Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
In some strange way, I enjoy stepping back from the “glory” positions and writing about kickers each week.
There’s a lot less drama. With the exception of the occasional “idiot(ic)” comment, kickers stay out of trouble, deal with their contract stuff out of the spotlight and just go to work (Robbie Gould even drives around the water truck during training camp).
Sure, we have to worry about a coach losing confidence in a player and kicking them to the curb mid-week. On the plus side, you don’t have to worry about an NFL team taking a cue from Lane Kiffin and going for the two-point conversion after every touchdown (kick the PAT!).
Anyway, they are afterthoughts on draft day. They get added and dropped in the fantasy realm in a fashion akin to the pennies in the dish at the 24-hour convenience store. Occasionally, they’re the difference between an agonizing defeat and a glorious text message to your vanquished foe.
Kickers are people, too.
It’s time for Week 3 “Lineup Calls.”
Top 5 Kickers
Kicker Sleepers
Matt Prater vs. Indianapolis
The Broncos rolled up 31 points against the Seahawks in Week 2, and Prater hammered home four PATs and a field goal in the rout. He’s already piled up six PATs and two field goals this season, and I suspect that he’s active in a high-scoring game this weekend. Kyle Orton leads a balanced offense that should be able to move the ball against the Colts and, well, we know all about that Indianapolis attack. Prater’s big leg will be on display this weekend.
Connor Barth vs. Pittsburgh
I’m clearly not anticipating a huge scoring effort out of the Buccaneers, particularly after the Steelers shut down the Titans so effectively in Week 2. I do anticipate that Josh Freeman will be able to move the chains and make a few plays with his legs (making use of rookie Mike Williams, who has been stellar thus far). Those drives end with Barth field goal attempts.
Kicker Flops
Lawrence Tynes vs. Tennessee
This is a difficult game to read. The Giants were obliterated by the Colts, and produced just two PATs for Tynes. I’m moderately concerned that this game is played between the 20s and that neither team gets much traction. Tynes may still crack your starting lineup, but I’m not anticipating much.
Dan Carpenter vs. New York Jets
Carpenter may end the week as the top kicker in the game. He may not get a chance to do much of anything. This is a difficult matchup to call, but I don’t anticipate much scoring on either side. The Dolphins will struggle to run the ball, and we haven’t seen much from the passing game and Chad Henne. I don’t know that much changes in Week 3, even with Darrelle Revis on the sidelines. There are better plays on the board.
