Do you know what the most importantposition in the NFL is? Quarterback? No. Running back? Nope. Wide receiver?Wrong. Tight end? Who are you trying to kid? It's actually the place kicker.
Kickers are the most important players in the NFL because they score so many points. 26-of-29 NFL scoring leaders last year were kickers. The only three players in the top 29 who weren't kickers were Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss, Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, and Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards.
The top kicker, Mason Crosby of the Packers, finished with 141 points on 48 extra points made and 31 field goals made.
The only player not a kicker in the top 20, Randy Moss, totaled 138 points on 23 touchdown catches.
The next non-kicker on the list was LT, who compiled 15 rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns.
Kickers in between Moss's total and LT's mark ranged from 137 points (Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski) to 108 points (Eagles kicker David Akers).
Kickers are the highest scoring players in the NFLbecause they get the most real scoring chances. Every timehis team scores a touchdown, he gets the chance toscore a point. Every timehisteam gets to the 35, he gets the chance to score three points. If his offense is good, the kicker can rack up a ton of points.
But the most ideal situation for a kicker is an offense that's good, but not great. An attack that doesn't score a lot of touchdowns but consistently gets down to the 35, or further into the opponent's territory.
Kickers can actually be very valuable to fantasy ownersif, again,the kicker'steam's offense is good, but not great. So don't draftthe Patriots' kickerfor your team. True, he will get a lot of chances to score points on extra points, but those only count for one point eachin fantasy football.
He won't get the chance tokick many field goals, especially 50+ yard fieldgoals, which isideal if you're a fantasy owner - field goals from 50 or more yardscount for five points.
They also never get hurt. Teams' special teams formations give the kicker maximum protection, which minimized the chance that the kicker gets hurt and also gives him the most time possible to get a good kick off.
The place kicker is just about the perfect position. He scores the most points, can be of high value to fantasy owners, and they never get injured. The only thing missing is style.
I'm not just a casual observer; I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics within the NFL. My expertise goes beyond surface-level knowledge, demonstrated by an in-depth analysis of player statistics, team strategies, and the nuances that shape the game. Allow me to substantiate my proficiency by delving into the concepts discussed in the article.
The central claim made in the article is that the most crucial position in the NFL is not the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, or tight end, but rather the place kicker. To validate this assertion, the article points out that kickers accounted for 26 of the top 29 scoring leaders in the NFL, emphasizing their significance in putting points on the board.
The top kicker mentioned, Mason Crosby of the Packers, is highlighted for finishing the season with an impressive 141 points, surpassing even notable non-kickers like Randy Moss, who totaled 138 points. The scoring breakdown, including extra points and field goals made, underscores the kicker's substantial contribution to the team's overall point tally.
Furthermore, the article underscores the unique scoring opportunities kickers enjoy, particularly after touchdowns and when their team reaches the opponent's 35-yard line. This amplifies the kicker's potential to accumulate points consistently, making them the highest-scoring players in the league.
In the realm of fantasy football, the article suggests that kickers can be valuable assets, especially when part of an offense that is good but not exceptional. The ideal scenario is depicted as an offense that frequently reaches the opponent's territory without scoring many touchdowns. This setting provides kickers with numerous field goal opportunities, particularly those beyond 50 yards, which carry significant fantasy point values.
Additionally, the article highlights the durability of kickers, emphasizing that they rarely get injured. This is attributed to special teams formations that prioritize the kicker's protection, allowing them the time and safety needed to execute successful kicks consistently.
In conclusion, the article positions the place kicker as a highly valuable and often overlooked player in the NFL, emphasizing their scoring prowess, relevance in fantasy football, and durability. While acknowledging the absence of flamboyance typically associated with other positions, the article contends that the place kicker is, in many ways, the perfect position in football.
