Week 14 Rankings (2018): Top 15 Kickers

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Kickers are often overlooked, but they have the potential to be difference makers if you choose wisely.  Who are the kickers who can help put you over-the-top in your playoff matchup?  Who is flying under-the-radar?  Let’s take a look at how things shake out for the coming week:

1. Ka’imi Fairbairn – Houston Texans – vs. Indianapolis
2. Stephen Gostkowski – New England Patriots – at Miami
3. Will Lutz – New Orleans Saints – at Tampa Bay
4. Justin Tucker – Baltimore Ravens – at Kansas City
5. Greg Zuerlein – Los Angeles Rams – at Chicago
6. Mike Badgley – Los Angeles Chargers – vs. Cincinnati
7. Bret Maher – Dallas Cowboys – vs. Philadelphia
8. Sebastian Janikowski – Seattle Seahawks – vs. Minnesota
9. Harrison Butker – Kansas City Chiefs – vs. Baltimore
10. Chris Boswell – Pittsburgh Steelers – at Oakland
11. Adam Vinatieri – Indianapolis Colts – at Houston
12. Aldrick Rosas – New York Giants – at Washington
13. Dustin Hopkins – Washington Redskins – vs. New York Giants
14. Mason Crosby – Green Bay Packers – vs. Atlanta
15. Jason Myers – New York Jets – at Buffalo

Thoughts:

• Since the Texans’ bye week Fairbairn has gone 10-12 in field goal attempts, including going 5-5 in Week 13.  Included in this stretch has been 4 field goals from between 40-49 yards and 2 field goals from 50+ yards.  He also gets the benefit of kicking at home, where he’s gone 16-17 this season.  Given the recent usage/performance and a matchup against Indianapolis, who has allowed the sixth most points per week to opposing kickers, and what’s not to like?
• Mason Crosby has the name appeal, but he hasn’t made more than 1 field goal in a game since Week 8 and he hasn’t attempted more than 2 field goals in a game since Week 6.  Could a coaching change impact the offense?  Perhaps, but that’s not enough of a reason to buy into him.
•  The Redskins quarterback play is in question, with Colt McCoy going down on Monday night.  Are they going to struggle to move the football?  Will they have to settle for field goals?  The Giants have allowed the most points per week to opposing kickers and the last time the Redskins faced New York Hopkins went 2-3 on field goals, including one from 50+ yards.  It’s possible that weather plays a factor, but for now with the matchup he’s worth considering if you are in need.
• Sticking with the same game, what does Aldrick Rosas have to do to get some respect?  He’s gone 26-for-27 on the season and made at least 2 field goals in 11 of the 13 games this season.  That includes hitting 4 kicks of 50+ yards, including one in each of the past three games.  At this point it’s impossible not to consider him a viable option, especially with an offense that’s always going to have some questions.

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Make sure to check out all of our Week 14 rankings: