Although you may not worry about who your kicker will be for the 2013 season, just think of how many fantasy matchups you have lost because of a point or two. In fantasy football, every point counts, and kickers can put up solid points depending on the structure of your league. If your league gives bonuses for longer field goals, pay extra attention to your kicker’s ability to kick distance over just accuracy.
Here are the top 10 kickers to draft for your fantasy team in 2013:
#10. Alex Henery – Philadelphia Eagles
Alex Henery was solid on a team that was terrible during the 2012 season. Henery is the only kicker on this list who missed an extra point during the season, but he was mostly consistent from long distances as he made 11 of 12 attempts between 40-49 yards. Henery made 87.1% of his field goal attempts and finished the season with 27 made field goals. The Philadelphia Eagles should be better in 2013, resulting in more attempts for Henery and more fantasy points.
#9. Dan Bailey – Dallas Cowboys
Dan Bailey was one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL last season, he just didn’t get enough attempts. Bailey made 93.5% of his attempts, and his only two misses all season were at 50+ yards. He made every field goal he attempted that was 49 yards or less. If the Cowboys can give him more opportunities, he could easily become a top 5 fantasy kicker.
#8. Justin Tucker – Baltimore Ravens
Even though he missed three field goals from the 40-49 yard range, Justin Tucker was flawless from 50+ yards, making all four attempts. Tucker had 30 made field goals and 42 extra points. With a new offensive system in place, the Baltimore Ravens kicker may benefit and have an even stronger performance in 2013.
#7. Jason Hanson – Detroit Lions
At the start of the 2013 season, Jason Hanson will be 43 years young. The Detroit Lions’ kicker had a solid year and plenty of attempts throughout the season; making 32 field goals in 36 attempts. Detroit should perform slightly better on offense with an improved rushing attack and healthy receivers, so expect Hanson to get plenty of opportunities and more extra points than his 38 last season.
#6. Sebastian Janikowski – Oakland Raiders
Sebastian Janikowski is known as having one of the strongest legs in all of the NFL. In 2012, Janikowski displayed accuracy and strength, converting on 31 of 34 attempts, and making 6 field goals of 50 or more yards. The Raiders were awful on offense, which limited his value, as he only had 25 extra points. If the Raiders can improve, Janikowski’s value will increase dramatically.
#5. Matt Bryant – Atlanta Falcons
Although he missed five field goals under 50 yards, Bryant had a very good year thanks to a great Atlanta Falcons offense. Bryant had 38 attempts, 33 made field goals, and 44 extra points for a total of 143 points. He showed his skill at kicking long distance field goals by making all four of his attempts at over 50 yards. Don’t expect him to lead the league in field goal percentage, but he should get plenty of opportunities and score a good amount of points for your fantasy team.
#4. Phil Dawson – Cleveland Browns
Phil Dawson was the most accurate kicker in 2012 among those who played in the entire season. Dawson had only 31 attempts, but made 29 of those and made all seven of his attempts from 50 yards or more. Dawson’s fantasy value is limited due to the fact that he is a member of the Cleveland Browns, but as they continue to improve, he should remain a solid fantasy kicker.
#3. Blair Walsh – Minnesota Vikings
If there is such a thing as a breakout fantasy kicker, Blair Walsh definitely fits that definition. Walsh went an incredible and league leading 10 for 10 on field goal attempts of 50 yards or longer. Overall, he made 35 of 38 attempts. Walsh is a very strong fantasy kicker, and worth a late draft pick.
#2. Stephen Gostkowski – New England Patriots
Stephen Gostkowski had a field goal percentage of only 82.9%, so why would he be the 2nd best kicker for your fantasy team? The reason Gostkowski is so valuable is simply because of the team he plays for. Due to the New England Patriots’ potent offense, Gostkowski made 66 extra points, which is easily the most in the NFL. Because of this, he also led all kickers in overall points with 153.
#1. Lawrence Tynes – New York Giants
Although he finished the season on a low note without many opportunities, Lawrence Tynes is the top overall kicker for 2013. Tynes had the second most attempts in the league with 39, and scored the second most points with 145. The New York Giants’ offense should be potent once again and Tynes will capitalize on opportunities. Tynes is the top fantasy kicker for 2013, but he is not that far above previously mentioned Gostkowski.
*All statistics from Yahoo! via Yahoo! Sports
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