2009 F.F.T. Re-Draft Kicker Rankings (July 1, 2009)
Note: Fantasy Points-based on 3 points per field goal made and 1 point per extra point made. I only projected the top 32 players. Values based on $200 budget.
1. Stephen Gostkowski-New England Patriots
Auction Value: $4
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 2
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 12
In 2007 Gostkowski, only attempted 24 field goals but he made 21 more extra points than any other kicker. Subtract Tom Brady and all of a sudden, his attempts blow up to 40 last season with 34 less extra point attempts. I look for stats this season in-between the past two years. Gostkowski is money, connecting on 90 percent of his attempts last season.
(09’ Proj: 31-34 Field Goals, 55 PAT’s) 148 Fantasy Points
2. Rob Bironas-Tennessee Titans
Auction Value: $4
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 7
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 22
After his first two seasons in the league, Bironas connected on less than 80 percent of his kicks but the past two years have been much improved with more attempts and of course, more makes. Has even more value in leagues that reward extra points for 50+ yard field goals as he is 5 for 6 over the past two years. As long as the Titans struggle, passing the ball Bironas should get plenty of opportunities.
(09’ Proj: 33-38 Field Goals, 39 PAT’s) 138 Fantasy Points
3. David Akers-Philadelphia Eagles
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 19
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 11
After three straight years of mediocrity, Akers showed last year why he was regarded as one of the top kickers from 2000-2004. He attempted a career high 40 shots connecting on 33 of them including 8-10 from 40-49 yards. The Eagles offense remains intact so Akers should be able to put up similar numbers again this season.
(09’ Proj: 28-35 Field Goals, 45 PAT’s) 129 Fantasy Points
4. Nate Kaeding-San Diego Chargers
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 4
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 1
He attempted a career high 32 field goals last season, connecting on 27 of them but was only 3-8 from 40-49 yards. He is a career 86 percent kicker and has made 6-9 from 50+ yards. With the Chargers running game slowing down Kaeding could get even more chances this season.
(09’ Proj: 28-33 Field Goals, 45 PAT’s) 129 Fantasy Points
5. Ryan Longwell-Minnesota Vikings
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 29
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 23
Longwell started his career with 30+ attempts in each season for the first six years before not having a single season of 30+ attempts over the next five years before attempting 34 last season. After going 1-6 from 50+ yards in 2006 and 2007 combined, he went 6-6 last season. The Vikings lack of a quality passing game should mean plenty of chances again this season.
(09’ Proj: 27-33 Field Goals, 44 PAT’s) 125 Fantasy Points
6. Mason Crosby-Green Bay Packers
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 1
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 28
Crosby put up very similar numbers last season as he did in his 2007 rookie campaign and likely will put up similar numbers again this season. He has yet to hit the 80 percent mark so there is room for improvement.
(09’ Proj: 27-32 Field Goals, 43 PAT’s) 124 Fantasy Points
7. Jason Elam-Atlanta Falcons
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 24
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 6
What can you say except cha ching? Just when you think he is going to lose a beat he connects on 29-31 attempts including 10-10 from 40-49 yards. The past three years have been the best percentages of his career so there are no worries about his accuracy. He may not make 94 percent of his kicks again this season but he likely will not be far off.
(09’ Proj: 27-33 Field Goals, 41 PAT’s) 122 Fantasy Points
8. Robbie Gould-Chicago Bears
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 8
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 4
He’s gold Jerry gold, OK a Seinfeld reference years after the show is off the air may have been a bit lame but I made my point. Gould has connected on 86 percent of his career field goal attempts and with Jay Cutler now under center I like his chances to go up this season. The one thing that concerns me is the fact he has only attempted two field goals of 50 yards or more, missing them both. He has made 35-47 from 40-49 in his career however.
(09’ Proj: 27-34 Field Goals, 40 PAT’s) 121 Fantasy Points
9. Nick Folk-Dallas Cowboys
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 3
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 34
After a monster rookie season in 2007 Folk only attempted 22 field goals last season, connecting on 20 of them. I expect Folk to get more chances this season and to take full advantage of them.
(09’ Proj: 26-30 Field Goals, 43 PAT’s) 121 Fantasy Points
10. Neil Rackers-Arizona Cardinals
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 14
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 8
After attempting 32 field goals of 50+ yards from 2004-2007 Rackers was only 1-2 last season. The Cardinals offense should be clicking again this season which may keep his total attempts down but the extra points total will make up for it.
(09’ Proj: 25-30 Field Goals, 45 PAT’s) 120 Fantasy Points
11. Joe Nedney-San Francisco 49ers
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 21
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 18
After 14 years and eight different teams it appears that Nedney found his heart in San Francisco, sorry. Take away the 9ers dismal 2007 season when Nedney only attempted 19 field goals and 22 extra points and he has had plenty of chances in San Fran. He was 29-33 last season and the 9ers offense should be better this season. Nedney has a tendency to fly under the radar so you can get a quality kicker here while others reach for many of the above ranked guys.
(09’ Proj: 28-32 Field Goals, 35 PAT’s) 119 Fantasy Points
12. Kris Brown-Houston Texans
Auction Value: $2
Bye Week: 10
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 10
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 26
After three straight seasons of only making 76 percent of his kicks or less it appears that Brown has figured out his accuracy problem, connecting on 87 percent of his kicks the past two seasons. He is not likely to ever repeat his 5-5 from 50+ yards in 2007 but he should get plenty of chances and he does have a big leg.
(09’ Proj: 26-32 Field Goals, 40 PAT’s) 118 Fantasy Points
13. John Kasay-Carolina Panthers
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 4
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 17
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 10
He will be 40 in October but the old man is still alive and kicking and in fact, he hit over 90 percent of his 31 attempts last season setting a career high mark. The Panthers offense should allow another 30 plus attempts for Kasay this season.
(09’ Proj: 26-30 Field Goals, 40 PAT’s) 118 Fantasy Points
14. Josh Brown-St. Louis Rams
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 6
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 9
The only reason Brown is not ranked higher is because of how pathetic the Rams offense was last season. Brown only attempted 19 extra points last year that is 24 less than he attempted in 2007. He has added value in leagues that reward extra points for 50+ yard field goals, as he is 19 for 30 in his career.
(09’ Proj: 30-34 Field Goals, 27 PAT’s) 117 Fantasy Points
15. Garrett Hartley-New Orleans Saints
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 5
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 33
Hartley could not beat out Matt Prater for the Broncos job last season but he was able to land in New Orleans for the final half of the season and all he did was be perfect. He was 13-13 on field goals and 28-28 on extra point attempts. Double those numbers and you have a helluva fantasy kicker. The Saints offense will allow Hartley plenty of fantasy point opportunities this season.
(09’ Proj: 23-28 Field Goals, 48 PAT’s) 117 Fantasy Points
16. Rian Lindell-Buffalo Bills
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 28
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 15
The only thing that kept Lindell from being a top end fantasy kicker last season was his accuracy as he connected on only 79 percent of his 38 attempts. The addition of Terrell Owens should result in more than 34 extra point opportunities. Lindell could be in line for a sneaky good season.
(09’ Proj: 24-27 Field Goals, 43 PAT’s) 115 Fantasy Points
17. Lawrence Tynes-New York Giants
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 10
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 20
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 16
I have never been a Tynes fan, I saw way too many awful misses in his Kansas City years. John Carney dominated last season when Tynes went down with an injury and Tynes never did come back but Carney has not resigned and the job is once again Tynes to lose. One side not, he has missed six career extra points.
(09’ Proj: 25-34 Field Goals, 39 PAT’s) 114 Fantasy Points
18. Jeff Reed-Pittsburgh Steelers
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 13
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 21
Last year is pretty much what you can expect from Reed, 27-31. He kicks in very difficult environment and in a cold weather division which limits his longer attempts, only twice in his career as he had more than 9 attempts from 40-49 yards.
(09’ Proj: 24-29 Field Goals, 40 PAT’s) 112 Fantasy Points
19. Adam Vinatieri-Indianapolis Colts
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 12
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 3
Mr. Clutch opened up his career attempting 30+ field goals in eight of the first nine years but has not hit that number in any of the past four seasons. I am not sold on the fact that Vinatieri is still a top tier kicker and numbers similar to last season is what I am seeing.
(09’ Proj: 22-27 Field Goals, 45 PAT’s) 111 Fantasy Points
20. Matt Prater-Denver Broncos
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 26
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: None
To be honest the only thing I like about Prater is that he connected on 5-6 from 50+ yards otherwise there is not a whole lot to like. He has only made 68 percent of his career field goal attempts and is only 6-14 from 40-49 yards. If he can improve his accuracy then he could turn into a quality fantasy kicker, if he doesn’t he could be without a job.
(09’ Proj:24-33 Field Goals, 39 PAT’s) 111 Fantasy Points
21. Shayne Graham-Cincinnati Bengals
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 5
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 5
This ranking is more a knock on the Bengals than it is on Graham. Assuming Carson Palmer is back to 100 percent and they can find any semblance of a running game then Graham could be a bargain. He has to have more than 15 extra point attempts as he did last year.
(09’ Proj:25-31 Field Goals, 35 PAT’s) 110 Fantasy Points
22. Josh Scobee-Jacksonville Jaguars
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 11
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 13
I am a Scobee fan simply because I see untapped potential but the fact is that he just is not accurate enough to be a top end fantasy kicker. How does a guy hit 4 of 5 attempts from 50+ yards but only connect on 3 of 6 from 39 yards in? The Jaguars offense should be improved this season now if only Scobee can take advantage.
(09’ Proj: 23-28 Field Goals, 39 PAT’s) 108 Fantasy Points
23. Jason Hanson-Detroit Lions
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 16
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 17
Another example of a player being ranked lower because of a poor offense. I like Hanson; it is just too bad he has been stuck in Detroit for 17 years. He has had nine years where he did not even get to attempt 30 extra points. He is worth much more in leagues that reward for 50+ yard kicks; he made all eight of his attempts last season.
(09’ Proj: 25-31 Field Goals, 32 PAT’s) 107 Fantasy Points
24. Phil Dawson-Cleveland Browns
Auction Value: $1
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 9
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 32
Much like Jason Hanson, Dawson has made 30+ extra points twice in his 10-year career and the past two seasons are the only time he has attempted 30+ field goals. The Browns may not be as efficient as they were in 2007 but they cannot be as poor as they were last year. Dawson will get more than 18 extra point attempts this season but will not attempt 36 field goals as he did last season.
(09’ Proj: 24-29 Field Goals, 33 PAT’s) 105 Fantasy Points
25. Steven Hauschka-Baltimore Ravens
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 40
I was high on Hauschka as a rookie coming out of North Carolina State and the fact that the Ravens did not re-sign Matt Stover tells me the Ravens may like the kid as well. He will have to be out rookie Graham Gano that will not be an easy task but I think in the end Hauschka wins the job and is a sleeper to watch. The fact that the Ravens used him on two field goals of 50+ yards last year shows they have confidence in his distance at least.
(09’ Proj: 25-29 Field Goals, 30 PAT’s) 105 Fantasy Points
26. Jay Feely-New York Jets
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 31
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 20
Feely is solid but honestly nothing special, he’s good on 81 percent of his career field goal attempts and has made his last three attempts of 50 yards or more. The Jets offense will likely go through some growing pains this season that will limit Feely’s fantasy value.
(09’ Proj: 24-30 Field Goals, 33 PAT’s) 105 Fantasy Points
27. Sebastian Janikowski-Oakland Raiders
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 23
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 31
He would rank much higher if he were not a pathetic 77 percent career field goal kicker. He has never had less than 25 attempts in his nine-year career and gets plenty of long distance opportunities, 25 attempts of 50+ yards in just the past three seasons, too bad he only made 12 of them. If he ever improved his accuracy, he would be a top five kicker.
(09’ Proj: 25-33 Field Goals, 30 PAT’s) 105 Fantasy Points
28. Dan Carpenter-Miami Dolphins
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 6
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
Carpenter had a solid rookie season, connecting on 21 of 25 field goals and all 40 of his extra point opportunities. The Dolphins offense should give Carpenter a similar amount of chances this season.
(09’ Proj:20-26 Field Goals, 40 PAT’s) 100 Fantasy Points
29. Olindo Mare-Seattle Seahawks
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 34
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 14
Mare bounced back nicely from his dismal 2007 season hitting 24 or 27 field goals including 3 of 4 from 50+ yards. With a healthy Matt Hasselbeck, back in the saddle the Seahawks should be improved which could give Mare the opportunity to surprise but if he falls back into his 59 percent 2007 self he will quickly lose his job to Brandon Coutu.
(09’ Proj: 20-26 Field Goals, 36 PAT’s) 96 Fantasy Points
30. Shaun Suisham-Washington Redskins
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 22
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 25
He missed 10 field goals last season and only had 25 extra point attempts that is a bad combination. I would not be surprised if Dave Rayner was to beat him out but he does not exactly have the best record either. Suisham must improve on his 78 percent career average and especially his 38 percent mark from 50+ yards.
(09’ Proj: 19-25 Field Goals, 37 PAT’s) 94 Fantasy Points
31. Connor Barth-Kansas City Chiefs
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre Season Ranking: 39
In 10 games last season, Barth connected on 10 of 12 attempts. To have any fantasy value he must get more opportunities, there is not much that needs to be said.
(09’ Proj: 19-28 Field Goals, 36 PAT’s) 93 Fantasy Points
32. Mike Nugent-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 30
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 19
Will Jets fans ever forgive the organization for drafting this guy in the second round? Nugent will now take his underachieving act to Tampa where he will battle Matt Bryant for the starting role. The fact that the Bucs brought Nugent in makes me think he has the inside track but I am just not a fan.
(09’ Proj: 22-30 Field Goals, 25 PAT’s) 91 Fantasy Points
33. Matt Bryant-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 27
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 30
The fact that Bryant is fighting for his job a year after connecting on 32 or 38 field goals and having to deal with the death of his three-month-old son is a travesty. The fact that he is 0-6 from 50+ yards the past two years and 2-10 in his career is no doubt a part of why the Bucs brought in Mike Nugent. Go figure that one of those two makes was a 62-yard game winning blast in 2006.
34. Matt Stover-Free Agent
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: NA
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 15
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 7
The Ravens let the 41-year-old Stover go in the off-season leaving me to wonder if he may decide to retire instead of trying to find a new home for his twentieth season. Stover is still solid from inside 40 yards but he is only 1-4 from 50+ yards over the past four seasons and is only 13-21 from 40-49 yards the past two seasons.
35. John Carney-Free Agent
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: NA
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 37
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 40
Every time I think the 45 year old is finished he has a breakout campaign like he did last year, connecting on 35 of 38 field goals and 38 extra points. As long as Carney wants to kick this season, you would have to think some team will give him a shot. If he is on the field, he has potential. One final thing fun fact, Carney so old, OK you say, “How old is he” and then I say he actually played for the Los Angeles Rams back in 1990.
36. Brandon Coutu-Seattle Seahawks
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 25
He could not beat out Olindo Mare last season and it does not appear as though he has the inside track to do so this year either but if he does see the field he has some sleeper potential but the fact that he cannot beat out Mare gives me reason for concern.
37. Dave Rayner-Washington Redskins
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: None
2007 Pre-Season Ranking: 33
Rayner will compete with Shaun Suisham for the starting job but his 71 percent career average including only 1-5 from 50+ yards does not bode well for Rayner. Even if he does win the starting job I do not see any reason you would want him on your fantasy roster.
38. Graham Gano-Baltimore Ravens
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 7
Rookie
The top rookie on our list, last year’s Lou Groza award winner will battle Steven Hauschka for the starting job. While I gave the nod to Hauschka, it would not be a surprise if Gano wins the job. Last year at Florida State, he connected on 24 of 26 field goals including five of seven from 50+ yards. If Gano wins the job you can basically switch him with Hauschka in our rankings.
39. Ryan Succop-Kansas City Chiefs
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 8
Rookie
The rookie out of South Carolina will compete with Connor Barth for the Chiefs starting role. I give the nod to the incumbent and even if Succop wins the job, I do not believe he has any fantasy value this season.
40. Taylor Mehlhaff-Minnesota Vikings
Auction Value: $0
Bye Week: 9
2008 Pre-Season Ranking: 18
He was three of four in field goal attempts last season before the Saints cut him after three games. He will try to make a roster this fall but odds are it will not be with the Vikings as Ryan Longwell has the job secured. Mehlhaff is a solid kicker who could be a potential fantasy performer in the right situation, not that I could not write that about every guy on this list.