Fantasy Football Kicker Tips & Start/Sit Guide (Week 5)

As a fantasy football manager and an NFL fan, you’ve likely noticed the increasing frequency of blocked kicks this season. These plays are no longer rare occurrences but have become pivotal moments that can shift the outcome of both real games and fantasy matchups. This week, the Bears secured a win in Las Vegas by blocking the Raiders’ game-winning attempt, highlighting how significant these plays have become.

In 2024, there were only 18 blocked field goals out of 1,115 total kicks, resulting in a blocked field goal rate of 1.6%. However, in 2025, there have already been nine blocked kicks in the first three weeks of the season out of 299 attempts, which is a rate of 3%. If this pace continues, the league could see between 35 and 40 blocked kicks this season. While I believe this rate may not be sustainable, teams will likely make necessary adjustments. One challenge for fantasy managers is that kickers are often penalized for missing a kick, even if the block is unrelated to their performance.

Waiver Wire Advice

Each week, fantasy football experts provide rankings and advice on which players to start or sit. Here are some insights for Week 5:

Widely Available Kickers With Strong Week 4 Performances

Cairo Santos (K – CHI): Played against Las Vegas with a 1% roster percentage on Yahoo. He made four field goals and one extra point in Chicago’s 25-24 road win over the Raiders.
Matt Gay (K – WSH): Played against Atlanta with a 17% roster percentage on Yahoo. He has shown improvement with two strong performances in consecutive weeks, scoring 18 points this week.

Widely Rostered Kickers With Dud Week 4 Performances

Chris Boswell (K – PIT): Played against Minnesota with a 97% roster percentage on Yahoo. Despite a strong start to the season, he has struggled with seven combined points in his last two games.

Week 5 Kicker Rankings

Here are the top kickers ranked based on various factors such as matchups, Vegas lines, and weather conditions:

Spencer Shrader (IND): vs. LV, 47.5 O/U, -6.5 Spread
Brandon Aubrey (DAL): at NYJ, 46.5 O/U, -2.5 Spread
Cameron Dicker (LAC): vs. WAS, 47.5 O/U, -2.5 Spread
Joshua Karty (LAR): vs. SF, 46.5 O/U, -5.5 Spread
Harrison Butker (KC): at JAC, 45.5 O/U, -3 Spread
Jake Bates (DET): at CIN, 49.5 O/U, -9.5 Spread
Chase McLaughlin (TB): at SEA, 44.5 O/U, 3 Spread
Chad Ryland (ARI): vs. TEN, 41.5 O/U, -8.5 Spread
Jason Myers (SEA): vs. TB, 44.5 O/U, -3 Spread
Wil Lutz (DEN): at PHI, 44.5 O/U, -4.5 Spread

Week 5 Standout Kickers

Chad Ryland (K – ARI): vs. Tennessee with a 9% roster percentage on Yahoo. He has performed well in three of his four games this season and faces a favorable matchup against the Titans.
Wil Lutz (K – DEN): @ Philadelphia with a 69% roster percentage on Yahoo. Despite recent struggles, this week’s matchup against a tough Eagles defense could lead to a lower-scoring game.

Prediction Review

This week, my picks included Chase McLaughlin and Jake Bates. Chase McLaughlin had a strong performance against the Eagles, including a 65-yard try that nearly tied the NFL record. Jake Bates also showed promise, indicating potential for future success.

Week 3 Waiver Wire Pickups

Spencer Shrader (K – IND): vs. Las Vegas with a 42% roster percentage on Yahoo.
Chad Ryland (K – ARI): vs. Tennessee with a 9% roster percentage on Yahoo.