By Mr. Fantasy

1. Don't draft a kicker until the last round. Anyone with fantasy football experience will tell you: Drafting kickers is a crapshoot. Heck, in any given week, some of the highest scoring kickers are on the waiver wire. In a 10-team league, it will be no surprise if the kicker you draft in the last round is someone you rated in your top five.
   
   
2. Only draft one kicker. If you read my wide receiver tips, you'll recall that I suggested using an extra roster spot or two on backup wideouts. Well, here's one way to create an opening. You will almost always find a more intriguing option on the waiver wire than your backup kicker, so why employ one in the first place?
   
   
3. When in doubt, take a veteran kicker. One reason older kickers have been discarded in recent years is because younger guys were better at kickoffs. But with the kickoffs moved up five yards this season, that's no longer a factor. So expect so see more of the old-timers hanging around ... and being difference-makers in the fantasy game.
   
   
4. Draft a warm-weather or indoor kicker. This is a no-brainer. The Chargers (Nate Kaeding) and Texans (Neil Rackers) are two examples of high-output offenses who play in warm-weather homes and divisions.
   
   
5. Avoid taking a rookie. Alex Henery seems to have been drafted into a great situation in Philadelphia, but it will be no surprise if he's replaced by a proven veteran by midseason. The combination of Philadelphia's cold weather and high expectations might be too much for the collegiate star.

Check out the 2011 Kickers Draft Ratings