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Fantasy football place kicker analysis
Quick Jump: Player Analysis
Mason Crosby, PK, Green Bay Packers
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Mason Crosby | Green Bay Packers | 6-foot-1, 207 pounds | 4th year
Pros: Crosby has shown to be very consistent over his three seasons. He has a long of at least 52 yards in each of his pro seasons, and the Packers have provided him no fewer than 34 field goal tries in this time. As far as extra points, Crosby has attempted at least 46 per year in his career. Green Bay provided Crosby at least three field goal attempts in eight games, and in 10 games, the Pack scored no fewer than three touchdowns.
Cons: Accuracy has been a big problem for Crosby. His career best of 79.5 percent came in his rookie season of 2007. Despite having a strong leg, Crosby struggles from distance because of his lack of accuracy. In 2009, he put only one-third of his kicks beyond 50 yards (2-for-6) and an unacceptable 57.1 percent of tries from 40 to 49 yards (4-for-7) through the uprights.
Fantasy tip: Green Bay has committed to Crosby, but if he cannot improve his early-season accuracy, the Packers could look elsewhere. We expect Crosby to improve, and even the slightest upgrade will make him the No. 1 fantasy football kicker. He finished fourth in standard scoring last year. On average, Crosby is the fourth place kicker drafted.
Rob Bironas, PK, Tennessee Titans
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Rob Bironas | Tennessee Titans | 6-foot, 215 pounds | 6th year
Pros: The strong-legged Bironas has kicked accurately from at least 51 yards (career long of 60) in his five years with the Titans. The Titans have provided him with 77 total extra point tries over the past two years, and he hasn't attempted fewer than 32 field goals in the past three years. He is a career 84.5 percent kicker - even after being a sub-80 percent kicker during his first two years.
Cons: Tennessee's field goal attempts have dipped each of the past two years. The Titans do not score a lot of touchdowns, so gimme points are a rarity with Bironas. Potential regression by running back Chris Johnson could hurt Bironas, and quarterback Vince Young is never a certainty to produce.
Fantasy tip: We expect Bironas to rebound with more field goal attempts in 2010. The 32-year-old booter is being drafted as the fifth kicker off the board, on average, going in the late 13th round. We don't advise taking any place kicker that early.
Garrett Hartley, PK, New Orleans Saints
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Garrett Hartley | New Orleans Saints | 5-foot-8, 196 pounds | 3rd year
Pros: In 13 career games with the Saints, Hartley has made 91.7 percent of his kicks (career long of 47) and 38 of his 39 extra point tries. He is well-built for his height (5-foot-8, 196 pounds) and plays for one of the most explosive teams in the NFL. Hartley set the Super Bowl record by making three kicks of at least 40 yards.
Cons: Ankle and hip injuries plagued Hartley last year. He also missed four games due to violating the league's substance-abuse policy after testing positive for an over-the-counter stimulant. The Saints' offense isn't conducive to creating a lot of field goal attempts for Hartley.
Fantasy tip: On average, fantasy football owners are gambling on Hartley as the second kicker off the board. He is risky, but we feel that if he kicks for 16 games he'll be live up to the hype.
Nate Kaeding, PK, San Diego Chargers
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Nate Kaeding | San Diego Chargers | 6-foot, 187 pounds | 7th year
Pros: An 87.2 percent career kicker, Kaeding is coming off his finest season as a pro. He knocked in 91.4 percent of his field goal tries (32-for-35) and kicked 50 extra points. San Diego's offense has provided him at least 46 extra point attempts each year during his six seasons with the team. Kaeding has successfully kicked from 55 yards and 57 yards out, respectively, the past two years.
Cons: San Diego's offense could take a big step back due to potentially lengthy holdouts of wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who is also suspended three games, and left tackle Marcus McNeill. Despite being clutch all year, Kaeding's accuracy was in issue in the playoffs as he missed three kicks versus the New York Jets.
Fantasy tip: Kaeding is a fantastic regular-season kicker and has been successful for a number of years now. Ignore his playoff meltdown and side with his long-term history of quality fantasy numbers. He is being drafted as the third place kicker off the board, on average.
Stephen Gostkowski, PK, New England Patriots
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Stephen Gostkowski | New England Patriots | 6-foot-1, 215 pounds | 5th year
Pros: In what was considered to be a bit of a down year for the Patriots' prolific offense, Gostkowski enjoyed a fine year. He nailed 83.9 percent of his field goal kicks (26-for-31); he has kicked at an 87.4 percent clip the past three seasons. Gostkowski has averaged 51.3 extra point attempts per season throughout his career. He has made a field goal of at least 50 yards in three of his four pro seasons.
Cons: New England's offensive uncertainty, primarily due to Wes Welker's recovery from knee surgery, could work against Gostkowski. In half of his games last year, the former Memphis Tiger failed to convert more than one field goal. He kicked only two field goals of 50 yards or more in '09.
Fantasy tip: Fantasy owners are overvaluing Gostkowski by choosing him as the first kicker in fantasy drafts. On average, he goes in the 13th round. Gostkowski finished sixth in standard fantasy scoring last year and only was the No. 1 kicker in '08 because Matt Cassel was starting.
Robbie Gould, PK, Chicago Bears
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Robbie Gould | Chicago Bears | 6-foot, 185 pounds | 6th year
Pros: Consistency has been the name of Gould's game over the past four years. He has been an 87.6 percent kicker since a 77.8 percent rookie year and hasn't varied more than 4.0 percent from one season to the next from 2006 to 2009. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz is expected to open up the offense some.
Cons: Twice in the last four years Chicago has scored more than 40 touchdowns, and Gould attempted only 33 extra points in each of the other two seasons. Last year was the first time Gould connected on a field goal of at least 50 yards in his entire career.
Fantasy tip: Gould is undervalued by fantasy owners. He is going as the 16th kicker, on average, in the early 18th round. Consider him a midrange No. 1 option that you can snag with your final pick.
Shayne Graham, PK, Baltimore Ravens
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Shayne Graham | Baltimore Ravens | 6-foot, 205 pounds | 10th year
Pros: Graham moved from a solid offense with the Cincinnati Bengals to what could be one of the AFC's strongest in Baltimore. The potential for FGAs could be fairly high. In '08, Baltimore kickers attempted 35 field goals. Last year, lack of faith in the kicking game could have contributed to fewer attempts. Graham has connected on 85.7 percent of the kicks in his career.
Cons: Graham's connection percentage has declined in each of the last two years from 91.2 in '07 to 87.5 two years ago and to 82.1 last year. Thirty field goals is not a particularly high number; that is how many Steven Hausckha and Billy Cundiff combined to attempt for the Ravens last year.
Fantasy tip: Fantasy owners are overlooking Graham in their drafts. He's usually the 15th kicker off the board; considering his accuracy and opportunity, he is a midrange No. 1. Don't take him before the last two rounds.
Ryan Longwell, PK, Minnesota Vikings
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Ryan Longwell | Minnesota Vikings | 6-foot, 200 pounds | 14th year
Pros: The arrival of Brett Favre helped Longwell set a new career high in extra point attempts. He was also extraordinarily accurate on his FGAs, connecting on 26 of his 28 attempts. An expected Favre return should keep the extra points coming while even a slight dip in his accuracy shouldn't be too bad. He has a career 83.0 connection percentage.
Cons: What if Favre doesn't come back? It's a possibility. This offense could stagnate if he doesn't. Longwell attempted just 25 and 24 field goals in '07 and '08, respectively. He went eight games with one or fewer field goal attempts last year.
Fantasy tip: Longwell is typically going in the 13th round, which probably puts him out of your reach. The 36-year-old isn't an ideal kicker; he's a bit old, is a bit too inconsistent and doesn't have a ton of leg left, but he's still a solid No. 1. Just don't reach outside of the last round to snag him.
Ryan Succop, PK, Kansas City Chiefs
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Ryan Succop | Kansas City Chiefs | 6-foot-2, 218 pounds | 2nd year
Pros: The rook connected on 25 of his 29 field goal attempts last year (86.2 percent). The Kansas City offense was atrocious, but they should be improved with new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, running back Thomas Jones, the emergence of back Jamaal Charles and new wideout Dexter McCluster. They could find it easier moving the ball this year.
Cons: Succop has little track record: He could crash and burn in his second season. Eight times last year he attempted one or fewer field goals in a game. He doesn't have much accuracy from far out; though five attempts from 50-plus yards is solid, he made just two of them.
Fantasy tip: You should feel comfortable taking Succop as your No. 1. Owners are typically drafting him as the 14th kicker off the board. If you want to secure your defense in the final two rounds, do that, then take Succop in the last round. We like him as a sleeper this year.
David Akers, PK, Philadelphia Eagles
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David Akers | Philadelphia Eagles | 5-foot-10, 200 pounds | 12th year
Pros: Head coach Andy Reid loves to use Akers; over the last three seasons, Akers has 32, 40 and 37 attempts, respectively. His accuracy has increased in each of those years, culminating in his 86.5 connection percentage last year. This offense has the potential to be explosive, so extra point attempts shouldn't be a huge issue (45 each of the last two years).
Cons: Don't forget that from 2005 to '07 Akers' connection percentage hovered around the mid-70s: 72.7 in '05, 78.3 the next year and 75.0 in '07. He also attempted just 22 and 23 kicks in those first two years, too. With Kevin Kolb and LeSean McCoy taking over this offense, any regression in efficiency could hurt Akers' chances.
Fantasy tip: Akers is one of the last kickers selected in 12-team leagues, on average. He usually goes in the final round of most drafts. He's not a bad choice - his attempts make him plenty friendly - but you should be wary if he slips back into his inaccurate ways. He's a low-end No. 1.
Matt Prater, PK, Denver Broncos
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Matt Prater | Denver Broncos | 5-foot-10, 188 pounds | 4th year
Pros: Season No. 2 as Denver's full-time kicker went better for Prater; the former Atlanta Falcon connected on 85.7 percent of his kicks (30-for-35). Over the last two years, he has attempted 34 and 35 field goals, respectively.
Cons: Entering last year, Prater managed just 26 makes on 38 field goal attempts in his first three years. He made gains mainly in the 40-49 range last year (80.0 connection percentage); however, he managed just six of 14 makes in the previous three years.
Fantasy tip: Take a chance on Prater if you're stuck in the last round; opportunities should come his way. He's a low-end No. 1 kicker. The chance of his accuracy lessening is great, though. The worst that could happen? You have to play the waiver wire, which isn't a huge loss.
Dan Carpenter, PK, Miami Dolphins
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Dan Carpenter | Miami Dolphins | 6-foot-2, 225 pounds | 3rd year
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 36 | 39 | 100 | 32 | 35 | 91 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 32 |
Pros: Accuracy hasn't been a problem for Carpenter in his first two years; he booted 25 of his 28 field goal attempts through the uprights last year (89.3 percent) and 21 of his 25 attempts the year before (84.0 percent). This offense should be improved under emerging quarterback Chad Henne and with the addition of talented wideout Brandon Marshall.
Cons: Attempts haven't come that often for Carpenter. He has yet to reach 30 in his either of his two seasons with 25 in '08 and 28 last year. Nine times last year he finished with one or fewer field goal attempts in a game.
Fantasy tip: Fantasy owners are beating down the door to draft Carpenter. He is usually the 24th off the board, so you should have a shot at this high-upside sleeper. If all other reasonable No. 1 options are gone, take a flier on the youngster.
Neil Rackers, PK, Houston Texans
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Neil Rackers | Houston Texans | 6-foot-1, 206 pounds | 11th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 40 | 43 | 100 | 25 | 28 | 86 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 22 | 25 |
Pros: Rackers leaves Arizona just in time; he doesn't need to miss Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin. Though he only had 17 attempts last year, he made 16 of them, including six of seven between 40 and 49 yards; he's 13 of 15 from 40-plus yards in the last two years. His accuracy has gradually improved from his '07 dud: 89.3 percent in '08 and 94.1 last year. Kris Brown was set up for points often last year as Houston's offense blossomed with Matt Schaub under center. Brown had a poor '09, and Rackers is stable enough to usurp him.
Cons: There's still an open competition for the job. Rackers was a point-after fiend under Warner's offensive guide. Compared to the dry, outdoor conditions of Glendale, Ariz., how will he respond to the humidity of Houston? Rackers dealt with a hamstring injury and got a late start to his offseason workouts - maybe he'll be rusty.
Fantasy tip: The accurate Rackers can pass as a low-end No. 1, but as with any kicker, he isn't worth reaching for. He's in another favorable offense, though, so he can offer a rental or matchup play.
Rian Lindell, PK, Buffalo Bills
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Rian Lindell | Buffalo Bills | 6-foot-3, 233 pounds | 11th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 31 | 34 | 100 | 28 | 31 | 84 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 24 | 27 |
Pros: Lindell has logged 33-plus field goal attempts in each of the last two years; the Bills have had trouble punching it in. He has made all 306 of his career PATs. He has netted a kick of at least 52 yards in each of the last five seasons, including a career-best 56-yarder in '09.
Cons: His accuracy falters as the distance increases - he has only made 66.7 percent of his kicks between 40 and 49 yards since '06. Buffalo's offense can't be relied on week to week. In two of the last three seasons, Lindell has averaged just 1.5 point-after tries per week. He needs frequent field goal attempts to put up respectable weekly fantasy numbers. Even in this inept offense, that's hard to rely on alone.
Fantasy tip: Lindell is taken as a top-10 kicker in most drafts - around Round 14. No kicker deserves that much attention. That aside, he's best saved as a matchup play, considering it's hard to think Buffalo will line up for that many points throughout the year.
Lawrence Tynes, PK, New York Giants
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Lawrence Tynes | New York Giants | 6-foot-1, 202 pounds | 7th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 41 | 44 | 100 | 25 | 28 | 81 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 20 | 23 |
Pros: The Giants' passing game expanded last season, giving Tynes more chances to accrue points. He attempted at least two PATs in all but three games last year and multiple field goals 10 of 16 contests. Tynes went 6-for-7 from 40 yards and beyond in '09 and is 13-for-14 between 40 and 49 yards in his last two full seasons. In those years combined, he attempted at least 42 one-pointers.
Cons: He missed two chip shots last year from less than 30 yards; he cited mechanical issues. In the last two seasons, he has suffered from knee and hamstring issues. Why should you have to worry about such things with your fantasy kicker?
Fantasy tip: Tynes is generally being drafted among the top 10 boots, which is relatively justified given his experience. Again, don't draft him, or any kicker, at his 14th-round ADP.
David Buehler, PK, Dallas Cowboys
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David Buehler | Dallas Cowboys | 6-foot-2, 228 pounds | 2nd year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
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| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
Pros: His bullish leg tabbed him as kickoff specialist before he tried the kicker gig last year. The Cowboys' offense should put him in position for fantasy points often. Elements are somewhat controlled in Cowboys Stadium.
Cons: Can Buehler be accurate enough to be a full-timer? The 'Boys probably wouldn't hesitate to find veteran free-agent help is Buehler gags during training camp; kicker stability was a huge issue last year, and they won't be patient if they don't see progress.
Fantasy tip: Sure, in the last round, who cares? Though his job isn't safe, Buehler's strong leg and offensive support will make him alluring. Focus on taking another kicker with more job security and experience.
Matt Bryant, PK, Atlanta Falcons
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Matt Bryant | Atlanta Falcons | 5-foot-9, 200 pounds | 8th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 38 | 41 | 100 | 29 | 32 | 85 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 25 | 28 |
Pros: In each of his last two seasons as a starting boot ('07 and '08), Bryant attempted at least 33 field goals, producing serviceable 84.5 percent accuracy. The Falcons' offense is becoming a well-oiled machine and can move the ball at will. The 35-year-old leg won't have to deal with many elements inside the Georgia Dome for half the season.
Cons: He's competing for the job with Steven Hauschka. Distance field goals elude Bryant (1-for-4 on 40-plus kicks last year), which limits his weekly upside unless he attempts more than a few three-pointers.
Fantasy tip: Bryant can be considered slightly undervalued, as far as kickers are concerned. He isn't being drafted in most setups, but Hauschka is. Still, it's probably best to save Bryant for the post-draft wire and keep tabs of his in-season matchups. His leg isn't too strong, so you must root for quantity with his attempts.
Jason Hanson, PK, Detroit Lions
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Jason Hanson | Detroit Lions | 6-foot, 190 pounds | 4th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 36 | 39 | 100 | 27 | 30 | 84 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 26 |
Pros: Hanson has a longstanding history as the Lions' kicker; he has made at least 21 field goals in 12 of his last 13 seasons. He has notched a field goal of at least 50 yards in each of the last five seasons and went 7-for-10 from the yardage range of 40-49 last season - still serviceable for a kicker his age. Detroit's offense is maturing and has new weapons.
Cons: His accuracy tanked last year to 75.0 percent; he posted a figure below 80.0 percent just once in his previous seven seasons. Sure, kickers can play into old age, but the 40-year-old Hanson is running out of time to be effective.
Fantasy tip: Leave him for the post-draft free-agent list and play the matchups during the season.
Jeff Reed, PK, Pittsburgh Steelers
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Jeff Reed | Pittsburgh Steelers | 5-foot-11, 225 pounds | 9th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
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| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
Pros: Parties hard. OK, seriously, he has posted a field goal accuracy of at least 87.1 percent in each of the last three seasons. A suspended Ben Roethlisberger and a traded Santonio Holmes might mean more field goal chances and fewer extra points. Reed is generally regarded as a clutch kicker.
Cons: Reed has made only one 50-plus-yarder in the last three years, while only attempting five such kicks in that time. His long last year was just 46 yards. The vet hasn't topped 31 field goal attempts in his last five seasons; Pittsburgh scores ample touchdowns when their lineup is intact.
Fantasy tip: Avoid drafting Reed. He's too inconsistent to rely on week to week. In the right matchup, he could be useful, but don't overpay because of his team's name value.
Jay Feely, PK, Arizona Cardinals
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Jay Feely | Arizona Cardinals | 5-foot-10, 205 pounds | 10th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 32 | 35 | 100 | 27 | 30 | 84 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 23 | 26 |
Pros: His FG accuracy percentage hasn't dipped below 83.3 since '04. This offense could still set up Feely often with ball control if they go run-first. Feely nailed 11 of 14 from between 40 and 49 yards last year and has made all four attempts from 50-plus yards since '06.
Cons: The Cards don't have Kurt Warner at the helm. Matt Leinart and Derek Anderson don't have the precision for fantasy players to have full confidence in this O - maybe fewer extra points.
Fantasy tip: Feely is, on average, the 30th kicker drafted. Seriously? He doesn't have as much upside as other boots, but he's steady and shouldn't be ignored, at least as an in-season fill-in.
John Kasay, PK, Carolina Panthers
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John Kasay | Carolina Panthers | 5-foot-10, 210 pounds | 20th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 17 | 20 | 100 | 9 | 12 | 88 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 11 |
Pros: Reliability: Despite an accuracy dip last year (81.5 percent), Kasay hadn't been worse than 85.7 percent on field goals in his previous three years. Forty-one years old in October, Kasay can still net from long distance: five of six from between 40 and 49 yards in '09 and 11-for-12 the previous season.
Cons: The lefty boot has attempted 30-plus field goals just once in the last four seasons. The Panthers' offense overall isn't that explosive. Will he lose some kicking power with another season? He's only two of seven from 50-plus yards - he hasn't been allowed many chances from that range in recent years.
Fantasy tip: Kasay could be a useful matchup play during the season, but don't take him (or any kicker) before the final round, if necessary.
Nick Folk, PK, New York Jets
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Nick Folk | New York Jets | 6-foot-1, 222 pounds | 4th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 35 | 38 | 100 | 29 | 32 | 93 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 27 | 30 |
Pros: The former Pro Bowler made 86.8 percent of his field goals (46-for-53) over his first two NFL seasons. He has been working on his body alignment for kicking field goals. Folk is entering the season as the starter. The Jets' offense welcomes ball control, meaning Folk should see ample chances for points one way or another.
Cons: Folk's third season was a disaster. He made just 64.3 percent of his three-pointers and was cut by the Dallas Cowboys. Can he regain confidence after his meltdown? Will he be thinking about his new kicking approach too much?
Fantasy tip: You should leave Folk for the post-draft free-agent pool. Wait to see if he cures his yips; this offense could help him if so.
Sebastian Janikowski, PK, Oakland Raiders
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Sebastian Janikowski | Oakland Raiders | 6-foot-1, 207 pounds | 4th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 31 | 34 | 100 | 30 | 33 | 85 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 5 | 26 | 29 |
Pros: Power: a conversion of at least 54 yards in each of the last four seasons, including a 61-yarder last year. He improved his field goal accuracy in '09, drilling 26 of 29 attempts, including 6-for-8 from 50-plus yards. Oakland's offense made some positive changes this offseason and should give Sea Bass more to play with.
Cons: He hit 80.0 percent FG success in '08. Before that? 71.9 percent ('07), 72.0 ('06) and 66.7 percent in '05. His track record remains shaky. The Raiders still might have trouble scoring touchdowns; their O is a work in progress.
Fantasy tip: Janikowski ranks among the top 10 kickers in ADP. Though he remains more valuable in leagues that reward distance boots, it's hard to bank on him after one competent season.
Joe Nedney, PK, San Francisco 49ers
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Joe Nedney | San Francisco 49ers | 6-foot-5, 234 pounds | 15th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
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| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
Pros: The 37-year-old can still plunk it, having hit four of six attempts of at least 50 yards since 2007. San Fran has given him 77 one-point tries over the last two seasons, and they're growing as an offensive unit.
Cons: He attempted just 21 three-pointers last year and had just 19 in '07. The Niners offense isn't well-rounded enough to give him a good cushion just yet. Nedney is becoming shakier between 40 and 49 yards, and his advancing age isn't primed to help one of the most common attempt brackets improve.
Fantasy tip: Nedney is steady, if not declining, but San Fran's kicker isn't a safe bet to make for weekly contribution. He's a decent option for an in-season filler, but there's no need to buy into him long term.
Low-tier place kickers
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Graham Gano | Washington Redskins | 6-foot-2, 200 pounds | 1st year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 25 | 28 | 100 | 33 | 36 | 72 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 11 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 24 | 27 |
Fantasy tip: In four games last year, Gano made all four of his field goal tries (long of 46 yards) and six of his seven extra point tries. He stands to benefit from what should be an improved offense in 2010, but Gano doesn't deserve fantasy consideration at this time.
Mike Nugent | Cincinnati Bengals | 5-foot-10, 186 pounds | 6th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 22 | 25 | 100 | 22 | 25 | 82 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 18 | 21 |
Fantasy tip: Cincy figures to go with Nugent (groin) over Dave Rayner, provided the Nuge can overcome his groin injury. The offense should provide him enough opportunities, but the 79.0 percent field goal kicker doesn't deserve a look in your fantasy draft. The Bengals could also sign another kicker if a stronger option becomes available.
Josh Brown | St. Louis Rams | 6-foot, 205 pounds | 8th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 33 | 36 | 100 | 30 | 33 | 81 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 24 | 27 |
Fantasy tip: Brown (hip) returned to action recently after a hip ailment sidelined him much of the offseason. He still has a strong leg (four straight years with a long of at least 54 yards), which could come in handy for a lot of expected stalled St. Louis drives. Likely offensive ineptitude suggests you should avoid him on draft day.
Adam Vinatieri | Indianapolis Colts | 6-foot, 202 pounds | 15th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 41 | 44 | 100 | 24 | 27 | 86 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 21 | 24 |
Fantasy tip: The clutch veteran doesn't kick enough field goals to be more than a spot play when he has a good matchup. Don't overvalue Vinatieri in your fantasy drafts by choosing him.
Olindo Mare | Seattle Seahawks | 5-foot-11, 192 pounds | 15th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 29 | 32 | 100 | 26 | 29 | 80 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 21 | 24 |
Fantasy tip: We may be selling him and the Seattle offense short, but Mare's history of inconsistency provides little reason to give him the benefit of the doubt. Stay away during your draft.
Phil Dawson | Cleveland Browns | 5-foot-11, 200 pounds | 12th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 30 | 33 | 100 | 27 | 30 | 86 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 23 | 26 |
Fantasy tip: Dawson kicked in 11 games last year; in 2010, Cleveland's offense is expected to stink once again. Unless the team proves otherwise early in the season, leave Dawson on the wire for the extraordinary matchup play.
Connor Barth | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 5-foot-11, 193 pounds | 3rd year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 35 | 38 | 100 | 25 | 28 | 85 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 22 | 25 |
Fantasy tip: Don't bother drafting this inexperienced kicker with average accuracy (77.4 career percentage). Barth could surprise and be worth something on the wire if Tampa Bay's offense is respectable, but we aren't banking on it.
Josh Scobee | Jacksonville Jaguars | 6-foot-1, 210 pounds | 7th year
2010 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics
| XPA | XP% | FGA | FG% | FG 1-19 | FG 20-29 | FG 30-39 | FG 40-49 | FG 50+ | Tot FGs | ||||||||
| Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | Lo | Hi | ||
| 33 | 36 | 100 | 27 | 30 | 77 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 21 | 24 |
Fantasy tip: Scobee has decent leg strength but is horribly inaccurate. Fantasy owners shouldn't consider him in any format until he rectifies his erroneous ways.
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