Anyone who doesn’t think a kicker is an important part of a football team needs to talk the New Orleans Saints. After Reggie Bush returned two second half punts for touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night the Saints were in position to take a three-point lead with under two minutes to go. Then Martin Gramatica did the unthinkable and missed his second field goal of the game. This left the Vikings in decent field position with plenty of time to get themselves into position for a field goal and Minnesota kicker Ryan Longwell hit the game winner with 13 seconds left. This was the second time this season Gramatica missed a crucial kick that could have won the game for the Saints. If not for Gramatica the Saints could be 4-1 instead of 2-3, which they are now. Is it a surprise that the Saints have placed Gramatica on injured reserve for the remainder of the season? We think not.
Kickers can be just as important to a fantasy football team. Bruno Boys Fantasy Football has preached all year not to overlook your kicker, just a few points often decide fantasy football games. As such, please enjoy the Bruno Boys Week 6 Kicker Rankings.
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1. Nick Folk (Dallas Cowboys) @ Arizona
The Cowboys and Cardinals both can score points in bunches and with both defenses allowing 20 plus points a game, we should have a shootout in the desert. Look for Nick Folk to have a big week.
Point projection: 11 points
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2. Mason Crosby (Green Bay Packers) @ Seattle
John Carney and the New York Giants had a field day against the Seahawks in week 5 and you should expect the same from Mason Crosby and the Packers this week. If this game were being played at Lambeau Field, Crosby would be sitting in the top spot.
Point projection: 10 points
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3. Ryan Longwell (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Detroit
Ryan Longwell gets the pleasure of playing at home against the Lions this week. The Lions are allowing a whopping, 36.8 points per game, so Longwell should get plenty of opportunities in this one. But, he misses the top spot this week as the Vikings won’t have much trouble getting into the end zone.
Point projection: 10 points
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4. Matt Prater (Denver Broncos) vs. Jacksonville
Matt Prater has only missed one field goal in 13 attempts this season and has four field goals over 50 yards. Look for another big day from him against the Jaguars this week.
Point projection: 10 points
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5. Nate Kaeding (San Diego Chargers) vs. New England
San Diego struggled to score points against the Dolphins week 5 and look to turn things around at home against the Patriots this week. Nate Kaeding has not missed a field goal at home this year and that should continue this week.
Point projection: 9 points
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6. Neil Rackers (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Dallas
The Cardinals like the Cowboys have been in some high scoring games this year and this trend should continue when they face off this week. Look for Neil Rackers, who is coming off a 12 point fantasy outing, to have a big game.
Point projection: 9 points
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7. John Carney (New York Giants) @ ClevelandJohn Carney has not missed a kick this season for the Giants and has double digit fantasy points in each of the Giants' 4 games, but he is just filling in for the injured Lawrence Tynes. As long as this is Carney’s job he remains a must start. Tynes could be activated as soon as this week, so keep an eye on this situation. Point projection: 9 points
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8. Josh Scobee (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Denver
Josh Scobee did not record a field goal attempt week 5 against the Steelers, but the Broncos defense has struggled defensively this year, giving up 26 points per game. Look for Scobee to get back on track in the Colorado thin air. Point projection: 8 points
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9. Stephen Gostkowski (New England Patriots) @ San Diego
New England rebounded with a decent game against the 49ers after their bye week. If they continue to improve, so will Stephen Gostkowski’s value. Look for a solid game against the Chargers, who haven't exactly been the top defense many imagined they would be.
Point projection: 8 points
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10. Robbie Gould (Chicago Bears) @ Atlanta
Kyle Orton has proven to be the right choice as the Bears’ starting quarterback this season. The offense is much improved over last year and it has helped Robbie Gould’s numbers as the kicker has double digit points in 3 of the Bears 5 games. He should be in for a nice week in Atlanta.
Point projection: 8 points
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11. Jason Elam (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Chicago
Jason Elam is one of many Falcons reaping the benefits of their new offensive system. Even with the move from Denver to Atlanta, Elam is a top 5 kicker, coming in currently at #4 in fantasy points with 51. Ride Elam as long as the Falcons are hot.
Point projection: 8 points
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12. Shaun Suisham (Washington Redskins) vs. St. Louis
Shaun Suisham struggled with his accuracy weeks two and three, but he has hit all 7 field goal attempts over the past two weeks, including a 50-yarder. Look for another big game as the red hot Redskins take on the struggling Rams.
Point projection: 8 points
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13. Matt Bryant (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Carolina
Matt Bryant has yet to miss a kick this year as he's a perfect 10 for 10 when it comes to field goals. He does not have the strongest leg as his longest field goal is 37 yards, but those short ones are all still worth three points. Consider him a borderline starter against the Panthers this week.
Point projection: 8 points
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14. John Kasay (Carolina Panthers) @ Tampa Bay
John Kasay is another kicker who is perfect on the season, like Bryant he is 10 for 10. The Panthers’ offense is finally healthy and seems to be running on all cylinders. Look for Kasay’s numbers, which are already solid, to continue to improve.
Point projection: 8 points
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15. Joe Nedney (San Francisco 49ers) vs. PhiladelphiaJoe Nedney has benefited from the 49ers offensive improvement this year as the Niners are averaging a full 7.1 points more per game than last season. They should have a tough game this week when the Eagles come to town, but this could lead to more field goal attempts for Nedney.Point projection: 7 points ----------------------
16. Kris Brown (Houston Texans) vs. Miami
The Texans might be winless thus far this season, but it has not been because Kris Brown is not doing his job. He has made all 7 field goals he's attempted on the season. After a heart breaking loss against the Colts last week, the Texans will look for their first win against the Dolphins.
Point projection: 7 points
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17. Shayne Graham (Cincinnati Bengals) @ New York Jets
Shayne Graham has not struggled with his accuracy, but the Bengals have struggled to score points. They are still winless, but they have showed signs of life the past two weeks. Graham is not worthy of starting until the Bengals offense consistentlt gets the job done.
Point projection: 7 points
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18. David Akers (Philadelphia Eagles) @ San Francisco
The Eagles look to get back on track after two straight losses as they travel to San Francisco. David Akers has struggled more than he has in the past, missing 25% of his opportunities thus far. There are better kicking options available at this time.
Point projection: 7 points
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19. Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland Raiders) @ New Orleans
Sebastian Janikowski is one of the few bright spots for the Raiders. He has hit 9 of 10 field goal attempts on the season, including a bomb from 56 yards in week 2. If he didn’t play for the Raiders, Janikowski might be in the top 10.
Point projection: 7 points
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20. Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Baltimore
The Colts offensive struggles continue and it is limiting Adam Vinatieri’s value. If the Colts can get back on track Vinatieri could once again become a starting fantasy kicker, but that is unlikely against a tough Ravens defense.
Point projection: 6 points
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21. Taylor Mehlhaff (New Orleans Saints) vs. Oakland
The Saints have finally got smart and rid themselves of Martin Gramatica by placing the kicker on the injured reserve. They have resigned Taylor Mehlhaff, their rookie 6th round pick. Give Mehlhaff at least one week to prove himself, but if you have the roster spot available take a flier on this kid.
Point projection: 6 points
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22. Phil Dawson (Cleveland Browns) vs. New York Giants
There were high expectations for the Browns this year after a breakout 2007 season, but they have struggled. Dawson is making his kicks, he is just not getting enough opportunities to be considered a starting fantasy kicker.
Point projection: 5 points
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23. Josh Brown (St. Louis Rams) @ Washington
Hopefully the change in coaching will help the struggling Rams. Josh Brown’s production has been as affected as anyone’s. Do not start Brown until the Ram’s turn it around, although that may not be until next season.
Point projection: 5 points
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24. Dan Carpenter (Miami Dolphins) @ Houston
The Dolphins seemed to be much improved on the season with back-to-back upset wins over the Patriots and Chargers. However, Dan Carpenter still does not get enough kicks to make him worthy of a fantasy starter. in fact, he has just 4 field goal attempts on the year, but if the Dolphins keep winning keep an eye on him.
Point projection: 5 points
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25. Jason Hanson (Detroit Lions) @ Minnesota
Jason Hanson is another solid veteran kicker stuck on an extremely bad team. The Lions do not score enough points to make Hanson a valuable fantasy kicker anymore.
Point projection: 4 points
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26. Olindo Mare (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Green Bay
The Seahawks scored 6 points versus the Giants in week 5. Olindo Mare did hit both of his attempts, but if Seattle can’t move the ball his opportunities will continue to be limited. Keep Mare reserved for now.
Point projection: 4 points
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27. Matt Stover (Baltimore Ravens) @ Indianapolis
Matt Stover plays for a low scoring team and he has missed 3 of his 7 field goal attempts on the season. He should not even be on a fantasy roster.
Point projection: 4 points
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28. Jay Feely (New York Jets) vs. Cincinnati
Jets’ HC Eric Mangini has said that injured kicker Mike Nugent is not ready to comeback yet, so this is still Jay Feely’s job. Stay on the safe side and keep both kickers reserved week 6.
Point projection: 4 points
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WEEK 6 BYE WEEK KICKERS
Rob Bironas (Tennessee Titans) – BYE
The Tennessee Titans have earned their bye week after starting the season 5-0. Rob Bironas has been as good as the Titans team hitting all of his kicks this season. The Titans will play the Kansas City Chiefs after the bye week. Expect a good week from Bironas then.
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Jeff Reed (Pittsburgh Steelers) – BYE
The bye week has come at the right time for Jeff Reed as he tweaked his groin in the Steelers week 5 win over Jacksonville. It does not appear to be serious and he is probable for week 7 against the Bengals. Reed also has hit on all his opportunities this season; just make sure he is healthy before inserting him back into your line-up after the bye.
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Rian Lindell (Buffalo Bills) – BYE
Ryan Lindell has been a solid kicker on a strong Buffalo Bills team. The Bills suffered their first loss of the season week 5 in Arizona against the Cardinals. The Bills will face the Chargers after the bye week. Lindell will be a decent option if you need him.
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Nick Novak (Kansas City Chiefs) – BYE The Chiefs have been shut out twice already this season. They are not a good offensive team, and because of that, Novak has more than 5 fantasy points in just one game. He's not even worth a fantasy roster spot.
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WEEK 6 RANKINGS (click to view)
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Team Defense
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