Does Kicker Count Towards CMC? Unraveling the Mysteries of Fantasy Football Scoring
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The definitive answer is no, kickers do not count towards a player’s Cumulative Monetary Contribution (CMC) in fantasy football leagues that utilize that scoring system. CMC, as the name suggests, is a method of valuing a player’s overall contribution to your fantasy team in terms of the monetary value spent to acquire them. Kickers are almost universally treated as separate entities in fantasy football drafting and scoring, and their typically low draft value and scoring impact exclude them from the CMC calculation.
Understanding Cumulative Monetary Contribution (CMC)
CMC is a fascinating scoring system that attempts to quantify a player’s worth relative to their acquisition cost. In essence, it’s designed to measure how effectively you spent your budget in the draft. A player drafted for $50 who consistently performs at a top-tier level will have a significantly higher CMC than a player drafted for the same price but languishing on your bench due to injury or ineffectiveness.
How CMC Typically Works
The core of CMC lies in assigning a monetary value to each fantasy point scored. This value is predetermined at the start of the season. For example, each fantasy point might be worth $1. Once this value is set, a player’s CMC is calculated by subtracting their draft cost from the total monetary value of their fantasy points scored.
- Formula: CMC = (Total Fantasy Points * Monetary Value Per Point) – Draft Cost
Let’s say you drafted a wide receiver for $30, and they score 150 fantasy points during the season. If each fantasy point is worth $1, their CMC would be:
- CMC = (150 * $1) – $30 = $120
This indicates that the receiver has returned a significant profit on your investment.
Why Kickers Are Excluded
Kickers are generally excluded from CMC calculations for a few key reasons:
- Low Draft Value: Kickers are typically drafted in the final rounds of a fantasy draft, often for the minimum bid amount ($1). Including them would skew the CMC results, as even a moderately performing kicker would generate a high CMC due to their minimal cost.
- Limited Scoring Impact: While kickers contribute to your weekly score, their point totals are generally lower and less consistent than those of other positions like running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks. Including them would dilute the significance of the CMC for more impactful positions.
- Strategic Considerations: The exclusion of kickers encourages owners to focus their draft capital on acquiring players at positions that contribute more significantly to their overall success.
- Statistical Noise: Kicker performance is often more volatile and unpredictable compared to other positions, making their CMC values less reliable as a measure of drafting effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CMC and Kickers
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the role of kickers in relation to Cumulative Monetary Contribution and other related topics:
1. Are there any fantasy leagues that do include kickers in CMC calculations?
While highly uncommon, some highly customized leagues might include kickers in CMC calculations. However, this is a niche scenario. If you are playing in a league that has the CMC stat enabled, check the league rules to be 100% sure. Most platforms do not allow you to include kickers in the calculation.
2. If kickers aren’t included in CMC, are they completely irrelevant?
Absolutely not! While they may not affect your CMC, kickers are still crucial for weekly scoring. A reliable kicker can be the difference between winning and losing close matchups.
3. What’s the best strategy for drafting a kicker?
A common strategy is to wait until the very last round to draft a kicker. Target players on high-scoring offenses or those with a track record of accuracy. Avoid drafting a kicker too early, as the opportunity cost is usually too high.
4. How does CMC differ from Value Based Drafting (VBD)?
Both CMC and VBD are valuation methods, but they differ in their approach. VBD compares a player’s expected performance to the baseline performance of available players at their position. CMC, on the other hand, focuses on the return on investment by comparing a player’s performance to their draft cost.
5. What other positions are sometimes excluded from CMC calculations?
While rare, defenses and special teams (DSTs) might also be excluded from CMC calculations for similar reasons as kickers: low draft value and variable performance.
6. How do injuries affect a player’s CMC?
Injuries can significantly impact a player’s CMC. If a player you drafted at a high price is sidelined for a significant portion of the season, their CMC will likely be negatively impacted.
7. Can I improve a player’s CMC during the season through trades or free agent acquisitions?
Yes! Trades can potentially improve your overall team CMC if you acquire players who outperform their associated cost. Also, snagging a productive player off the waiver wire for a minimal cost can dramatically increase your team’s total CMC.
8. Is CMC used in all types of fantasy football leagues?
No. CMC is most commonly used in auction-style leagues where players are acquired through bidding. It’s less common in snake-draft leagues, although variations exist.
9. What are the advantages of using CMC as a scoring metric?
CMC encourages strategic drafting and roster management. It rewards owners who make smart investment decisions and penalizes those who overpay for underperforming players.
10. What are the disadvantages of using CMC?
CMC can be complex to calculate manually and might not be available on all fantasy football platforms. It also relies heavily on accurate point projections and can be affected by unforeseen circumstances like injuries.
11. Can I use CMC to evaluate my draft performance after the season?
Absolutely! Calculating your team’s overall CMC at the end of the season provides valuable insights into your drafting strengths and weaknesses. You can identify which players were good investments and which were not.
12. Does the monetary value per point affect the overall CMC of the team?
Yes, the monetary value per point dramatically affects the overall CMC. A higher value leads to higher potential CMC for scoring players, rewarding high scorers more significantly. Conversely, a lower value reduces the impact of scoring on CMC.
13. Are there any online tools to calculate CMC?
Yes, many fantasy football platforms offer built-in CMC calculators. You can also find external websites and spreadsheets that provide CMC calculation tools.
14. How do Keeper leagues affect CMC?
In Keeper leagues, where you retain players from previous seasons, their CMC calculation might be adjusted based on their keeper cost. This can significantly impact their overall CMC value. For example, drafting a player who eventually becomes a keeper will change their CMC value.
15. Where can I learn more about different fantasy football strategies?
There are tons of resources available! You can start by exploring websites like Games Learning Society, where they delve into the strategic elements of games: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can also check out reputable fantasy football websites and podcasts.
Hopefully, this clears up the mystery of whether kickers count towards CMC! Good luck dominating your fantasy football league!