Kickers may be the red-headed stepchildren of the fantasy realm, but they still deserve one day of glory on the Fantasy Fox blog.
To wit, here's a look at my rankings for the 32 presumed starters at this position, heading into Week 1. I say presumed because, as we already know, the majority of kickers are eminently replaceable assets in the real world.
These rankings are subject to changebetween now and Sept. 8.
1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots
2. Matt Prater, Broncos
3. Blair Walsh, Vikings
4. Phil Dawson, 49ers
5. Matt Bryant, Falcons
6. Justin Tucker, Ravens
7. Randy Bullock, Texans
8. David Akers, Lions
1. With the Patriots, Gostkowski has averaged 28.5 field goals, 63.5 PATs and 148 fantasy points over the last two seasons. That's enough cachet to merit the top ranking.
2. The Broncos' Prater had four games of three-plus field goals last year. Of equal importance, he booted multiple PATs in every single outing (including the playoffs).
3. Walsh had a stellar rookie campaign with Minnesota, connecting on three or more field goals seven times. He also nailed 9 of 9 kicks from 50-plus yards.
4. Perhaps I should boost Matt Bryant (33 field goals last year) a few notches higher. After all, new Falcons tailback Steven Jackson only has 20 touchdowns over the last four seasons (with St. Louis) — compared to Michael Turner's 44 in the same span with Atlanta.
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