The age-old fantasy football dilemma: choosing between two seemingly equal players. Today, we tackle the kicker conundrum: Tyler Bass Or Harrison Butker? Both have established themselves as reliable scoring options, but who gets the edge in 2023? Let’s dive deep into their stats, team contexts, and potential to help you make the optimal draft-day decision.
Analyzing the Numbers: A Tale of Two Kickers
Tyler Bass kicking a field goal
At first glance, both kickers boast impressive resumes. Tyler Bass, the Buffalo Bills’ weapon, has consistently delivered, exceeding 100 points in each of his three seasons. His 2022 campaign saw him nail 27 field goals out of 31 attempts, with a long of 56 yards. Butker, on the other hand, brings championship pedigree as the Kansas City Chiefs’ trusted boot. While injuries hampered his 2022 season, his career field goal percentage sits at an impressive 90.1%, a testament to his accuracy and consistency.
Harrison Butker celebrates a game-winning field goal
Team Context: The Supporting Cast
While individual talent is crucial, a kicker’s success hinges on the team around them. The Bills, with their high-powered offense led by Josh Allen, consistently put Bass in scoring positions. This translates to more opportunities for extra points and field goals, making him a fantasy darling. The Chiefs, under Patrick Mahomes’s command, are no strangers to the endzone either. However, their offensive firepower often results in touchdowns, potentially limiting Butker’s field goal attempts.
2023 Outlook: Projecting Performance
Buffalo Bills offense driving down the field
Predicting kicker performance is a fickle business, but several factors point towards Bass maintaining his fantasy relevance in 2023. The Bills’ offensive continuity and potential for another strong season bode well for his scoring opportunities. Butker, while undoubtedly talented, faces uncertainty surrounding his injury recovery and the potential for fewer field goal attempts in the high-scoring Chiefs’ offense.
The Verdict
Both Tyler Bass and Harrison Butker possess the talent and track record to be valuable fantasy assets. However, considering the factors discussed, Bass emerges as the slightly more appealing option for 2023. His consistent production, coupled with the Bills’ offensive prowess, makes him a safer bet for fantasy managers seeking week-to-week reliability. However, don’t discount Butker’s potential, especially if you’re looking for a high-upside kicker later in the draft.