Fantasy Football: Scouting the kickers
By Ed Barkowitz
Philadelphia Daily News
Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots: The difference between Gostkowski’s league-best 148 points and the league’s 11th-highest scoring kicker was 24 points . . . or, about 1 › points per week. Don’t reach too high for Gostkowski.
Jason Elam, Falcons: The former longtime Bronco went 6-for-7 on the road from 40-plus as a Falcon last year, proving there’s more to Elam than mile-high elevation.
Robbie Gould, Bears: Figures to get more opportunities if the Bears’ offense improves behind Jay Cutler.
Mason Crosby, Packers: Owners in leagues that penalize missed field goals might want to look elsewhere.
John Kasay, Panthers: The book says to be wary of 30-year-old running backs, but what about 40-year-old kickers? Kasay, who turns 40 in October, is coming off his best season (130 points) since 1996 (145).
Kris Brown, Texans: Was a very respectable 10-for-13 from 40-plus yards last year.
David Akers, Eagles: The only bright spot of the Eagles’ woes in the red zone last year was that it helped allow Akers to set a career high with 33 field goals.
Adam Vinatieri, Colts: arguably the greatest kicker of all time, but just a mediocre option in fantasy anymore. Knee and hip surgeries in the offseason don’t ease doubts.
Rian Lindell, Bills: is getting a lot of attention for posting at least one field goal in every game except one last season. Was a shaky 11-for-18 in boots of 40-plus yards, however.
Garrett Hartley, Saints: was viewed as a sleeper, until he got himself suspended for the first four games for a drug-policy violation. And the Saints have a bye in Week 5, so Hartley won’t be available until mid-October. John Carney will kick for the Saints in the meantime.
QUICK HITTERS
On the way up: Robbie Gould, Bears
On the way down: Adam Vinatieri, Colts
Riskiest pick: John Kasay, Panthers
Sleeper: Kris Brown, Texans
Please avoid: Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders
Top rookie: None
THE TOP 20 (with bye weeks for each team)
1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots 8
2. Rob Bironas, Titans 7
3. Jason Elam, Falcons 4
4. Ryan Longwell, Vikings 9
5. Robbie Gould, Bears 5
6. Mason Crosby, Packers 5
7. Neil Rackers, Cardinals 4
8. Nate Kaeding, Chargers 5
9. John Kasay, Panthers 4
10. Kris Brown, Texans 10
11. David Akers, Eagles 4
12. Nick Folk, Cowboys 6
13. Jason Hanson, Lions 7
14. Lawrence Tynes, Giants 10
15. Adam Vinatieri, Colts 6
16. Jay Feely, Jets 9
17. Matt Bryant, Buccaneers 8
18. Rian Lindell, Bills 9
19. Shayne Graham, Bengals 8
20. Matt Prater, Broncos 7