Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
We’re at that critical juncture of the season.
Fantasy owners sitting atop the standings are starting to jockey for playoff position and make long-term plans.
Those near the bottom of the standings or fading fast are seeking a midseason surge.
It’s time to steal every point possible, and the “burn-and-churn” philosophy regarding kickers and team defenses has to be employed. You’re no longer married to the players in those slots. You need to play the matchup game in those slots, just as you do when considering your other starters.
Get after it.
Top 5 Kickers
David Buehler vs. Jacksonville
Buehler converted two field goals and three PATs in the near-comeback against the Giants (he should have had a third field goal, but the Cowboys inexplicably went for two points). He’s a prime play for a huge day this weekend against a Jacksonville team that has allowed 29.9 points per game. I know Jon Kitna’s under center. This Dallas team will still move the ball and provide Buehler ample opportunities.
Ryan Succop vs. Buffalo
Succop generated seven points for fantasy owners in Week 7, all on extra points. That’s truly a rare fear, but Succop just might approach a repeat with Buffalo on the radar. The Bills are surrendering a ridiculous, eye-popping 33 points per game. Take the strong PAT base behind the dominant running game and the weekly improvement of Matt Cassel.
Olindo Mare at Oakland
Mare was the “Special Teams Player of the Week” for Week 7 after converting five field goals and a PAT against the Cardinals. He’s converted all nine field goals that he’s attempted with 13 PATs. The Seattle offense is starting to gel. Mike Williams and Matt Hasselbeck have established a connection downfield, and Marshawn Lynch gets things moving against the Oakland front. Oakland allows nearly 24 points per game.
Connor Barth at Arizona
Barth has converted 10-of-12 field-goal attempts this season (eight PATs), and quarterback Josh Freeman is progressing well in his second season. LeGarrette Blount provides the Buccaneers with a more explosive option in the backfield, and Mike Williams has emerged as a top option alongside Kellen Winslow. The Cardinals allow 26.7 points per game.
Rob Bironas at San Diego
The Chargers dominate virtually every statistical category. The Titans surrender only 244.3 total yards per game. What does that mean? It means that there will be few true scoring opportunities other than the placekicker (and from special teams). Bironas has converted 14 field goals and 21 PATs through seven weeks.
Kicker Sleepers
Neil Rackers at Indianapolis
Rackers has converted 9-of-11 field-goal attempts this season and obviously stands to boot a high number of PATs behind Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and this potent offense. The Texans scored 34 points in the first meeting between these teams. I don’t anticipate a repeat effort, but the Colts won’t stall this two-headed offense entirely. Rackers has the leg to convert long attempts (19-of-39 from distances of at least 50 yards in his career) if the offense does stall.
Jeff Reed at New Orleans
Pittsburgh obviously made a huge leap in offensive production when Ben Roethlisberger returned under center (25.5 PPG). This week, Reed is likely called upon to be a difference-maker in a tough road trip to New Orleans. The Saints aren’t operating at peak efficiency, but they’re still yielding less than 20 points per game.
Graham Gano at Detroit
The Lions surrender nearly 24 points per game, and the Redskins have effectively moved the ball this season. Ryan Torain has established the running game, while Donovan McNabb continues to be efficient with the football between the 20s. This has the makings of a high-scoring game, and I like the prospects of Gano kicking indoors.
Kicker Flops
Garrett Hartley vs. Pittsburgh
The New Orleans offense has appeared out of sync and has yet to approach its 2009 brilliance. The Saints were slowed by the Browns in Week 7, and now face the top-ranked Pittsburgh defense (13.7 points per game). Drew Brees might be able to produce a breakout game and get this unit on track. I’m not so optimistic.
Mason Crosby at New York Jets
The Jets rank fourth in total defense, surrendering just 16.8 points per game. It now becomes a test of strengths, the potent defense against the high-octane Green Bay offense. New York won’t shut this unit down altogether, but I expect a hard-fought and low-scoring contest.
