DFS: Are Kick Returners Worthy of Consideration?

There were three special teams touchdowns scored in Week 1 of the NFL season, and all three were scored by a WR-eligible player. That means that on most daily fantasy sites, these three players were credited with six extra fantasy points in addition to their offensive contributions.

Of the three returners to find the end zone, only Miami Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry is regularly considered as a viable fantasy commodity. Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett and St. Louis Rams WR Tavon Austin, however, are minimally priced players due to their small and unpredictable roles in their respective offenses.

Here are the offensive players listed as the primary kick and/or punt returners for their teams, with a potential offensive role:

Of these 30 players, nine (in bold) generally receive regular DFS consideration, due to their large roles in the offense. For all the others, their usage on special teams gives them an added boost any time they're expected to have a larger offensive role than normal.

It's impossible to predict return touchdowns, as the teams that allow the highest average return distance don't necessarily allow the most return touchdowns.

The best way to target these players and GPP options, is to look at those who play for teams who force a lot of punts, or those on teams that allow a lot of points against, and therefore return a lot of kickoffs.

Through one week of games, here are the teams forcing the most punts:

And here are the teams with the most kickoff returns:

The Dolphins, Rams nor the Seahawks ranked among the league leaders in punt return attempts in Week 1, showing the randomness of a return touchdown.

It's far from a safe strategy, but if you have to punt a roster spot in a GPP lineup, you should choose someone who'll field one, in hopes that they return more than their expected value.

Week 2 Options

For Week 2, consider Indianapolis Colts WR Phillip Dorsett as a cheap receiver, as he'll not only see an expanded role in the absence of WR T.Y. Hilton, but he'll also return both kickoffs and punts against the New York Jets.

Really feeling lucky? Look for Dallas Cowboys WR Lucky Whitehead. He played just six offensive snaps in Week 1, but he'll receive a slight boost in usage with WR Dez Bryant sidelined, and he also works both return duties.