By Jeff Paur
Senior Fantasy Writer
Realtime Fantasy Sports
Kickers:As we mention it seems every season, the key to finding a successful fantasy kicker is drafting a kicker that is on a team that wins games. Of the 20 kickers that finished with 110 or more points last season, 16 of them were on teams with a .500 or better record. Mason Crosby was the notable exception after a 127-point campaign, but there will be an occasional kicker like Crosby that prevails despite playing on a team that loses some games. But for the most part, the more successful kickers in the league will be on winning teams.
And please don't be the guy that takes a kicker in the fifth round of your draft. The point deferential from week to week between the top kicker and the 10th rated guy is minimal. We aren't saying to totally discount the position, but use some discretion. Every point does matter, but having your core team in place before taking a kicker is a good idea come draft day.
You also know that some teams will surprise and a kicker's production will be rewarded. Last season, John Carney was the big surprise at kicker. He was third in scoring, but went undrafted in many leagues because he wasn't even considered the starter for the Giants when the season started. There will always be guys like Carney out there in your league. Keep that in mind when thinking about taking a kicker in the early rounds of your draft. Let someone else use a mid-round pick on Rob Bironas while you solidify the rest of your roster. Updated: 09/05/09 | |
| # 1 | Stephen Gostkowski (K) $3 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 36 FGA: 40 | New England | | | Player News:
With Tom Brady out, the Patriots offense was still solid last season, but stalled a little more in the red zone, giving more chances to Gostkowski. He had a career season with the increased chances, scoring 148 points. He also made 90 percent of his field-goal attempts, which was another career high. His numbers have gone up every season he has been in the league. For his career, Gostkowski averages 129 points per season. He has a booming leg and his accuracy is improving. The Patriots have a great offense, giving Gostkowski a few more chances than your average kicker.
Fantasy Outlook:
Gostkowski is a safe choice at kicker. He gets a lot of chances and plays in a great offense. The only knock on Gostkowski is he has just two 50-yard field goals in three seasons. He is a top-five option come draft day, though. | | # 2 | Rob Bironas (K) $2 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 29 FGA: 33 | Tennessee | | | Player News:
Bironas continues to be one of the elite kickers in the game. He scored 127 points last season and made 88 percent of his kicks. He has averaged 130 points the last two seasons while making 88 percent of his kicks. He is 8-of-13 on kicks of 50-plus yards for his entire career. Bironas has a booming leg and his accuracy continues to improve with more seasoning. The Titans offense also seems to give Bironas plenty of chances, giving him an average of 32 field-goal attempts for his career.
Fantasy Outlook:
Bironas has moved into the elite category at kicker. We wouldn't have a problem with Bironas being the first kicker taken off the board come draft day. Bironas might be the best long-distance kicker in the game and gets plenty of field-goal attempts in the Titans offense. Another season with 130 or so points seems likely. | | # 3 | Neil Rackers (K) $2 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 25 FGA: 28 | Arizona | | | Player News:
After a down season for his standards in '07, Rackers returned to old form last season. He made 89 percent of his kicks (second best of his career) and had eight games with double-digit points. He scored 119 points, which was the second highest total of his career. He has at least 110 points in four straight seasons. He will struggle with long-distance kicks on occasion, but might have the strongest leg in the game and gets plenty of chances in a very good Cardinals offense.
Fantasy Outlook:
Rackers will miss some kicks, but he is a top-five option because of his point potential and strong leg. He should be one of the first kickers off the board come draft day. | | # 4 | Mason Crosby (K) $2 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 27 FGA: 34 | Green Bay | | | Player News:
Crosby had eerily similar numbers to his rookie season. His accuracy numbers were about identical, but he had 14 fewer points. He makes 80 percent of his kicks for his career while averaging 134 points per season. Crosby still needs to work on his accuracy, but should improve on that with more seasoning. He has a big leg, though, and has missed just four kicks from less than 40 yards for his career. The Packers boast a top offense, giving Crosby plenty of chances from week to week.
Fantasy Outlook:
Crosby has proved to be a top fantasy kicker. He has long-distance potential and his point totals are among the best in the game. Crosby seems a pretty sure thing for 120-plus points in a very good Packers offense. | | # 5 | Nick Folk (K) $2 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 20 FGA: 22 | Dallas | | | Player News:
Folk didn't have quite the season of his rookie year, but improved his accuracy, making 91 percent of his field goals. He scored just over 100 points (102), but had three games with double-digit points. In two seasons, Folk has averaged 117 points per year. He has missed just four kicks of 40-plus yards in his career. Folk has a very strong leg, making him an asset on kickoffs as well as long-distance kicks. He also is becoming very accurate, making him one of the best kickers in the game. Folk did have hip surgery during the offseason, but should be ready for the start of the coming year.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Cowboys offense had a down year last season, but can improve, which should help Folk's numbers. He is a top-ten kicker capable of leading the league in scoring. He can return to his 130-point form of his rookie season. | | # 6 | Nate Kaeding (K) $1 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 27 FGA: 32 | San Diego | | | Player News:
Kaeding had another productive season, finising near the top of the league with 127 points. He also made 84 percent of his kicks, which was just below his career average (86). He had seven games with double-digit points last season. Kaeding has at least 110 points every season of his career. You pretty much know what you are going to get with Kaeding. He has pretty good leg strength and his accuracy has been among the bdest in the game the last few seasons. The Chargers remain a strong offensive team, helping Kaeding produce above-average numbers.
Fantasy Outlook:
A top-five option at kicker. The Chargers score a lot of points and Kaeding has been rock solid in five NFL seasons for fantasy teams. Another year with 120 or so points is expected. | | # 7 | Jason Elam (K) $1 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 29 FGA: 31 | Atlanta | | | Player News:
Elam enjoyed his move to a dome, making a whopping 94 percent of his field-goal attempts, a career high. He missed just two kicks all season and scored 129 points, which is the second highest total of his career. Elam has at least 110 points in eight straight seasons. He is 39, but still seems on top of his game. Elam has a strong leg and seems to be getting more accurate the longer he is in the league. The Falcons offense is emerging, giving Elam plenty of chances from week to week.
Fantasy Outlook:
Elam just doesn't seem to be slowing down. He plays for a good offensive team in a dome, which is a good combo. He is about a lock to get 110 points, so draft accordingly. He remains a top-10 kicker although his long-distance kicks are a little more few and far between. | | # 8 | David Akers (K) $1 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 33 FGA: 40 | Philadelphia | | | Player News:
Akers has been in the league 11 years, but last year was his best. He had a career high 144 points, making 83 percent of his kicks. It was the first time in three seasons Akers made more than 80 percent of his field-goal attempts. When making it through a full season with the Eagles, Akers averages 120 points per season. Akers remains an accurate kicker with a strong leg. He will struggle on some longer kicks at this stage of his career, though (34 years old).
Fantasy Outlook:
Akers won't repeat last season, but getting around 120 points is a pretty good bet. Akers isn't going to help you a ton leagues that reward longer kicks, but he'll get you consistent points in a good Eagles offense. | | # 9 | Adam Vinatieri (K) $1 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 20 FGA: 25 | Indianapolis | | | Player News:
Vinatieri had another so-so season for his standards, making 80 percent of his kicks while scoring 103 points. His point total was his lowest in three seasons with the Colts. Vinatieri also has made 80 percent or less of his kicks three of the last four seasons. He hasn't been quite as accurate in recent seasons. Vinatieri has at least 100 points in every NFL season, though. For his career, he averages 115 points per season. Vinatieri is an accurate, clutch kicker, maybe the most clutch kicker in the history of the game. And playing in the Colts explosive offense gives Vinatieri plenty of chances.
Fantasy Outlook:
Vinatieri is a rock solid pick at kicker. He won't give you a ton of long-distance kicks, but he'll get you at least 100 points and is capable of posting huge numbers any given week. He isn't a top-five option, but just outside that group. | | # 10 | Robbie Gould (K) $1 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 26 FGA: 29 | Chicago | | | Player News:
Gould didn't set a career high in points last season, but made a career high 90 percent of his kicks. He made the most of his chances, scoring 119 points. He has at least 119 points in three straight seasons, averaging 129 points per game. He doesn't have a 50-plus yard kick under his belt, but has made 35 kicks of 40-plus yards. Gould doesn't have a booming leg, but is a very accurate kicker. The Bears offense stalls at times, which is good news for Gould, who should continue to get plenty of chances.
Fantasy Outlook:
Gould is a top-10 option for fantasy teams. He can get to 120 points, again. The only knock on Gould is his lack of long-distance kicks, but he can make up for this with his accuracy and consistent point totals. | | # 11 | Ryan Longwell (K) $1 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 29 FGA: 34 | Minnesota | | | Player News:
Longwell had his best season in Minnesota last season, scoring 127 points, which was one of the highest totals of his long career. He also made 85 percent of his kicks. Longwell has made at least 83 percent of his field-goal attempts every season as a Viking. Longwell has at least 100 points in all but three seasons in his career. He is an accurate kicker with a pretty good leg. The Vikings offense gives him a good amount of chances.
Fantasy Outlook:
Longwell isn't an elite option but just outside that group. He'll get you 110-plus points and won't miss many kicks. | | # 12 | Josh Brown (K) $1 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 31 FGA: 36 | St Louis | | | Player News:
Brown was one of the few bright spots for the Rams last season. He scored 112 points and made 86 percent of his kicks. He even made 6-of-8 field goals from 50-plus yards. He moved to a bad offense, but still produced his usual solid numbers. Brown has at least 100 points in every NFL season and his career low in points is just 109. As mentioned, the Rams offense struggled last season, but should be improved from last year, which is a positive for Brown. He has a very strong leg and a move to a dome seemed to improve his accuracy.
Fantasy Outlook:
Brown was a huge asset for fantasy teams last season because of his long-distance kicks. He probably won't match those numbers, but is a good bet for 110-plus points. He is a solid fantasy option because of consistent points and ability to make kicks of 40-plus yards. | | # 13 | John Kasay (K) $1 | Yr: 2008 FGM: 28 FGA: 31 | Carolina | | | Player News:
Even at age 39, Kasay keeps on chugging along. He had a huge year last season, scoring 130 points, the second most in his 18-year career. He also made 90 percent of his kicks, which was a career high. He has 100-point seasons three of his last five and is over 85 percent in four of those seasons. Kasay has almost gotten better with age. He has an extremely strong leg and is about automatic when it comes to kicks less than 50 yards.
Fantasy Outlook:
A good example of a kicker you can get near the end of your draft that will be a fine starter for your team. He won't match last season, but another 100-point season for Kasay is very likely. He also is a good option in leagues that reward long-distance kicks. | | # 14 | Rian Lindell (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 30 FGA: 38 | Buffalo | | | Player News:
Lindell set a career high with 124 points last season. He got the most field-goal attempts of his career, but also finished with one of his worst field-goal percentages (79). He was at or over 89 percent of kicks made the previous two seasons. Lindell remains a solid kicker, though. He doesn't have a huge leg, but makes up for that with above average accuracy on all his kicks. The Bills offense should be better with Terrell Owens on board, which could lead to a few more chances for Lindell. He'll also kick in a few more adverse conditions playing in Buffalo.
Fantasy Outlook:
Lindell has 100-point seasons in three of the last four. He gets overlooked at times, but it is a solid option for fantasy teams. He is another reason you should wait on a kicker come draft day. You can probably nab Lindell in the last round of your draft and have an above-average kicker to use all season. | | # 15 | Kris Brown (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 29 FGA: 33 | Houston | | | Player News:
Brown had double-digit points in four of his last six games last season and finished with 124 points, which tied a career high. He did make 88 percent of his field-goal attempts, though, which was a career high. His accuracy continues to improve. Brown also has 100-point seasons three of his last four in Houston. He has a strong leg and his accuracy issues seem to be going away.
Fantasy Outlook:
Brown is a good choice, playing in an explosive offense. He'll get overlooked because he isn't a big name, but you can't do much better than Brown this season. He is setup to set a career high in points. | | # 16 | Shayne Graham (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 21 FGA: 24 | Cincinnati | | | Player News:
A terrible Bengals offense led to Graham's worst season of his career as a full-time starter. He scored just 78 points, which was the first time in five seasons he had fewer than 100 points. Before last season, Graham averaged 121 points in five seasons with the Bengals. He is one of the more accurate kickers in the league (86 percent for his career). Plus, he has a strong leg and the Bengals offense should be improved.
Fantasy Outlook:
Graham is a good buy-low candidate. The Bengals offense should be improved with Carson Palmer back. We wouldn't expect a 130-point season, but Graham can get to 110 points, making him a decent option for fantasy teams. | | # 17 | Dan Carpenter (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 21 FGA: 25 | Miami | | | Player News:
Carpenter, an undrafted free agent, was a surprise last season, winning the Dolphins starting kicking duties before the season and performing well all season long. He missed just four field goals and scored 104 points. Carpenter was an impressive 10-of-14 on field goals of 40-plus yards. Carpenter should continue to start in an emerging Dolphins offense. He has a strong leg and above-average accuracy for being new to the league.
Fantasy Outlook: 
Carpenter only had 25 field-goal attempts last season, so it is very possible he will improve on his totals this season. He should get a few more chances, giving him the potential to score 110-plus points. Put him down on your sleeper list. | | # 18 | Matt Prater (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 25 FGA: 34 | Denver | | | Player News:
Prater got off to a tremendous start, but fell on hard times late in the season, leaving his hold on the starting kicking duties tenuous. Prater made just 74 percent of his field-goal attempts and missed at least a kick in seven of his last nine games. He had double-digit points in four of his first five games to start the season, though. Prater has potential, but also some question marks. He has a great leg and is very good on kickoffs, but he struggles with accuracy issues, especially on kicks of 40-plus yards (10-of-17).
Fantasy Outlook: 
Prater is a solid choice if he holds onto the starting job. He plays in a good offense and a kicker-friendly stadium. He is about a lock for 110 points if starting in Denver. | | # 19 | Lawrence Tynes (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 1 FGA: 1 | New York Giants | | | Player News:
A knee injury opened the door for John Carney last season, keeping Tynes on the bench most of the season even when healthy. Tynes got some work on kickoffs, but kicked field goals in just one game last season. He has a good chance to regain his starting job this season, though. Tynes had four straight season of 100 points before last year, averaging 113 points per season. Tynes will struggle at times with accuracy, but he has a strong leg and plays in a good Giants offense.
Fantasy Outlook:
Tynes should be the Giants starter this season, making him a good option for fantasy teams. Just look at what Carney did in the offense last season. Plus, Tynes has a solid track record. He could really surprise after turning out to be a bust last year. | | # 20 | Jeff Reed (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 27 FGA: 31 | Pittsburgh | | | Player News:
Reed continues to do the job for the Steelers at kicker. He topped 100 points for the sixth straight season and made more than 85 percent of his kicks for the third time in five years. Reed has worked hard at improving his accuracy the past few seasons. He doesn't have a booming leg, but the Steelers offense should continue to give him plenty of chances.
Fantasy Outlook:
Reed gets overlooked at times, but he is one of the elite kickers in the league. He is a sure bet to get 100 points and produce dependable weekly stats. | | # 21 | Phil Dawson (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 30 FGA: 36 | Cleveland | | | Player News:
Despite playing in an erratic offense last season, Dawson still produced solid numbers. He made 83 percent of his kicks and scored 108 points. And he didn't even get a field-goal chance the last two games of the season. Dawson has 100-point seasons four of his last five years with the Browns. If the Browns offense can improve, which is likely, Dawson can see a spike in his production from last season. Dawson doesn't have a booming leg, but is normally accurate, making 83 percent of his kicks throughout his career.
Fantasy Outlook:
Another solid option at kicker. Dawson won't give you a ton of long-distance kicks, but doesn't miss much and is a pretty sure bet for 100-plus points. | | # 22 | Jay Feely (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 24 FGA: 28 | New York Jets | | | Player News:
Feely got a chance to kick for the Jets last season because of injury and kept the job all season long after Week 2. He missed just four field goals and scored 111 points. He was even 2-of-2 on kicks of 50-plus yards. The Jets re-signed him in the offseason, making him their starting kicker again for this season. Feely has 100-point seasons three of the last four seasons and has two seasons with 135-plus points. Feely has become an accurate kicker through the years and has an above-average leg.
Fantasy Outlook:
Feely has produced some big seasons, so don't overlook him come draft day. He is a fine No. 1 for fantasy teams, usually topping 100 points while doing pretty well on long-distance kicks. | | # 23 | Josh Scobee (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 19 FGA: 25 | Jacksonville | | | Player News:
Scobee struggled some last season, making just 76 percent of his kicks while scoring 90 points. He had double-digit point games in three of his first four last season, but didn't have another one the rest of the way. He has two 100-point seasons in five NFL seasons. For his career, he makes less than 80 percent of his kicks. He is 7-of-12 from kicks of 50-plus yards, though. Scobee has a very strong leg. He struggles with accuracy at times, though, and has battled some injury issues the last few seasons.
Fantasy Outlook:
Scobee isn't an elite kicker, but capable of performing at a very high level. He has some success. But his last two seasons are an obvious concern, so don't take him too early come draft day. He is more spot starter material at this point. | | # 24 | Joe Nedney (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 29 FGA: 33 | San Francisco | | | Player News:
Playing in a better offense led to a resurgence in points for Nedney last season. He scored 121 points, which was a career high. He also made 88 percent of his kicks, giving him four straight seasons with 83 percent or more of field goals made. He has at least 115 points in two of the last three seasons. Nedney is 36, but his leg strength is as good as any kicker in the league. And his accuracy is top notch at this stage of his career.
Fantasy Outlook:
Nedney could see a little dip in production with Mike Martz no longer calling plays, but he remains a decent starter for fantasy teams. He has long-distance potential and rarely misses kicks. | | # 25 | Olindo Mare (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 24 FGA: 27 | Seattle | | | Player News:
The Seahawks didn't see much of a dropoff with Mare as their kicker last season. He made an impressive 89 percent of his field-goal attempts and scored 102 points. Mare was even 3-of-4 from 50-plus yards. He has at least 100 points in three of the last four seasons. For his career, Mare has made 80 percent of his field-goal attempts. He doesn't have a huge leg anymore, but it is above average and remains pretty accurate.
Fantasy Outlook:
Mare plays in a good Seahawks offense, so he seems pretty safe to get to the 100-point mark. He isn't a top-notch fantasy kicker, but a serviceable No. 1 or spot starter. | | # 26 | Jason Hanson (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 21 FGA: 22 | Detroit | | | Player News:
Although his point totals weren't great last season (88), Hanson still had a tremendous season for a kicker. He missed just one field-goal attempt all season. He even was 8-of-8 from 50-plus yards. His kicking percentage was the second highest total of his career. Hanson has been steady for the Lions through the years. He has 10, 100-point seasons and has made 83 percent or higher of his kicks the last three seasons. Hanson is very accurate, kicking in a dome, and still has decent leg strength at age 39. The Lions aren't a great offensive team, though, which will limit Hanson some weeks.
Fantasy Outlook:
Hanson has been a steady fantasy option for years. The Lions hurt his value some, but he is accurate and has been very good with long-distance kicks the last few seasons. He is a marginal No. 1 kicker for fantasy teams. | | # 27 | John Carney (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 35 FGA: 38 | New Orleans | | | Player News:
Carney was a surprise last season, grabbing the Giants kicking job and keeping it for pretty much the entire season. He played in all but a game and scored 143 points. He had double-digit points in first four games of the season and made a career-high 92 percent of his kicks. Carney clearly doesn't have the leg of past seasons, but remains very accurate and dependable. He has 11, 100-point seasons during his long career. He was picked up by the Saints during training camp and could become their starting kicker.
Fantasy Outlook:
Carney won't match last season, so don't draft him based on those stats. He might top 100 points, but his lack of long-distance kicks and age (45) is a big-time concern for fantasy teams. | | # 28 | Ryan Succop (K) | | Kansas City | | | Player News:
Succop should be the starting kicker for the Chiefs this season. The Chiefs used a draft pick on a kicker in hopes to finally solve their kicking woes of the last few seasons. Succop is a talented option. He has an NFL leg and is extremely accurate on kicks of 40 yards or less. Succop does struggle a bit with his accuracy on long-distance kicks, though, so he'll need to improve on that if he hopes have a long NFL career.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Chiefs offense should be better, so consider Succop a sleeper. He has the potential to score 110-plus points his rookie season if he is the starter from day one. | | # 29 | Sebastian Janikowski (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 24 FGA: 30 | Oakland | | | Player News:
Janikowski didn't miss a kick less than 40 yards last season, but finished with fewer than 100 points for the fourth straight season. He just doesn't get a ton of chances in a bad Raiders offense. Plus, his struggles with accuracy on longer kicks doesn't help his numbers. Janikowski has made less than 80 percent of his field-goal attempts three of the last four seasons. He has a very strong leg, but continues to struggle with accuracy issues.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Raiders could have a better offense, but Janikowksi remains a reach for fantasy teams. He hasn't enjoyed a 100-point season since '04. Go with safer options at a deep position. | | # 30 | Mike Nugent (K) | | Tampa Bay | | | Player News:
Nugent was slowed by a hamstring injury last season, but even when healthy, he was benched in favor of Jay Feely. Nugent kicked in just the first game of the season. He heads to Tampa this season where he'll compete for the starting kicking duties with Matt Bryant. Nugent hasn't been terrible in a starting role, notching back-to-back 100-point season before last year. He also has an 82 percent career accuracy average. Nugent was a little inconsistent at times with the Jets, though, which lead to them going in another direction. Nugent has a very strong leg and seemed to be making strides as a consistent starter before last season. He is young enough (27) to turn it around.
Fantasy Outlook:
Nugent is a question mark. We wouldn't waste a pick on a guy that isn't guaranteed a job all season. | | # 31 | Shaun Suisham (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 26 FGA: 36 | Washington | | | Player News:
Suisham had his second straight 100-point season, but struggled with accuracy last season, making just 72 percent of his field-goal attempts. He missed just two of his kicks from less than 40 yards, though. Suisham should get better with more seasoning and the Redskins seem to be content with sticking with him as their kicker. Suisham isn't spectacular in any one area, but has a solid leg and pretty good accuracy.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Redskins offense is making strides, so you gotta like Suisham's chances to at least match last season, especially if he improves his accuracy. He is a marginal No. 1 fantasy option, but pretty good spot starter. | | # 32 | Steven Hauschka (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 1 FGA: 2 | Baltimore | | | Player News:
Hauschuka was the kickoff specialist for the Ravens last season, but also got two field-goal attempts on 50-plus yard field goals. He hit one of them (54 yards). The Ravens might be making a switch at kicker, so Hauschuka could get his shot to start. Either way, he should have a roster spot because of his kickoff ability. He needs to improve his accuracy, though, if he hopes to be the full-time kicker for the Ravens.
Fantasy Outlook:
Hauschuka seems a long shot. If he were to somehow win the Ravens kicking job, consider him an option but only when that happens. | | # 33 | Matt Bryant (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 32 FGA: 38 | Tampa Bay | | | Player News:
Bryant followed a career season with an even better season. He was lights out last season, scoring 131 points while making 84 percent of his field-goal attempts. He has made 84 percent or higher of his kicks three of the last four seasons. Bryant has averaged 125 points per season the last two years. Bryant has a great leg and pretty good accuracy.
Fantasy Outlook:
Bryant lost the Tampa kicking job because he was hurt, but could land with another team when he gets healthy. | | # 34 | Garrett Hartley (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 13 FGA: 13 | New Orleans | | | Player News:
Hartley emerged as the Saints starting kicker about halfway through the season and seized his opportunity, going perfect in all his field-goals. He didn't miss an extra point and went 13-of-13 on field-goal attempts. He averaged eight points per game. The undrafted free agent has a lot to live up to after his rookie season, but he'll keep the Saints kicking job as long as he is kicking well. And kicking in a great Saints offense should provide Hartley with plenty of opportunities. Hartley was suspended the first four games this coming season, though, for testing positive for an over-the-counter stimulant used to prevent fatigue and sleeping.
Fantasy Outlook:
Hartley's suspension is a big concern. He could be out of a job when the suspension is up. You might want to go with safer options come draft day. | | # 35 | Matt Stover (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 27 FGA: 33 | Indianapolis | | | Player News:
Stover is coming off another huge season, scoring 122 points. His 82 percent of field goals made was his lowest since '98, though. He could be slipping a little at age 41. Stover has six straight 100-point seasons with the Ravens. His leg strength isn't what is used to be, but Stover remains very accurate and dependable.
Fantasy Outlook:
Stover has to slow down sooner or later. This could be the season. His kicking percentage went down last season and he struggled with longer kicks at times. We would probably go with safer options this year at kicker. Stover does have a great track record, though. | | # 36 | David Buehler (K) | | Dallas | | | Player News:
The Cowboys used a fifth-round pick on Buehler, bringing in some competition for Nick Folk. Buehler has a very strong leg and is accurate, which are two obvious pluses for him. He also is a great athlete that is well put together. He actually practiced some at safety in college. So he isn't afraid to make a tackle or mix it up with his opponents. Buehler might not win the kicking job, but has a good chance to be the kickoff specialists, especially since he can tackle.
Fantasy Outlook:
We doubt he takes the kicking duties away from Folk. Until that happens, Buehler isn't worth a roster spot. | | # 37 | Connor Barth (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 10 FGA: 12 | Tampa Bay | | | Player News:
Barth didn't win the Chiefs starting job out of camp, but took over the starting duties for the rest of the season in Week 8. And he held the job, making 83 percent of his kicks while scoring 54 points. Barth had just two field-goal attempts of more than 40 yards, though, so the jury is still out on Barth as a starter. Barth will be in his second year in the league, so he has room to grow. He has a strong leg and displayed pretty good accuracy last season.
Fantasy Outlook:
We aren't sure we would draft Barth, but he could be worth some spot starts during the course of the season if he starts getting chances with the Dolphins. | | # 38 | Dave Rayner (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 1 FGA: 1 | Washington | | | Player News:
Rayner kicked in two games for the Bengals last season, serving as an injury replacement. He made all his field-goal attempts and scored six points. He is a former 100-point kicker, but has only kicked a full season just once in his career. Rayner is best served as a kickoff specialist because of his strong leg. He should compete with Shaun Suisham for the kicking duties in Washington, but isn't likely to beat him out.
Fantasy Outlook:
Might get a few chances on long-distance kicks, but not enough to make Rayner worth putting on your fantasy team. | | # 39 | Martin Gramatica (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 6 FGA: 10 | New Orleans | | | Player News:
Gramatica lasted five games before getting placed on Injured Reserve with a groin injury last season. He had 34 points for the season, but made just 60 percent of his kicks. Gramatica hasn't played a full season since '03, so he is about done as a full-time starter. Kickers bounce around, so Gramatica could catch on with someone, but don't expect a starting gig. Gramatica doesn't have a huge leg at this point, but is still above average on long-distance kicks and has so-so accuracy.
Fantasy Outlook:
Don't bother with Gramatica. His best days are behind him. | | # 40 | Taylor Mehlhaff (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 3 FGA: 4 | Minnesota | | | Player News:
Mehlhaff didn't win the starting job out of camp, but took over the kicking duties in New Orleans in Week 6. He lasted just three games, though. He made all but one field-goal attempt, but missed an extra point, which didn't help matters. He is young, though, so don't write off Mehlhaff just yet. He has a better chance of being a kickoff specialist more than anything at this point.
Fantasy Outlook:
Mehlhaff isn't likely to make an impact at kicker this season, so go with other options. | | # 41 | Nick Novak (K) | Yr: 2008 FGM: 6 FGA: 10 | Kansas City | | | Player News:
Novak didn't last long as the Chiefs kicker last season, getting cut after six games. He made just 60 percent of his kicks. His only positive came in Week 4 when he scored 15 points. Novak has some starting experience, but has never made it through a full season as a starting kicker. He has made just 63 percent of his field-goal attempts for his career. His time in the NFL is running out.
Fantasy Outlook:
Novak might land get some chances at some point, but there are much safer and better options available. |
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