Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
The first of the bye weeks has arrived, thrusting the kicker “burn-and-churn” waiver activity into motion.
Additionally, the Saints have announced that veteran John Carney will take over the kicking duties following top selection Garrett Hartley’s early-season struggles and chipshot miss against the Falcons.
I know that you’re spending your time wringing your hands after reading injury report after injury report about running backs. Don’t forget to steal a point in the kicking game.
Let’s get it on.
Top 5 Kickers
Kicker Sleepers
Sebastian Janikowski vs. Houston
Fans and fantasy owners are kicking Janikowski to the curb following his rough, for lack of a better term, effort in Week 3 in a would-be victory against the Cardinals. I’m looking for a nice rebound game this week against the Texans. Houston is tied for 26th in the NFL in total defense at 26 points per game.
Olindo Mare at St. Louis/Josh Brown vs. Seattle
Mare converted multiple PATs for the third straight game against the Chargers. He also added his first two field goals of the season. Brown, on the other hand, has attempted seven field goals (four makes) with three PATs. I’m anticipating that the Seahawks and Rams move the ball behind the 20s this week, but that these defenses stiffen in the red zone. The Seahawks rank ninth in total defense (16.3 points per game), while the Seahawks are tied for 14th (19 points per game). It’s one of the games circled on my schedule this week.
Kicker Flops
Mason Crosby vs. Detroit
I know. Why is Crosby down here? I’m just fearful that we see nothing but PATs from Crosby in this week’s game against the Lions. Crosby has already converted five field goals (six attempts plus a block) and nine PATs.
Billy Cundiff at Pittsburgh
Cundiff has converted one field goal in each of the first three games. He did convert a 49-yard attempt last week, thereby allowing Baltimore fans to breathe slightly easier because of issues with long-distance tries. Cundiff has converted five PATs. I’m not expecting a high-scoring affair at Heinz Field this weekend, nor am I expecting many opportunities for Cundiff with a banged-up Ray Rice in the backfield.
