Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings Week 1: Who to start, best sleepers, top busts image
Kickers are often overlooked when fantasy managers set their Week 1 lineups, but choosing the right matchup can significantly impact performance. Unlike other positions, kicker output relies heavily on game script, scoring conditions, red-zone success, and field-goal chances.
These rankings weigh kicker talent, offensive quality, Week 1 matchup, projected scoring environment, and field-goal opportunity.
Keep reading for our full breakdown of the kicker position for the opening week of the 2026 fantasy season.
Fantasy K Rankings Week 1: Who to start, sit at kicker
Rank Kicker Team Opp.
1 Brandon Aubrey DAL @ NYG
2 Cameron Dicker LAC vs. ARI
3 Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. BUF
4 Cam Little JAX vs. CLE
5 Jason Myers SEA vs. NE
6 Tyler Loop BAL @ IND
7 Evan McPherson CIN vs. TB
8 Jake Bates DET vs. NO
9 Chase McLaughlin TB @ CIN
10 Chris Boswell PIT vs. ATL
11 Will Reichard MIN vs. GB
12 Cairo Santos CHI @ CAR
13 Eddy Pineiro SF @ LAR
14 Jake Elliott PHI vs. WAS
15 Harrison Mevis LAR vs. SF
16 Trey Smack GB @ MIN
17 Harrison Butker KC vs. DEN
18 Dominic Zvada NYG vs. DAL
19 Wil Lutz DEN @ KC
20 Tyler Bass BUF @ HOU
21 Andy Borregales NE @ SEA
22 Joey Slye TEN vs. NYJ
23 Nick Folk ATL @ PIT
24 Blake Grupe NYJ @ TEN
25 Daniel Carlson NO @ DET
26 Chad Ryland ARI @ LAC
27 Ryan Fitzgerald CAR vs. CHI
28 Matt Gay LV vs. MIA
29 Riley Patterson MIA @ LV
30 Drew Stevens WAS @ PHI
31 Andre Szmyt CLE @ JAX
32 Spencer Shrader IND vs. BAL
Week 1 K Sleepers
Andy Borregales, Patriots
Borregales is another intriguing low-rostered option. New England travels to Seattle for a game with a 44.5-point total, and Seattle's home environment could create enough scoring opportunities for the Patriots' kicker.
Trey Smack, Packers
The rookie has a powerful leg and has already made connections from 58 and 59 yards during the preseason. Even more advantageous, Green Bay's opening game is against Minnesota indoors, removing weather-related worries.
Week 1 K Busts
Wil Lutz, Broncos
Lutz lands outside the top 15 because Denver opens the season on the road against Kansas City. While the Broncos should have opportunities, the matchup is less certain than some other top-kicker situations.
Daniel Carlson, Saints
Carlson faces Detroit in a game where New Orleans could have difficulty consistently moving the ball. Detroit is a significant favorite, and the Saints' offensive uncertainty makes Carlson a risky Week 1 starter compared with kickers attached to stronger offenses.