In the high-stakes world of fantasy football, where every point counts, the Buffalo Bills’ kicker Tyler Bass is emerging as an unexpected gem for managers seeking a reliable, high-upside option. While the spotlight often shines on skill position players, Bass is quietly carving out a reputation as a top-tier kicker, even outranking both Super Bowl LIX kickers in recent fantasy projections. With Justin Tucker no longer dominating the kicker landscape, Bass has seized the opportunity to climb the ranks, making him a potential “blockbuster” pick for savvy fantasy managers.
A New Era at Kicker
For years, Justin Tucker was the undisputed king of fantasy football kickers, a near-automatic first choice on draft boards. However, with Tucker out of the top spot, Dallas Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey has taken the crown, boasting an impressive 24-of-27 record on 50+ yard field goals over his first two seasons. Yet, while Aubrey leads the pack, Tyler Bass is making a strong case as a Top 10 kicker, landing at No. 7 in Sports Illustrated Fantasy‘s kicker rankings. This places him ahead of notable names like Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker (No. 13) and Philadelphia Eagles’ Jake Elliott (No. 15), both of whom competed in Super Bowl LIX but were outshined by Bass in the fantasy rankings.
TYLER BASS 61-YARD FIELD GOAL WITH 5 SECONDS LEFT. pic.twitter.com/PZWTOebKnJ
— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024
Bass’s rise is particularly noteworthy given his rocky start to the 2024 season. Early criticism during training camp spilled into the regular season, where he missed three of his first 12 field goal attempts and two extra points in the first six weeks. Despite these struggles, Bass proved his resilience, connecting on all four of his 50+ yard attempts during the regular season, including a franchise-record 61-yard field goal to secure a dramatic Week 9 victory over the Miami Dolphins. His postseason performance further solidified his turnaround, going a perfect 13-of-13 on kicks, including 6-of-6 on field goals.
Why Bass is a Fantasy Steal
A sixth-round pick in 2020, Bass has consistently delivered for the Bills, averaging 26.2 field goals per regular season and never dipping below 121 fantasy points in a single year. In 2024, he racked up 139.0 traditional fantasy points and 146.0 points in the DraftKings daily format, showcasing his value across various scoring systems. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, combined with the Bills’ potent offense, makes him a reliable option for fantasy managers.
Sports Illustrated Fantasy ranks Bass among an elite group, with only Brandon Aubrey (DAL), Jake Bates (DET), Chris Boswell (PIT), Will Lutz (DEN), Chase McLaughlin (TB), and Cameron Dicker (LAC) ahead of him. Bass’s No. 7 ranking reflects his consistency and big-leg potential, particularly on long-range kicks. His ability to bounce back from early-season struggles and deliver clutch performances, like the 61-yarder against Miami, highlights his mental toughness and skill, qualities that translate directly to fantasy success.
The Super Bowl LIX Connection
While the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles battled in Super Bowl LIX, their kickers—Harrison Butker and Jake Elliott—found themselves ranked below Bass in fantasy projections. This is a testament to Bass’s growing reputation as a dependable scorer in a position often overlooked until the final rounds of drafts. Fantasy managers who prioritize a kicker with a strong leg and a knack for capitalizing on Buffalo’s high-powered offense could find Bass to be a difference-maker in close matchups.
Why You Should Draft Tyler Bass
For fantasy managers, Bass represents a low-risk, high-reward option. His ability to consistently score points, combined with his clutch performances, makes him a sleeper pick who could outperform his draft position. While he may not be the first kicker off the board, his No. 7 ranking and proven track record suggest he’s a steal for those willing to invest in a kicker earlier than most. With the Bills’ offense poised to generate plenty of scoring opportunities in 2025, Bass is well-positioned to continue his ascent as a fantasy football standout.
As the fantasy landscape evolves without Justin Tucker at the top, Tyler Bass is quietly becoming the “blockbuster” no one saw coming. Don’t sleep on him in your draft—he might just be the key to unlocking your championship roster.
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