Kicker Rankings Week Fifteen

Kicker Rankings: Week Fifteen

Updated: Thursday, 15 Dec 2011, 9:44 AM CST
Published : Thursday, 15 Dec 2011, 9:44 AM CST

Mat Harrison

John Kasay at Vikings
The Vikings are allowing an average of 33 points a game in their past five outings. And if that doesn’t convince you that John Kasay is this week’s top kicker then chew on this: Kasay’s 76 scoring opportunities are the second-most among NFL kickers. With a Saints offense looking the best it’s been all season and the Vikings defense unable to stop the pass, not to mention an offense that is susceptible to turnovers; Kasay is the man this week.

Mason Crosby at Chiefs
Thanks to an offense that may go down in history as one of the most prolific ever, Mason Crosby is leading the league’s kickers in scoring attempts. In his past three games he has hit on seven of eight field goals, including a four for four performance last week against the Raiders. With a 92 percent success rate this season, Crosby is the most consistent he has ever been. However, during outdoor games in December he is converting on just 74 percent of his attempts for his career. The Chiefs are so bad they got their coach fired this week. Even though they have clinched a first round bye, don’t expect the Packers to take their foot off the gas pedal. The Chiefs have allowed 34 or more points in two of their last four contests.

Dan Bailey at Buccaneers
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers allowing the second-most extra points with 44; it bodes well for Dan Bailey to have a nice day when the Cowboys head to the Sunshine State. Dallas is averaging 27 points over their past five outings which means Bailey, who ranks behind only Mason Crosby in proficiency could put up big numbers on the Bucs. The rookie from Oklahoma State has converted on at least two field goals in every game since week two. With Dallas’ ability to move the ball, Bailey will be busy.

Billy Cundiff at Chargers
With 35 field goal attempts Billy Cundiff ranks second in the league. The Ravens are averaging 24 points a game in their last four games, and have more than 320 yards or more of offense in each of their past eight contests, so moving the ball shouldn’t be an issue. The Chargers rank ninth in scoring chances allowed to opposing kickers. And despite their recent surge and tightened defense, they have allowed five field goals in their past four games.

Sebastian Janikowski vs. Lions
It’s do or die time for the Raiders. And while they probably have a better chance of moving to Los Angeles than getting into the postseason, they will give it a try. Detroit, based on almost losing to the Joe Webb-led Vikings, can give up points in bunches. And even if the Raiders can’t find the end zone, Sebastian Janikowski and his healthy left foot could be busy on Sunday.

Stephen Gostkowski at Broncos
Despite their defense being as important to their recent run of seven wins in their past eight as Tim Tebow has; the Broncos have allowed 30 of both field goal attempts and extra points this season. While the Patriots’ offense will be challenged more than usual this week, it’s insane to think they won’t score their share of points. Stephen Gostkowski, who for his career has hit on nearly 90 percent of his attempts in December, has registered nine field goals to go with all of those extra points the Pats have provided him in the last six weeks. In his only other trip to Denver he hit a 53-yarder to go with two extra points.

David Akers vs. Steelers
David Akers would be much higher in these rankings if he wasn’t playing the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Akers leads the league’s kickers with 42 field goal tries. However, the Steelers rank third best against opposing kickers and are the only NFL team to allow more field goal attempts (20) than they have extra points (19). Yes, Akers is more likely to attempt three pointers, but based on the Steelers defensive prowess and the 49ers lack of offensive production, scoring chance could be rare this week for Akers.

Jason Hanson at Raiders
Forty-one year-old Jason Hanson is coming off his fifth double digit scoring performance of the season. However he is hitting on just 50 percent of his field goal attempts over his past four games. The Raiders may be the cure for what ails Hanson, as they have allowed six field goals and an average of 40 points in their past two games. While the wheels continue to fall off of the Raiders’ bandwagon, the Lions could be in for a day full of trips to the end zone or at least to makeable field goal range.

Neil Rackers vs. Panthers
Despite being depleted by injuries, the Texans have already punched their card for the playoffs. Will they take it easy this week? We doubt it. They have a lot to play for, including a good seed for the tournament. The Panthers have allowed opposing kickers 66 scoring chances good for fifth worst in the NFL. With the Panthers porous defense and a third-stringer in T.J. Yates leading the Texans, Neil Rackers should be the beneficiary of the circumstances.

Lawrence Tynes vs. Redskins
Larry, Larry, quite contrary, what makes your fantasy stock grow? A resurgent offense led by Eli

Manning and a game against the generous Redskins. That’s what. Lawrence Tynes is reaping the rewards of a Giants offense that all of sudden has something to play for. Yes, his field goal production is down slightly, but the team can move the ball as good as anyone right now and some points are better than no points come this time of year.

Sleepers
Mike Nugent at Rams
The Rams don’t have a cure for the Bengals’ version of Cat Scratch Fever. Kicker Mike Nugent leads the league in field goal accuracy and a trip to the climate controlled atmosphere of the Edwards Jones Dome should help him stay that way. The Rams rank fourth-worst against opposing kickers and have been dreadful on defense the past four weeks, allowing no fewer than 23 points to their opponents. Forget the flaming arrows, this Nugent prefers pigskins.

Olindo Mare at Texans
Because his quarterback is Cam Newton, the Panthers Olindo Mare is one of just a few kickers on teams out of the playoff hunt to still be considered going forward. The Panthers are averaging 30 points a game in their last four contests and should be able to get in that range this week against a banged up and overmatched Texans’ defense. Despite winning their past four games, the Texans have allowed nine field goals in that span. As long as Newton is running the show, Mare is decent pick each week.

Nick Folk at Eagles
Three weeks ago the Jets were 5-5 and scoring in the teens on a consistent basis. However, in the past three weeks they have averaged 33 points a game and have found themselves in the thick of the playoff race. The Eagles are fourth best in the league against opposing kickers, but have allowed at least one field goal a game and average of 24 points in their past four outings. While the Eagles may keep the Jets out of the end zone more than most teams have recently, we don’t think they’ll stop Folk from putting up good numbers.

Nick Novak vs. Ravens
The Chargers’ offense has been playing well lately, scoring 75 points in their past two games. While the Ravens’ defense should do a much better job than the Jaguars and Bills did, it’s safe to believe the Chargers will still get a few cracks at points. The Ravens defense is rank third-best in points allowed, which mean the Chargers will be lucky to get into the end zone more than twice. However, the Ravens do give up yards much easier than they do scores, so expect the Chargers to get in field goal range more often than not.

Rob Bironas at Colts
With 53 scoring opportunities this season, Rob Bironas is having a solid, but quiet season. We like him this week because of the team he is about to face. The Colts lead the league in points allowed and extra points allowed. They also rank 10th in field goals allowed. Whether it’s Matt Hasselbeck or rookie Jake Locker, we like the Titans and Bironas to put a big number in Indy.