I compared kickers to an appendix. So, let’s make changing the scoring for kickers as easy as possible. And, most importantly, it should be fun.

A successful doink off the uprights or crossbar doesn’t happen too often. The low occurrence rate keeps the added work to a minimum. But a lucky bounce should be one of the infrequent events worth tacking on a couple of extra points. In the end, such a bonus should balance fun and some extra fantasy points for an underrated position.

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