Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
Each week, I receive numerous emails and hundreds of Tweets regarding trade options, waiver claims and roster options.
Rarely will I receive a Tweet concerning the kicker position. I’m always confused that I don’t receive more of them, but perhaps owners spend little precious time trying to unearth a sneak matchup play when there are so many other question marks at receiver and tight end (not to mention those pesky running back committees). Next year, I’ll bang the “kickers are people, too” drum loudly out of the gate.
Top Kickers
(Other than Dan Carpenter, Sebastian Janikowski, David Akers and Rob Bironas)
Nate Kaeding vs. Oakland
Kaeding returned to the field in Week 11 and had a fairly easy re-entry with five PATs (one long field-goal miss). He then converted five field goals and three PATs in the laugher at Indianapolis in Week 12. The Chargers’ surge continues this weekend with a huge home date against the injury-riddled Oakland Raiders.
Lawrence Tynes vs. Washington
Myriad of injuries in the New York receiving corps have resulted in a slowdown in red zone offense. As such, Tynes has been a more pivotal cog in the machine and a consistent fantasy option. He’s converted multiple field goals in four of the past five games. Look for the Giants to bring a big effort at home against the struggling division rival. Washington allows nearly 24 points per game.
Robbie Gould at Detroit
The Chicago offense has been more consistent and efficient in recent weeks. As such, Gould has once again become a viable fantasy option. He’s converted six field goals with eight PATs (including three in Week 10 and four in Week 12) in the past three weeks. Gould converted two field goals and one PAT in Week 1 against the Lions.
Ryan Succop vs. Denver
Succop has been a stable weekly option for fantasy owners this week. He’s converted multiple PATs in six of the past seven games. Succop has only converted seven field goals during this period, but I’m anticipating a bevy of activity against the struggling Broncos at home. Look for Kansas City to control the game on the ground and afford Succop multiple field-goal tries.
Shaun Suisham at Baltimore
Suisham converted four field goals in the Steelers’ overtime win against Buffalo, and I’m putting him on the board for the Sunday night tilt against Baltimore. Ben Roethlisberger is banged up, and the Ravens stiffen in the red zone (fifth in scoring defense at 17.1 points allowed per game).
Jeff Reed missed both of his field goal attempts at home in Week 4 with two PATs. Suisham will have his opportunities on Sunday night.
Sleepers
Olindo Mare vs. Carolina
Following two huge games in which Mare converted nine field goals, he was limited to three PATs and a single field-goal attempt. He’s on the radar for a play this week against the Panthers, a squad limping to the end of a terrible season. The Panthers allow 25.1 points per game.
Josh Brown at Arizona
Brown has quietly put together a very solid season for the Rams. He’s converted at least one field goal in 10 of 11 games (multiple PATs in nine games), most of which has come from short range. Brown benefits immensely from the growth of Sam Bradford and yeoman-like work of Steven Jackson. He’ll get a lot of screen time against the sinking Cardinals on Sunday.
Flops
Matt Bryant at Tampa Bay
There might not be any kicker you’d rather trot out on the field in crunch time. He’s not yet been shut out in a game this season, having converted at least one field goal in every game and multiple PATs in nine of his past 10 games.
He converted two field goals with three PATs in the first meeting between these teams. I don’t anticipate Bryant getting shut out here, but Tampa Bay has played tremendously at home and may be able to slow things. Tampa Bay ranks ninth in total defense.
Garrett Hartley at Cincinnati
Hartley posted a huge effort in Week 12 against the Cowboys with three field-goal conversions and three PATs. He’s a sure thing in terms of putting a base down with multiple PATs. However, the number of field-goal tries varies, as does Hartley’s accuracy. I’m fearful of a four of five-point night, all on PATs.
