Week 11 brought some rather peculiar scenarios in the realm of kicking. One of the all-time great kickers, Justin Tucker, seemed human for the first time in recent memory. He missed two field goals in a game where the Ravens ultimately lost by just two points. This was a significant event that shook the kicking world.

Uncover the Kicking Drama and Fantasy Insights

Struggles of AFC North Kickers

The struggles for the AFC North's kickers didn't end with Justin Tucker. Cleveland's kicker, Dustin Hopkins, faced a case of the yanks against the Saints. He missed two kicks within the same drive, with the first being a 32-yarder. However, Cleveland was given a fresh set of downs due to a penalty on the kick. But they failed to advance the ball further, and Hopkins then missed a 27-yard attempt just moments later. These misses had a significant impact on the game.

Such inconsistent performances by kickers in the AFC North highlight the importance of a reliable kicking game in football. Even the best kickers can have off days, and it can cost their teams dearly.

Jake Elliott's Struggles

Jake Elliott also had a tough time on Thursday Night Football for the Eagles. Although Philly managed to defeat the Commanders, Elliott uncharacteristically missed two field goals and an extra point during the game. This shows that even top-tier kickers can face challenges and make mistakes.

It's crucial for teams to have backup kickers ready in case of such situations. One bad performance can change the course of a game, and teams need to be prepared for such contingencies.

Looking Ahead to Week 12

It's time to leave the struggles of last week behind and move forward to Week 12. A handy set of rankings can help you fill your kicker slot and get ready for a fresh slate of football.

The fantasy football rankings for Week 12 provide valuable insights into which kickers are likely to perform well. These rankings will be updated throughout the week, so make sure to check back often.

Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings Week 12

Here are the fantasy football kicker rankings for Week 12:

• Ka’imi Fairbairn (HOU) vs TEN
• Jake Bates (DET) at IND
• Chris Boswell (PIT) at CLE
• Jake Moody (SF) at GB
• Cameron Dicker (LAC) vs BAL
• Chase McLaughlin (TB) at NYG
• Brandon McManus (GB) vs SF
• Justin Tucker (BAL) at LAC
• Jason Sanders (MIA) vs NE
• Brandon Aubrey (DAL) at WAS
• Chad Ryland (ARI) at SEA
• Spencer Shrader (KC) at CAR
• Joshua Karty (LAR) vs PHI
• Jason Myers (SEA) vs ARI
• Matt Gay (IND) vs DET
• Cairo Santos (CHI) vs MIN
• Wil Lutz (DEN) at LV
• Jake Elliott (PHI) at LAR
• Daniel Carlson (LV) vs DEN
• Graham Gano (NYG) vs TB
• Zane Gonzalez (WAS) vs DAL
• Dustin Hopkins (CLE) vs PIT
• John Parker Romo (MIN) at CHI
• Joey Slye (NE) at MIA
• Nick Folk (TEN) at HOU
• Eddy Pineiro (CAR) vs KC

Best Fantasy Kickers in Week 12

Ka’imi Fairbairn has been the No. 1 kicker through 11 weeks and remains the top choice in Week 12. The Houston offense has been struggling lately, but the return of Nico Collins gives them hope for the rest of the season. The Stroud-Collins connection is expected to lead to scoring drives, and Fairbairn will be there to convert field goals and extra points. He's a reliable every-week starter.

Jake Bates, attached to the Detroit offense, is another valuable kicker. While there's a risk of the Lions only scoring touchdowns and not attempting field goals, Bates has still managed to score six points in some games. His role as an appendage of the Detroit offense makes him one of fantasy's most valuable kickers.

Kickers on Byes in Week 12

When it comes to kickers, it's not recommended to hold onto them during their bye week. Cut bait and pick up another option. Here are the players on bye from each team:

• Atlanta Falcons: Younghoe Koo
• Buffalo Bills: Tyler Bass
• Cincinnati Bengals: Evan McPherson
• New Orleans Saints: Blake Grupe
• New York Jets: Anders Carlson
• Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Little

Best Fantasy Kicker Sleepers in Week 12

After the Buccaneers' bye week, Chase McLaughlin is rostered in just 11 percent of leagues. He's available on the waiver wire and makes a strong sleeper pick this week. McLaughlin has been successful throughout the season, hitting double digits four times and scoring at least eight points on seven occasions. With the return of Mike Evans in Week 12, the Tampa Bay offense is expected to improve, providing McLaughlin with more scoring opportunities. Baker Mayfield could lead the offense to success, and McLaughlin is likely to get his share of kicks.

Austin Seibert, attached to the high-powered Washington offense, has averaged 13.3 points per game this year. However, he's missed two games due to a hip injury, which has lowered his rostership to 22 percent. If he returns after Washington's mini-bye, he should be picked up and started in every league. If he remains sidelined, Zane Gonzalez is a good plug-and-play option.