Fantasy Football: The top ten kickers of 2016
As both the NFL and Fantasy Football season approaches, the focus turns to projections for the upcoming years’ individual players and their respective organizations.
As the 2016 season approaches, which kickers will be the most productive expects to be a key battle and Fantasy Football focus this year. With the extension of the extra point and the sheer number of games determined by a few points, a productive kicker is an often overlooked Fantasy option. That said, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved up to select a kicker in the second round of the NFL draft (Roberto Aguayo) and a similar move in a Fantasy draft would be just as unheralded.
Following is a comprehensive list of the Top 10 Fantasy Football kicker options entering the 2016 season.
Stephen Gostkowski – NE
As was the case in 2015, expect Gostkowski to be at the forefront of kickers among the league. Converting on 52 extra points, Gostkowski is expected to replicate that total this season. Not only will he be the beneficiary of a dominant offense, but Gostkowski should continue to contribute from the field goal perspective as well. Having converted on 33 of 36 field goals last year, expect Gostkowski to dominate the kicking realm of fantasy football, again, in 2016.
2. Steven Hauschka – SEA
Number two on the list will be the beneficiary of a potent offense in the great northwest. Hauschka had a down year (by his standards) in 2015 converting only 40 of 44 extra point attempts during the season. He made all but two field goals but should continue to contribute in a dominate fashion during 2016. Expect Hauschka to replicate, if not surpass, his numbers from a season ago.
3. Dan Bailey – DAL
Though the Dallas kicker only had 25 extra point attempts last season, he did convert on each one and 30 of 32 field goal attempts. With an improved offense in the ‘Big D,’ expect Bailey to have a good season and produce fantasy gold for those that draft him for their respective rosters.
4. Justin Tucker – BAL
He may have missed seven field goals during 2015, but Justin Tucker remains a top fantasy option for the upcoming season. Tucker converted all 29 of his extra point attempts and 82% of his field goals, including all but one inside of 50 yards. An improved offense should benefit Tucker during the coming season.
5. Adam Vinatieri – IND
Rounding out the Top 5, Vinatieri should continue to contribute even at 43 years old. Having been a member of the Colts’ organization for the past 10 years, he has given up kickoff duties but maintains his presence for field goals. Vinatieri will also have the benefit of kicking indoors during each home game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Having converted all but two field goal chances, with a long of 55-yards, Vinatieri has proven himself a solid fantasy option and everyday performer.
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6. Mason Crosby – GB
With a healthy offense including the return of wide receiver Jordy Nelson, Green Bay should put up plenty of scores and red zone attempts in 2016. Crosby converted on every single extra point attempt last year (36) and only missed four field goals. He continues to be a top level fantasy option with Green Bay expected to have continued success this year.
7. Josh Brown – NYG
NFL journeyman Josh Brown has spent his last three seasons with the New York Giants after some time with Cincinnati, Seattle, St. Louis and the New York Jets. An obvious asset on special teams, Brown has proven his worth for multiple teams throughout the league. A solid selection for fantasy purposes, Brown should improve his numbers from last season.
8. Graham Gano – CAR
Gano was the beneficiary of a potent offense in 2015 that provided him 59 extra point attempts. Of those 59 he managed to hit all but three while also converting 30 of 36 field goal attempts for the season. While the Carolina offense may not replicate their production of a year ago, expect Gano to still see multiple scores and a similar number of field goal opportunities. With the departure of Punter, Brad Nortman, during the offseason, Gano will have a different holder for his kicks in 2016; something to keep an eye on during the preseason.
9. Blair Walsh – MIN
Kicking inside the new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota is something that fantasy owners should take note of during the first couple of preseason games. That said, Walsh will have the opportunity to kick there daily and should benefit from the controlled environment. Walsh led the league in made field goals (34) a season ago and will again be among the top kickers in 2016. He should be the beneficiary of an improved offense, increasing his extra point chances, but his 89% conversion rate limits him from moving up this list.
10. Chandler Catanzaro – ARI
Rounding out the top ten is another kicker who gets to enjoy kicking without the distraction of mother nature and the elements for a majority of their contests. Catanzaro is a solid option thanks, in part, to the potent offense of the Cardinals. Attempting the second most extra points in the league (58) a season ago, he converted 53 and all but three field goal attempts. Such a high powered offense may not give Catanzaro many field goal opportunities, but expect him to generate at least a few points weekly.
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