By Jeff Paur
Senior Fantasy Writer
Realtime Fantasy Sports

Kickers:

We mention it every season, but the key to finding a successful fantasy kicker is drafting a kicker that is on a team that wins games. Of the 14 kickers that finished with 120 or more points last season, every single one of them played on team with a .500 or better record. There will be an occasional kicker that breaks this rule, but for the most part, the best kickers play on the best teams. They are giving them more opportunities to score, making their point totals among the best in the league.

And please don't be the guy that takes a kicker in the fifth round of your draft. The point deferential from week to week between the top kicker and the 10th rated guy is minimal. We aren't saying to totally discount the position, but use some discretion. Every point does matter, but having your core team in place before taking a kicker is a good idea come draft day.

You also know that some teams will surprise and a kicker's production will be rewarded. Last season, Mike Nugent was the big surprise at kicker. He was seventh in the league in scoring, but went undrafted in many leagues because the Bengals weren't a team on everyone's radar last season. Keep that in mind when thinking about taking a kicker in the early rounds of your draft. Let someone else use a mid-round pick on Mason Crosby while you solidify the rest of your roster.

Updated: 05/01/13
 #1  Matt Prater$2  Yr: 2011  FGM: 19  FGA: 25DenverBye: 9 
 
Player News:
Prater had a down year with the Broncos' offense struggling to score points. Prater scored just 87 points and made 76 percent of his field goals. He did miss just one of his field goals less than 40 yards. His accuracy struggles were on the longer kicks. Prater is setup for a better season with Peyton Manning leading the offense in Denver. Prater has 114 or more points two of the last four years so the potential is there for him. Prater still needs to improve his accuracy on longer kicks. He has a great leg and is an asset on kickoffs and long-distance field goal attempts.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Prater could return to elite status this year. Expect a lot more chances for him. It wouldn't surprise to see him score 120 or so points in this offense. He'll make some long-distance kicks and finish with solid point totals.

 #2  Stephen Gostkowski$2  Yr: 2011  FGM: 28  FGA: 33New EnglandBye: 10 
 
Player News:
Gostkowski had the second highest point total of his career last season, scoring 143 points. He has 140-plus points two of the last four years. He also made 84.8 percent of his field goals last season, which was about right on his career average. He tied a career high with 11 field goals made between 40 and 49 yards. For his career, Gostkowski averages 131.2 points per season when he plays a full season. He plays in a great offense and gets plenty of chances for points. Gostkowski has a strong leg and is a fairly accurate kicker (84.4 percent made for his career). And the Patriots have a great offense, giving Gostkowski a few more chances than your average kicker.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Gostkowski is a safe choice at kicker. He gets a lot of chances and plays in a great offense. The only knock on Gostkowski is won't get you a ton of long-distance kicks (five field goals of 50-plus yards in six seasons). He is a top-five option come draft day because of his consistent point production. You can make a strong case for Gostkowski to be the first kicker taken in your draft.

 #3  Matt Bryant$2  Yr: 2011  FGM: 27  FGA: 29AtlantaBye: 6 
 
Player News:
Bryant didn't quite finish with his best point total as a pro last year but missed just two field goals all year, making a career best 93.1 percent of his kicks. He also scored 126 points. Bryant averages 127 points per season the last two years with the Falcons. He has made at least 90 percent of his field goals the last two seasons with the Falcons. Bryant has 126 or more points three of the last four seasons. He turns 37 before the start of the season but doesn't seem to be showing any signs of slowing down. Bryant should continue to get plenty of chances in the Falcons high-powered offense. He has a great leg and his accuracy has been lights out the last few seasons.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Bryant is an elite fantasy kicker in this offense. He'll provide high point totals and some long-distance kicks. He seems a pretty good bet to get around 130 points, making him a top fantasy kicker.

 #4  Justin Tucker$2  BaltimoreBye: 8 
 
 #5  Sebastian Janikowski$2  Yr: 2011  FGM: 31  FGA: 35OaklandBye: 7 
 
Player News:
Janikowski continues to kick at an extremely high level. He missed just four field goals last season and was an amazing 7-of-10 on kicks of 50-plus yards. He even made a 63-yard field goal. Janikowski scored 129 points, giving him an average of 136 points per season the last two years. He has become arguably the top kicker in the game right now. Janikowski struggled with accuracy through the years, but seems to finally be making some strides. Janikowski has a booming leg and makes as many long distance kicks as any kicker in the league.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Janikowski is an elite fantasy kicker. You can make a case for him being the first kicker off the board. He makes a ton of long-distance kicks and should get 120-plus points in an improving Raiders' offense.

 #6  Phil Dawson$2  Yr: 2011  FGM: 24  FGA: 29San FranciscoBye: 9 
 
Player News:
Dawson wasn't quite as steady last season, missing two field goals less than 30 yards. But he did make 82.8 percent of his kicks and finished with 92 points in an offense that didn't give him many chances. He was very impressive in long-distance kicks, making an amazing 7-of-8 kicks of 50-plus yards. He was more accurate on kicks of 50-plus yards than those less than 30 yards. Needless to say, it was a strange season for Dawson. He has 100-point seasons five times in his career, but hasn't topped that total since 2008. Dawson remains a solid kicker at age 37 and still has a pretty solid leg despite his age. Dawson remains accurate, making 83.1 percent of his kicks for his career. The Browns don't have a high powered offense, which will limit Dawson's potential in 2012.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Dawson isn't an elite option by any means in this offense but could be worth some spot starts along the way, especially if he keeps getting the long-distance chances. He'll have some big games and is capable of scoring 100 points in an offense that has to be better than last year.

 #7  Garrett Hartley$1  New OrleansBye: 7 
 
Player News:
Hartley injured his hip before last season and didn't play all year. He will be healthy enough to play this year but the Saints aren't handing him the kicker's job. He'll compete with veteran John Kasay for the starting spot. Hartley is the clear favorite but he'll need to prove he is healthy and kicking well to win the job. Hartley makes 86 percent of his kicks for his career and averages 7.6 points per game for his career. Hartley has a very strong leg and is pretty accurate. He plays in a great offense and should get plenty of chances as the top kicker for the Saints as long as he is starting.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Hartley is a top kicker in a great offense. He has a few more concerns than many of the top kickers out there because of his competition to start and off the field issues. But as long as he is starting, he is an elite fantasy kicker worth of taking as your No. 1 kicker. He is capable of scoring 130-plus points in this offense.

 #8  Dan Bailey$1  Yr: 2011  FGM: 32  FGA: 37DallasBye: 11 
 
Player News:
The undrafted rookie won the kicking job before the season and had a huge rookie year. He was among the best kickers in the game, scoring 135 points while making 86.5 percent of his field goals. He missed just one kick less than 40 yards and was an impressive 10-of-12 on field goals between 40 and 49 yards. Bailey is setup to be the kicker in Dallas for years. He has a strong leg and is accurate for a young kicker. Bailey should only gain confidence as he gets older.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Bailey is an elite fantasy kicker in a great offense. He'll get plenty of chances and score a lot of points on a weekly basis. Bailey can come close to last season, scoring around 130 points for the Cowboys. He should be one of the first kickers taken off the board come draft day.

 #9  Alex Henery$1  Yr: 2011  FGM: 24  FGA: 27PhiladelphiaBye: 12 
 
Player News:
Henery had a very good rookie season, doing well to replace David Akers. He missed just three field goals all season and scored 118 points. He did attempt just six field goals of 40-plus yards, so it is hard to get a real judge of his accuracy just yet. Henery certainly has the ability, though. Henery is extremely accurate on shorter kicks and has a big leg to make long-distance kicks. He does struggle some with longer kicks, which might be his only downfall right now. The Eagles' offense also provides him many chances.

Fantasy Outlook:  
He is just in his second season but he is a legit fantasy starter. He can finish top-five in scoring, playing in an offense that serves kickers well. A season with 130 or so points is expected from Henery.

 #10  Blair Walsh$1  MinnesotaBye: 5 
 
Player News:
Walsh will be given every chance to start for the Vikings this coming season. He is the future at the position for the team. Walsh has an extremely big leg and is accurate on kicks less than 40 yards. He will struggle a little on accuracy when he really tries to rip the ball but should get better in that area with more seasoning. The Vikings aren't an explosive offensive team but should provide Walsh with a decent amount of chances.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Walsh is a No. 2 more than a starter for fantasy teams. He'll be worth some spot starts and will have some long-distance kicks, but he'll be a little inconsistent in this offense. A season with around 105 or so points seems about right for Walsh.

 #11  Rob Bironas$1  Yr: 2011  FGM: 29  FGA: 32TennesseeBye: 8 
 
Player News:
Bironas had his usual solid season, scoring 121 points. He made 90.6 percent of his kicks and has at least 110 points five straight seasons. Bironas was very impressive on long-distance kicks last season, making 6-of-7 field goals from 50-plus yards. He still has a booming leg at age 34. During the last five seasons, Bironas averages 122 points per season. Bironas has a big leg, but doesn't lack accuracy. The Titans offense also seems to give Bironas plenty of chances, giving him an average of 31 field-goal attempts for his career.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Bironas is an elite fantasy kicker. He makes a lot of long kicks and his point totals are among the best in the game. It isn't a stretch to take Bironas as the first kicker come draft day. He has the potential to lead the league in scoring. The Titans' offense could be even better this season, which could bump the numbers of Bironas up a little more.

 #12  Mason Crosby$1  Yr: 2011  FGM: 24  FGA: 28Green BayBye: 4 
 
Player News:
Crosby had his best season to date. He didn't set a career high in points but was close, scoring 140 points. He did make a career best 85.7 percent of his field goals, missing just four kicks all season. Crosby should continue to get plenty of chances in the Packers' offense. He averages 130 points per season for his career. Crosby has a strong leg, making 12-of-24 field goals of 50 or more yards. Crosby still needs to work on his accuracy but is improving. He has a big leg and has missed just nine kicks from less than 40 yards for his career.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Crosby has proved to be a top fantasy kicker. He has long-distance potential and his point totals are among the best in the game, playing in a great offense. Crosby seems a pretty sure thing to finish with around 130 points. You can't go wrong with Crosby as your No. 1 kicker despite his somewhat shaky accuracy and lack of long-distance kicks. His points totals will be very steady.

 #13  Randy Bullock$1  HoustonBye: 8 
 
Player News:
The Texans drafted Bullock with the hopes of finding their starting kicker for the next several seasons. He'll compete with Shayne Graham for the starting job this season. The Texans will give him every shot to win the job but won't hand it to him. Bullock had a great college career. He was extremely accurate and had a strong leg, making him an asset on kickoffs and long-distance kicks. He could have a few growing pains in the pro game but seems ready to make the jump.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Bullock has obvious potential if he is starting for the Texans. He can get 120 to 130 points in this offense. If he grabs the starting job, he is worth a gamble as a No. 1 kicker. He can finish with very good numbers.

 #14  David Akers$1  Yr: 2011  FGM: 44  FGA: 52DetroitBye: 9 
 
Player News:
A move to San Francisco certainly didn't hinder Akers' career. In fact, he had his best season as a pro, scoring a league best and career high 166 points. He had more than 50 field-goal attempts for the first time in his career. And he made 84 percent of his kicks, which is above his career average. Akers had a great season and proved he isn't ready to slow down just yet at age 37. Akers has at least 139 points four straight seasons. Akers remains an accurate kicker with a strong leg. He will struggle on some really long kicks at this stage of his career, but plays in an offense that gives him plenty of chances for field goals and extra points. He has 30-plus field-goal attempts five straight seasons.

Fantasy Outlook:  
It would be a shock to see him match last year but he can have another big season in this offense. Akers remains a solid No. 1 for fantasy teams. He is a top-10 kicker. Akers can finish with around 125 or so points, making him a reliable fantasy starter.

 #15  Josh Brown Yr: 2011  FGM: 21  FGA: 28New York GiantsBye: 9 
 
Player News:
Brown had his struggles last season. He didn't get a ton of chances but struggled with the opportunities presented. He made 75 percent of his field goals, which was his lowest total since 2005. But he has fewer than 80 percent of his field goals made each of the last two seasons. Brown scored 81 points last season and averaged 93 points per season the last three years. He gets a fresh start with the Jets this season but will compete with Nick Folk for the starting job. Brown is a solid kicker at age 33 but will need to provide more consistency if he hopes to remain a starter. Brown has a very strong leg but lacks some accuracy, making 80.9 percent of his kicks for his career.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Brown has value if he wins the starting job but we aren't sure he gets the job based on the past few seasons. He has struggled at times. But if he is starting for the Jets, he has potential as a low-end No. 1 as he'll get plenty of chances. He could score around 110 points in this offense. Keep an eye on this job in camp and preseason action before using a pick on Brown.

 #16  Greg Zuerlein St LouisBye: 11 
 
Player News:
Zuerlein had a great college career but played at a small college, which is a bit of a concern as he transitions to the pro game. He could have some growing pains as he kicks in high-pressure situations. But with that said, Zuerlein has a big leg and does well with long-distance kicks. He was a prolific kicker in college and seems to have the makeup to do well in the NFL. He will be the starting kicker for the Rams.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Zuerlein has some potential and could become a top fantasy kicker but isn't likely to have a big rookie season in an offense that was awful last season. He just might not get enough chances to be a big help to fantasy teams. A season with around 100 points seems about right for his rookie season.

 #17  Steven Hauschka Yr: 2011  FGM: 25  FGA: 30SeattleBye: 12 
 
Player News:
Hauschuka got his first chance to be a full-time starter and did well in this role for the Seahawks. He made 83.3 percent of his field goals and scored 109 points. He did miss a field goal less than 30 yards but was a solid 9-of-12 on kicks of 40-plus yards. Hauschuka was a consistent kicker for the Seahawks and will open the coming season as their kicker once again. Hauschuka has an extremely strong leg. He isn't the most accurate kicker but is getting better and better in this area. He is just 27 years old and entering the prime of his career.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Hauschuka should do well once again, getting a good number of chances in this offense. He can score around 110 points once again and make some long-distance kicks because of his strong leg.

 #18  Shaun Suisham Yr: 2011  FGM: 23  FGA: 31PittsburghBye: 5 
 
Player News:
Suisham had a so-so first season with the Steelers. He did score 105 points but made just 74.2 percent of his field goals. He really struggled on longer kicks, making just 7-of-13 from 40-plus yards. Suisham missed just two kicks of less than 40 yards, though. He won't be handed the job in Pittsburgh after last season. He'll have to earn the starter's job with a strong showing in camp and preseason action. Suisham has three 100-point seasons in seven years in the NFL. Suisham has a pretty good leg and a tendency to make some clutch kicks but will struggle with accuracy at times, making 79.5 percent of his kicks for his career.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Suisham has some upside in a good Steelers' offense. He can get 110 points if he makes it through a full season with the team. He is no sure thing because of his track record, but worth a flier in the last round of your draft.

 #19  Connor Barth Yr: 2011  FGM: 26  FGA: 28Tampa BayBye: 5 
 
Player News:
Barth had another good season as the starting kicker for the Bucs. He made 92.9 percent of his field goals and scored 101 points. He has averaged 103 points per season the last two years with the Bucs. Barth was very impressive from long distance, making 15-of-17 from 40-plus yards. He is becoming an elite kicker when it comes to accuracy. And he should get more chances this season in an offense that has to be better than last year. Barth has a plus leg and as mentioned, he is becoming very accurate on all kicks. He has clearly gained confidence as a starting kicker in the NFL.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Barth has a chance to improve on last season. The Bucs should have a better offensive team, giving Barth more field-goal chances. He could score 115 or so points, making him a low-end No. 1 or solid spot starter for fantasy teams. Barth is a guy you can nab later in your draft but still get good enough results.

 #20  Robbie Gould Yr: 2011  FGM: 28  FGA: 32ChicagoBye: 8 
 
Player News:
Gould broke the 100-point mark for the sixth straight season last year. He made a solid 87.5 percent of his kicks, scoring 121 points. Gould has been rock solid for the Bears thru the years. He has made 85.8 percent of his field goals for his career and averages 115 points per season. Gould also is improving on his long-distance kicks, making 11-of-13 field goals from 50 or more yards the last three seasons. Gould doesn't have a booming leg, but is a very accurate kicker, getting plenty of chances in an above-average Bears' offense.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Gould probably won't lead the league in scoring, but his numbers will be above average for fantasy kickers. He is good for around 115 points and a few long-distance kicks. He is a more than capable No. 1 for fantasy teams.

 #21  Adam Vinatieri Yr: 2011  FGM: 23  FGA: 27IndianapolisBye: 8 
 
Player News:
The Colts didn't provide Vinatieri many chances last year but he had a solid season with his chances. He missed just four field goals (85.2 percent) and made 10-of-13 kicks from 40-plus yards. He had 93 points, which was the first time he had less than 100 point in a full season. At age 39, Vinatieri doesn't have as strong of a leg anymore, but it isn't terrible. Vinatieri was able to make two kicks of 50-plus yards last year. He remains extremely accurate and clutch, though, continuing to make game-winning kicks every season. Vinatieri has topped 100 points all but two seasons during his illustrious NFL career.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Vinatieri isn't the sure No. 1 of past seasons. His offense just won't provide him enough chances to be an elite kicker. He might be worth some spot starts in the right matchup but that is about it. We do expect his point totals to be better this season, getting around 105 or so points.

 #22  Ryan Succop Yr: 2011  FGM: 24  FGA: 30Kansas CityBye: 10 
 
Player News:
Succop scored 92 points last season, failing to hit the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. He did make 80 percent of his field goals, though, which was up from the previous season. He still had some accuracy issues, missing five field goals between 40 and 49 yards. His point totals were down because the Chiefs' offense just wasn't very good. He should get more chances as the Chiefs get better offensively, which is likely this season. Succop has a strong leg and is an accurate kicker from less than 40 yards. He will struggle on some accuracy issues with longer kicks, but has the talent to get better in that area.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Succop has some talent but playing for the Chiefs hurts his fantasy value. He just doesn't get the chances of some of the other top fantasy kickers. He can get 105 or so points but don't expect his numbers to be much better than that. He isn't a very exciting fantasy option.

 #23  Mike Nugent Yr: 2011  FGM: 33  FGA: 38CincinnatiBye: 12 
 
Player News:
It took a little time but Nugent had a breakout season for the Bengals last year. He set career highs in field goals made, points and had the second best field-goal percentage of his career. He finished with 132 points and missed just five field goals all season. The Bengals offense provided him with more chances and he took advantage. Nugent has 100-point season three of seven in the NFL. He finally seems to have found a permanent home in Cincinnati and is in the prime of his career at age 30. Nugent has a strong leg and is improving his accuracy, making nearly 87 percent of his kicks last season.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Nugent is a reason so many fantasy teams wait on a kicker. He was an afterthought for many fantasy teams last year but was among the league leader in points. He can finish with similar numbers this season in an emerging offense. Nugent is a legit No. 1 for fantasy teams, scoring around 125 or so points.

 #24  Jay Feely Yr: 2011  FGM: 19  FGA: 24ArizonaBye: 9 
 
Player News:
Feely scored just 90 points last season, breaking a streak of three straight years with 100-plus points. He played in a terrible offense, though, that struggled to get him chances. He attempted just 24 field goals, which was the second lowest total of his career. Feely averages 96 points per season in two years with the Cardinals. Feely should get a few more chances this season in a Cardinals' offense that should be better. Feely has become an accurate kicker through the years and has an above-average leg.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Feely isn't an elite kicker, but a decent spot starter for fantasy teams. He doesn't miss many kicks and is a pretty sure thing for 105 or so points. The Cardinals offense should provide him with a few more chances this season, which should help his point totals from last season.

 #25  Shayne Graham Yr: 2011  FGM: 6  FGA: 7ClevelandBye: 10 
 
Player News:
Graham played with two teams last year, scoring 26 points in three games for the Ravens and Dolphins. Graham will compete with rookie Randy Bullock for the starter's job in Houston this season. Bullock is the favorite because the Texans used a draft pick on him but he won't be handed the job. Graham doesn't have the leg strength of past seasons at age 34, but his accuracy helps make up for that. He has four seasons with 115 or more points and a past track record of playing at a high level. He remains a solid NFL kicker. Graham has been pretty accurate through the years, making 86 percent of his kicks for his career.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Graham is worth a roster spot if starting but seems a long shot to win the starting job in Houston this year. He might be worth a waiver-wire grab if he lands a starting gig at some point during the season.

 #26  Dan Carpenter Yr: 2011  FGM: 29  FGA: 34MiamiBye: 6 
 
Player News:
Carpenter had a solid season after a bit of a down year in 2010. He didn't score as many points as the previous season (113) but made 85.3 percent of his field goals, which was way up from 2010. Carpenter was a very impressive 11-of-12 on field goals between 40 and 49 yards. Carpenter has been consistent since taking over as the starter in Miami. His low in points is 103 with his high being 115. He averages 111 points per season with the Dolphins. The Dolphins' offense is expected to be better this season, which should translate to more chances for Carpenter. Carpenter has a strong leg and above-average accuracy.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Carpenter is a legit fantasy starter. Even with some struggles the last few years, he still finished with high point totals. And don't be surprised to see his numbers go up with the Dolphins' offense improved. He can get 120-plus points this season.

 #27  Nick Novak Yr: 2011  FGM: 27  FGA: 34San DiegoBye: 8 
 
Player News:
Novak started for a full season for the first time in his career last year, getting a chance to start for the injured Nate Kaeding in San Diego. Novak scored 122 points and made 79.4 percent of his field goals. He had a few accuracy issues but was pretty accurate overall for most of the year. He missed just one kick of less than 40 yards. Novak is not guaranteed anything for the coming season, though. He will compete with Nate Kaeding for the starter's job in San Diego. Kaeding is likely to win the job based off his history with the team and success. Novak has a strong leg and does well on shorter kicks but accuracy has been an issue throughout his career, making just 71.9 percent of his field goals for his career.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Novak has obvious potential if he is starting for a high-powered offense but not sure that will be the case this year. He probably won't get the chance he did last year. But if he does end up getting a starting job with a good team, he'll be worth starting for fantasy teams. He proved that last year.

 #28  Rian Lindell Yr: 2011  FGM: 13  FGA: 15BuffaloBye: 12 
 
Player News:
A shoulder injury cut Lindell's season short last year. He played just half the year but was solid when playing. He made 86.7 percent of his field goals, which was his best total since 2007. But he is 35 years old and coming off an injury-plagued season so the Bills brought in competition for Lindell. Rookie John Potter will compete with Lindell for the starting job. Lindell has the experience but will need to prove he is healthy and kicking well to win the job. Lindell has six 100-point seasons for his career. He doesn't have a huge leg, but makes up for that with above average accuracy on all his kicks.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Lindell isn't a top fantasy option even if he wins the starting job so you might just want to go with other options. He probably isn't worth the risk as the Bills likely will try to give the rookie every chance to win the job, trying to get younger at the position.

 #29  Graham Gano Yr: 2011  FGM: 31  FGA: 41CarolinaBye: 4 
 
Player News:
Gano had a rocky second season with the Redskins. He made just 75.6 percent of his field goals and missed four field goals between 30 and 39 yards. His issues on shorter kicks could lose his job for the coming season. The Redskins signed veteran Neil Rackers to compete with Gano for the starting job. Gano did score a career-high 118 points last season and has two straight years with at least 100 points. Gano has a solid leg but not spectacular and his accuracy is up and down at this stage of his career. He makes just 73.8 percent of his field goals for his career.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Gano has some value if he is starting but you have to think the starter's job is Rackers to lose. It would be a mild surprise if Gano kept the starting gig in Washington.

 #30  Josh Scobee Yr: 2011  FGM: 23  FGA: 25JacksonvilleBye: 9 
 
Player News:
Scobee didn't get many chances in a bad offense but was nearly perfect with the chances given, missing just two field goals all season (92 percent). This was his second best accuracy mark of his career. Scobee scored just 93 points, though. He has fewer than 100 points four of the last five years. He has three 100-point seasons in eight years and his career high in points is 119. Scobee just doesn't get a ton of chances in a below average offense. The Jags offense should be better this year with a new offensive minded head coach at the helm but don't expect a huge jump in attempts. Scobee has a very strong leg. He struggles with accuracy at times, though, and has battled some injury issues a few times during his career.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Scobee is no sure thing for fantasy teams. He has been plagued by injury issues in the past and his accuracy isn't always the best. He might get around 100 points but don't expect him to be much more than a spot play for fantasy teams.

 #31  Nick Folk Yr: 2011  FGM: 19  FGA: 25New York JetsBye: 10 
 
Player News:
Folk has some competition at kicker this season after having a so-so 2011. He scored 101 points but made just 76 percent of his field-goal attempts. He has averaged 114 points per season in two years with the Jets but has made fewer than 80 percent of his kicks in both seasons with the team. For his career, Folk makes just 77.9 percent of his field goals. He'll compete with Josh Brown for the starting kicking duties this season. Folk has 100-point seasons four of five in the NFL and averages 110.2 points per season for his career. Folk has a very strong leg, making him an asset on kickoffs as well as long-distance kicks. He does have some accuracy issues, though, which could ultimately cost him his job in 2012.

Fantasy Outlook:  
If he is starting for the Jets, he has obvious value as he should be a good bet to get 110 or so points. But his starting spot is far from guaranteed. You might as well just take another kicker come draft day. Folk probably isn't worth the risk.

 #32  Caleb Sturgis MiamiBye: 6 
 
 #33  Dustin Hopkins BuffaloBye: 12 
 
 #34  Lawrence Tynes Yr: 2011  FGM: 19  FGA: 24New York GiantsBye: 9 
 
Player News:
Tynes didn't get a ton of chances for field goals last year (24) but was able to score 100 points, giving him three straight seasons of at least 100 points. He has back-to-back 100 point seasons, though, which isn't too high for a kicker these days. The Giants aren't providing a ton of chances for him, though, giving Tynes 47 field-goal attempts the last two seasons. He plays in a good offense, though, and could see a bump in chances this season. He did have 32 field-goal attempts in 2009 for the Giants. Tynes will struggle at times with accuracy, but has improved in that area through the years. He has a strong leg and plays in a good Giants' offense.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Tynes has potential in a very good offense. He always seems on a short leash, but keeps preserving as starter for the Giants. He is an upper echelon option as long as he is the Giants' starting kicker. His numbers don't lie. A full season should produce around 115 points.

 #35  Billy Cundiff Yr: 2011  FGM: 28  FGA: 37San FranciscoBye: 9 
 
Player News:
Cundiff scored a career best 122 points last season but missed nine field goals. He had some accuracy issues, making 75.7 percent of his field goals after making 89.7 percent the previous season. His biggest struggles came on long-distance kicks, making 1-of-6 from 50-plus yards. In two seasons with the Ravens, Cundiff averages 120 points per season. He will have some competition for the starting job from undrafted rookie free agent Justin Tucker but figures to win the job as long as he doesn't struggle in camp and preseason action. Cundiff's accuracy has improved through the years and he plays in an offense that should provide him plenty of chances. He has a strong leg but does struggle with accuracy on longer kicks.

Fantasy Outlook:  
As long as he holds off Tucker for the starting job, Cundiff is worth owning in all formats. He is a legit No. 1 kicker in an offense that has a history of producing top fantasy kickers. He can score 120 to 130 points in a starting role.

 #36  Justin Medlock CarolinaBye: 4 
 
Player News:
Medlock seems to be about running out of time to make it in the NFL, getting cut by the Redskins during this offseason. Medlock kicked in the Canadian Football League last season. He has a huge leg and his accuracy is decent, but will need to be more consistent if he hopes to be an NFL starter. He is an asset on kickoffs and for long-distance kicks.

Fantasy Outlook:  
He'll need a strong showing during training camp and preseason action if he catches on with some team.

 #37  Olindo Mare Yr: 2011  FGM: 22  FGA: 27ChicagoBye: 8 
 
Player News:
Mare didn't exactly light it up his first season with the Panthers. He did score 110 points, which is one of the higher totals of his career, but he made just 78.6 percent of his field goals. This was his lowest percentage since 2007. Mare does have four straight seasons of at least 100 points, though. He isn't making the long-distance kicks, though, having just one field goal of 50-plus yards in the last three seasons. Mare will be 39 at the start of the season, so he is nearing the end. He won't be handed the starting job in Carolina.

Fantasy Outlook:  
If starting. He is a pretty safe bet to score 100 points but it is no sure thing he will start this season. Mare had plenty of struggles last season, which is not a good sign for him going forward. You probably are better off just going with other options this year.

 #38  David Buehler Yr: 2011  FGM: 0  FGA: 0New York GiantsBye: 9 
 
Player News:
Buehler played just four games last season, serving as the kickoff specialist when he played. He didn't score a single point, failing to make a field goal all season. He had 114 points the previous season but made just 75 percent of his field goals. At this point, his career isn't over but Buehler is fighting for a roster spot. He has some upside at age 25 but needs to become much more accurate. His leg is strong, though, and he is an asset on kickoffs and long-distance attempts.

Fantasy Outlook:  
Unless he has a starting job, don't bother. And right now, he doesn't look to be starting this season.

 #39  Havard Rugland DetroitBye: 9 
 

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