When it comes to fantasy football, every point matters. And no position can be more agonizingly inconsistent than kicker. So when you’re building your dream team, the question arises: Jake Elliott Or Dustin Hopkins? Both kickers have shown flashes of brilliance, but who offers the greater potential to carry your fantasy squad to victory?
Dissecting the 2022 Season: A Tale of Two Kickers
To answer this, let’s delve into their 2022 performances. Elliott, the Philadelphia Eagles’ placekicker, thrived amidst a high-powered offense. He finished the season as the 8th highest scoring kicker, racking up 134 fantasy points. Elliott’s reliability from short to mid-range was undeniable, but his long-range accuracy left something to be desired.
Dustin Hopkins, on the other hand, navigated a rockier road with the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite playing in a potent offense, Hopkins battled injuries and ultimately finished as the 27th ranked kicker with 86 points. While his accuracy remained consistent, fewer scoring opportunities capped his overall fantasy value.
Consistency is Key: Examining Field Goal Accuracy
One crucial factor to consider is field goal accuracy. Here, both kickers boast impressive career numbers. Elliott holds a solid 84.1% success rate, while Hopkins edges him out slightly at 84.5%. This suggests both kickers can be relied upon in clutch moments, although neither ranks among the league’s elite in terms of accuracy.
Opportunity Knocks: The Impact of Offensive Powerhouses
It’s no secret that playing on a high-scoring offense significantly boosts a kicker’s fantasy stock. Both Elliott and Hopkins find themselves in enviable situations.
The Eagles, known for their offensive firepower, provide Elliott with ample scoring opportunities. With Jalen Hurts at the helm and a plethora of offensive weapons, Elliott’s chances to rack up fantasy points remain high.
The Chargers, led by Justin Herbert, also boast an explosive offense. However, their struggles in the red zone last season hampered Hopkins’ overall production. If the Chargers can improve their red zone efficiency, Hopkins’ fantasy value could soar.
Weighing the Factors: Who Gets the Fantasy Nod?
Fantasy Football Draft Board with Elliott and Hopkins Highlighted
Choosing between Elliott and Hopkins boils down to risk versus reward. Elliott, backed by a high-octane offense, offers a safer floor and a higher ceiling. However, his inconsistency on longer field goals could limit his upside.
Hopkins, despite playing for a potent offense, carries greater uncertainty due to past injury concerns and the Chargers’ red zone inconsistencies. However, if the Chargers address their red zone woes, Hopkins has the potential to outperform his draft position.
The Verdict: Trust the Eagles’ Offense
For fantasy owners seeking a reliable kicker with week-to-week consistency, Jake Elliott emerges as the slightly more attractive option. The Eagles’ offensive prowess, coupled with Elliott’s proven track record, makes him a valuable asset in any fantasy league format.
However, don’t completely discount Dustin Hopkins. If you’re willing to take a gamble on a kicker with boom-or-bust potential, Hopkins could provide significant value, particularly in later rounds of your draft.