Week 3 Rankings (2016): Top 15 Kickers

by Ray Kuhn

If it seems that there is no such thing as picking the wrong kicker, that is the truth. (at least until said kicker misses a field goal or an extra point). Efficiency is the name of the game, as is scoring (the over/under for a game is usually a helpful source of information). That is also a good way to find value at the kicker position, as it is often a good way to save money in DFS where kickers are still required. Let’s take a look at how the kickers rank for this week:

1. Stephen Gostkowski – New England Patriots – vs. Houston
2. Adam Vinatieri – Indianapolis Colts – vs. San Diego
3. Dan Bailey – Dallas Cowboys – vs. Chicago
4. Matt Bryant – Atlanta Falcons – at New Orleans
5. Mason Crosby – Green Bay Packers – vs. Detroit
6. Justin Tucker – Baltimore Ravens – at Jacksonville
7. Steven Hauschka – Seattle Seahawks – vs. San Francisco
8. Josh Lambo – San Diego Chargers – at Indianapolis
9. Graham Gano – Carolina Panthers – vs. Minnesota
10. Josh Brown – New York Giants – vs. Washington
11. Chandler Catanzaro – Arizona Cardinals – at Buffalo
12. Chris Boswell – Pittsburgh Steelers – at Philadelphia
13. Cairo Santos – Kansas City Chiefs – vs. New York Jets
14. Will Lutz – New Orleans Saints – vs. Atlanta
15. Nick Novak – Houston Texans – at New England

Notes:

• I think it is safe to assume that we won’t know until game time on Thursday who is starting at quarterback in New England. What we do know is that regardless of who is under center, their offense will likely be limited. It also doesn’t help hat they are facing a tough defense in Houston. That should lead to an increase in opportunities for the ever successful and efficient Stephen Gostkowski. Through the first two weeks of the season he actually isn’t perfect (4 of 5 on field goal attempts but he has made all seven extra points), but he can be counted on more than most.
• The Saints are back at home in the dome, and as of Tuesday night they had the highest over/under of any game (53.5) while coming in as three point favorites. That brings my attention to rookie kicker Will Lutz. He made the Saints this summer as an u-drafted free agent, and he hasn’t had the smoothest of starts to his career. Thus far, he has missed three of his seven field goal attempts, but two came in his debut and were from beyond 50 yards. It is a good sign that Lutz made both of his attempts from 40 to 49 yards and is perfect on his five extra point attempts.
• Using the same logic, Josh Lambo of the Chargers (51.5) is worth considering. San Diego faces quite the hospitable defense in the Colts, and they get to do it in a dome. Lambo has only attempted four field goals this season, making three, but is perfect on his eight extra points. With the Chargers now without Danny Woodhead, along with Keenan Allen, their offense might stall a little more often in the red zone.
• Josh Brown showed no ill effects from missing the first week of the season due to suspension. He did miss one long distance field goal, but he converted on his other three attempts and if you are looking to replace a kicker, he is worth a look as he was likely undrafted in the majority of leagues.