As the 2025 fantasy football season approaches, kickers are often overlooked but can play a crucial role in weekly matchups. RotoBaller has released updated rankings for the kicker position, highlighting top names such as Brandon Aubrey, Harrison Butker, and Jake Bates. As fantasy drafts loom, understanding where these players rank can greatly influence lineup decisions.

Justin Tucker, one of the league's all-time greats, has recently received a 10-game suspension due to off-field allegations, raising concerns about his future and fantasy viability. The Baltimore Ravens' selection of Tyler Loop in the draft indicates a transition at the position. Loop has shown potential but may face competition from undrafted rookie John Hoyland. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers' kicking battle between Matthew Wright and rookie Ryan Fitzgerald could impact fantasy managers, as Fitzgerald’s impressive college performance makes him a contender.

The kicker position in fantasy football is often dismissed as unpredictable and random, but this view overlooks the strategic potential that kickers can bring to a team. With the rise of streaming kickers, focusing on team scoring metrics is vital. Statistical trends reveal that teams producing higher point totals correlate well with kickers scoring in the double digits. Data from recent seasons indicates that kickers from high-volume passing offenses and those with efficient third-down conversions tend to yield the best fantasy returns.

Fantasy managers should consider waiting until the final round of drafts to select kickers, ensuring they capitalize on potential value from other positional players earlier in the draft. By leveraging current data trends and focusing on team offense metrics, there's a chance to turn a traditionally overlooked position into a key contributor in fantasy leagues.

The 2026 NFL free agency period is shaping up to be pivotal for the Dallas Cowboys, with a notable roster of pending free agents that includes nine players boasting a total of 9 Pro Bowl selections. Among them, standout Micah Parsons, a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, anchors the defensive side, while offensive talents like tight end Jake Ferguson and kicker Brandon Aubrey bring additional firepower. The team's strategy emphasizes rewarding homegrown talent, making it crucial for them to navigate these potential departures effectively. With the Cowboys' preference for late negotiations, the franchise faces the challenge of retaining this elite talent before they hit the open market.

Defensively, the Cowboys are set to face tough decisions, especially with Parsons, who has become a cornerstone of their defense. Meanwhile, the offense looks to secure key contributors like Ferguson and Aubrey, who have both proven their worth on the field. With the 2026 season on the horizon, the Cowboys must find a way to balance their approach between rewarding established players and preparing for potential new signings.

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Eli Ricks recently expressed his admiration for Ivanka Trump during a White House visit, posting on social media that she is his "type." This remark followed the team's celebration of their Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. While some players opted out of the visit, Ricks was glad he attended, sharing his thoughts on Ivanka's beauty. Other Eagles, including MVP Jalen Hurts, skipped the visit, prompting mixed reactions online, with some cautioning Ricks about the potential implications of his comments. Meanwhile, Ivanka shared a lighthearted video of her son racing former Giants running back Saquon Barkley on the White House lawn, but did not respond directly to Ricks' posts.

Spring leagues like the UFL have become fertile ground for football talent, enabling players to transition to the NFL. Among the standout performers are Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys, who has set an NFL record with 35 consecutive field goals, and Jake Bates of the Detroit Lions, who has been highly accurate as a kicker.

Kavontae Turpin, also a Cowboy, has established himself as a dual threat on special teams and as a receiver, while edge rusher Dondrea Tillman is making an impact with the Denver Broncos. Other notable players include Jalen Redmond of the Vikings and Jeremiah Pharms Jr. with the Patriots, both contributing significantly to their teams' defenses.