Fantasy Football Rankings: Looking at kickers and defense/special teams

September 23, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) kicks a 20 yard field goal during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M

Kickers and defense/special teams are like the best supporting actors of your fantasy football team, if you cast well.

Last year’s top D, the Chicago Bears, scored an impressive 223 FF points which was higher than No. 1 receiver in FF, Calvin Johnson.

Average draft position (ADP) of Calvin Johnson? Round 1-2. Chicago Bears defense? Round 9. Of note, the next highest ST/D had a total of 185 points, which is still in line with the top six FF WRs of 2012.

As for kickers, just like in the real NFL, many FF matchups are won/lost by the leg of the kicker. Kicker values are in line with tight end values. In fact, last season Minnesota’s Blair Walsh ended the season with more FF points than fantasy star TE Jimmy Graham.

I’m not saying you need to draft a D/ST or kicker in Round 2. Be patient and choose wisely. The points at these positions are less glorious but valued in the assembly of your championship roster.

Kicking and Special Team/Defense FF Rankings 2013 (updated 8-28-2013):