The 2014 K (kickers) Thread (1 Viewer)

[Mike Herman]

Sunday morning statuses:

Sebastian Janikowski, Josh Scobee & Caleb Sturgis have all been dealing with minor injuries but are all expected to play in Week 1. Although if not deemed ready or if they have a set back in practices this week, a late substitute kicker signing is still a possibility.

If Steve Hoffman gets to make the call, then Travis Coons should be the kicker for the Titans. If upper level coaching or management vetos that, the someone else will be signed this week.

Saints of course will be signing someone (although Thomas Morstead could actually placekick). They could resign Dimke or Graham once they sort out other positions, although that's probably not likely. Most likely is a signing of one of the now many available free agents. With Mostead handling kickoffs it broadens their options. I could see Connor Barth being one of the top candidates.

 

[J Giles Band]

Sunday morning statuses:

Sebastian Janikowski, Josh Scobee & Caleb Sturgis have all been dealing with minor injuries but are all expected to play in Week 1. Although if not deemed ready or if they have a set back in practices this week, a late substitute kicker signing is still a possibility.

If Steve Hoffman gets to make the call, then Travis Coons should be the kicker for the Titans. If upper level coaching or management vetos that, the someone else will be signed this week.

Saints of course will be signing someone (although Thomas Morstead could actually placekick). They could resign Dimke or Graham once they sort out other positions, although that's probably not likely. Most likely is a signing of one of the now many available free agents. With Mostead handling kickoffs it broadens their options. I could see Connor Marth being one of the top candidates.

Good stuff. Thanks Mike.Didn't see if the Raiders kept Tavecchio, but I know they claimed him off waivers after the Lions released him. If Janikowski is close to being ready, I'll assume they waived Tavecchio, but FYI in case Janikowski has a setback. Tavecchio pushed Freese for the job in Detroit (he had the stronger leg).

 

[KellysHeroes]

In preparation for a draft-only league, I went through and rated each team's kicker based on their job security. Here's what I have, where the number is intended to be something like the probability that the kicker will have the job all season (barring injury):

1.0 Dawson, Phil SFO PK

1.0 Gould, Robbie CHI PK

1.0 Prater, Matt DEN PK SUSPENDED

1.0 Bailey, Dan DAL PK

1.0 Scobee, Josh JAC PK

1.0 Folk, Nick NYJ PK

1.0 Gano, Graham CAR PK

1.0 Gostkowski, Stephen NEP PK

1.0 Zuerlein, Greg STL PK

1.0 Tucker, Justin BAL PK

1.0 Hauschka, Steven SEA PK

0.95 Nugent, Mike CIN PK

0.95 Cundiff, Billy CLE PK

0.95 Novak, Nick SDC PK

0.95 Vinatieri, Adam IND PK

0.95 Sturgis, Caleb MIA PK

0.95 Suisham, Shaun PIT PK

0.95 Walsh, Blair MIN PK

0.90 Barth, Connor TBB PK CUT

0.90 Bryant, Matt ATL PK

0.90 Brown, Josh NYG PK

0.90 Crosby, Mason GBP PK

0.90 Janikowski, Sebastian OAK PK

0.85 Carpenter, Dan BUF PK

0.85 Feely, Jay ARI PK CUT

0.85 Graham, Shayne NOS PK CUT

0.80 Succop, Ryan KCC PK CUT

0.80 Freese, Nate DET PK

0.70 Henery, Alex PHI PK CUT

0.70 Bullock, Randy HOU PK

0.65 Forbath, Kai WAS PK

0.50 Bonani, Maikon TEN PK CUT

Anyone look out of place in this list? (Especially guys who I have below 0.90 who should be above 0.90, or vice versa.)

(Cuts added above in bold).

Looks like I did pretty well with the ranking here, although more of the frontrunners got cut than I expected. Prater's suspension is the only woe to hit the 18 guys who I rated 0.95 or higher, and the 9 guys who I rated 0.85 or lower accounted for 5 of the 6 cuts.

There were 4 guys who others in this thread said I was too low on (Feely, Graham, Succop, Carpenter); 3 of them got cut.

Man, whoever said Carpenter was too low must have been really plugged in.

Freese was drafted so I think he's pretty safe

 

[J Giles Band]

In preparation for a draft-only league, I went through and rated each team's kicker based on their job security. Here's what I have, where the number is intended to be something like the probability that the kicker will have the job all season (barring injury):

1.0 Dawson, Phil SFO PK

1.0 Gould, Robbie CHI PK

1.0 Prater, Matt DEN PK SUSPENDED

1.0 Bailey, Dan DAL PK

1.0 Scobee, Josh JAC PK

1.0 Folk, Nick NYJ PK

1.0 Gano, Graham CAR PK

1.0 Gostkowski, Stephen NEP PK

1.0 Zuerlein, Greg STL PK

1.0 Tucker, Justin BAL PK

1.0 Hauschka, Steven SEA PK

0.95 Nugent, Mike CIN PK

0.95 Cundiff, Billy CLE PK

0.95 Novak, Nick SDC PK

0.95 Vinatieri, Adam IND PK

0.95 Sturgis, Caleb MIA PK

0.95 Suisham, Shaun PIT PK

0.95 Walsh, Blair MIN PK

0.90 Barth, Connor TBB PK CUT

0.90 Bryant, Matt ATL PK

0.90 Brown, Josh NYG PK

0.90 Crosby, Mason GBP PK

0.90 Janikowski, Sebastian OAK PK

0.85 Carpenter, Dan BUF PK

0.85 Feely, Jay ARI PK CUT

0.85 Graham, Shayne NOS PK CUT

0.80 Succop, Ryan KCC PK CUT

0.80 Freese, Nate DET PK

0.70 Henery, Alex PHI PK CUT

0.70 Bullock, Randy HOU PK

0.65 Forbath, Kai WAS PK

0.50 Bonani, Maikon TEN PK CUT

Anyone look out of place in this list? (Especially guys who I have below 0.90 who should be above 0.90, or vice versa.)

(Cuts added above in bold).

Looks like I did pretty well with the ranking here, although more of the frontrunners got cut than I expected. Prater's suspension is the only woe to hit the 18 guys who I rated 0.95 or higher, and the 9 guys who I rated 0.85 or lower accounted for 5 of the 6 cuts.

There were 4 guys who others in this thread said I was too low on (Feely, Graham, Succop, Carpenter); 3 of them got cut.

Man, whoever said Carpenter was too low must have been really plugged in.

Freese was drafted so I think he's pretty safe

For now, but so was Zach Hocker... One pick ahead of Freese, actually.

 

[JFS171]

Eagles K Cody Parkey went 5-of-6 from 40-49 yards at Auburn last year.

Parkey didn't come out of nowhere to unseat Alex Henery. He was the No. 1 kicker in the country coming out of high school, led the NCAA in touchbacks last year and went 5-of-5 in the preseason -- including two 50-plus bombs. Parkey will be a fine streaming option for fantasy owners against the Jags in Week 1.

IMO Kelly is a rational coach despite what's been said about Henery's lack of opportunities last year. Knowing he didnt have a great kicker from range probably increased his propensity to go for it in fourth and short situations from that area of the field. Having a potentially excellent kicker from range may shift that equation. Three points in hand is much better than a 30% shot at a first down at the 40.

 

[Mike Herman]

Monday morning updates:

TEN - word on the Tennessee grapevine is that a Ryan Succop signing by the Titans is allegedly in the works

DEN - former pooch punter (and also QB) John Elway says Broncos will go with Brandon McManus while Matt Prater is suspended

 

[Ace zero1]

so would you drop graham gano for parkey?

 

[Archer]

so would you drop graham gano for parkey?

I probably would but I do think Gano is a sneaky pick now. If the Panthers offense struggles like many think it will, easy to imagine Gano having a lot more FG attempts than extra point attempts.

 

[Ace zero1]

so would you drop graham gano for parkey?

I probably would but I do think Gano is a sneaky pick now. If the Panthers offense struggles like many think it will, easy to imagine Gano having a lot more FG attempts than extra point attempts.

thats what i was thinking. ill drop gano but keep my eye on him.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

so the saints kicker is?

 

[Richc111]

what is going on with kickers this year. Do you think it is about the new XP' I have never seen a turnover like this, with most of it going to young kickers with no experience.

 

[Abrantes]

I'll be rooting hard for Cairo Santos.

 

[JetMaxx]

Justin Tucker is $$

 

[Milkman]

Eagles K Cody Parkey went 5-of-6 from 40-49 yards at Auburn last year.

Parkey didn't come out of nowhere to unseat Alex Henery. He was the No. 1 kicker in the country coming out of high school, led the NCAA in touchbacks last year and went 5-of-5 in the preseason -- including two 50-plus bombs. Parkey will be a fine streaming option for fantasy owners against the Jags in Week 1.

IMO Kelly is a rational coach despite what's been said about Henery's lack of opportunities last year. Knowing he didnt have a great kicker from range probably increased his propensity to go for it in fourth and short situations from that area of the field. Having a potentially excellent kicker from range may shift that equation. Three points in hand is much better than a 30% shot at a first down at the 40.

I'm not sure this is true. Some have argued that going for it on 4th and 1 is better than kicking a 50+ yard fg. Lots of variables can change what's optimal like distance needed for first down, who's your short yardage RB, distance of fg, who's your kicker, and more. Not sure kicking it is always the correct decision though.

 

[zamboni]

Have to think that Rob Bironas will end up with a job ooner or later. Seems like the Saints would be a good fit.

 

[KellysHeroes]

what is going on with kickers this year. Do you think it is about the new XP' I have never seen a turnover like this, with most of it going to young kickers with no experience.

Maybe it's the $$$, didn't the veteran minimal go up?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

My league goes with team kickers so you have to trust the teams to cut the right guy.

 

[JaxBill]

what is going on with kickers this year. Do you think it is about the new XP' I have never seen a turnover like this, with most of it going to young kickers with no experience.

Maybe it's the $$$, didn't the veteran minimal go up?

I think it's the Week 1 veteran rule. If he's on your roster week 1, the whole contract is guaranteed for the year.

maybe Bironas gets a phone call next Tuesday.

 

[Mike Herman]

The excitement builds... Saints say they'll have some kicker news later this afternoon/evening...

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Saints re-signed K Shayne Graham.
Graham and Derek Dimke were both cut loose over the weekend, but the Saints couldn't find a better option on the open market. Graham is likely returning for slightly less than the $955,000 he was originally scheduled to make. A career 85.5-percent field-goal kicker, Graham will be a weekly K1 for the Saints' high-powered offense.

Source: Nick Underhill on Twitter

 

[Air Stich]

Graham is on the wire, but I'm sticking with McManus in Denver. It's now or never, because Graham won't be available for long.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Really like this new kicker for the Detroit Lions, Nate Freese. Started out slowly in TC but really came on once the games began. He made all of his kicks, including a 55 yarder. In college he was 70-81, a perfect 20/20 his senior year.

History is certainly behind him.

The Lions drafted Eddie Murray in the 7th round of the 1980 draft, and in the next 12 seasons he was a 4-time All Pro, became the team's all-time leading scorer and was named to the All Decade team for the 1980s. Played for 19 years, and stands 16th on the all-time scoring list.

Jason Hanson was taken in the 2nd round of the 1992 draft. He went on to score 2,150 points in 21 seasons - third all-time - and compiled an impressive resume:

• Most field goals of 40 or more yards (total) – 189
• Most consecutive field goals of 40 or more yards (total) – 24 (2007–2009)
• Most field goals of 50 or more yards (total) – 52.[11]
• Became the second player in league history (after Jason Elam) to score 200+ points against 3 different teams (division rivals Packers, Bears, and Vikings).
• Most career games with one NFL team (327 as of December 31, 2012).
• Most career seasons with one NFL team (21).
• On December 18, 2011, became the first player in NFL history to score 2,000 points with one franchise.
• Most career game winning field goals in overtime – 9 – tied with Jason Elam, Jim Breech, and Steve Christie

Here's hoping Nate has a similarly long and productive career. As a franchise, the Lions get very few things right. But going back to Errol Mann, they've had great kickers for since 1969 (excepting last year's disaster of David Akers).

 

[ratbast]

I came here to ask for info on Freese! Nicely done!

 

[stlrams]

Is Parkey or Henry Philly kicker? As FBG has both listed in depth chart. Have draft tonight.

 

[J Giles Band]

Is Parkey or Henry Philly kicker? As FBG has both listed in depth chart. Have draft tonight.

Parkey

 

[stlrams]

Is Parkey or Henry Philly kicker? As FBG has both listed in depth chart. Have draft tonight.

Parkey

Thanks

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

So the Saints cut Graham, then resign him? Can we trust this clown this year?

 

[Mike Herman]

Some notable kicking from yesterday's games:

ATL - Matt Bryant hits a 51 yarder to send the game into OT, and then a 52 yarder to win it

BUF - Dan Carpenter kicks game winning FG

PIT - Shaun Suisham kicks game winning FG

TEN - Succop's Revenge

MIA - Caleb Sturgis hits four FGs in win over Pats

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Sturgis might be in a very good situation this year.

 

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Don't forget Cody Parkey: 2/2 on FG's - a routine 28-yarder and a 51-yarder that would have been good from 60 - and 5 touchbacks in 7 kickoffs yesterday. Five touchbacks would have been a good month for Alex Henery.

I don't know how the Eagles stumbled into this guy, but he's got every chance of being a top-5 fantasy kicker this season.

 

[CiderHouse]

I also think Blair Walsh will have a better year this year.

I think Parkey is legit and will be in for a big year.

 

[Mike Herman]

Forgot this one on the above list:

CIN - Mike Nugent hits five field goals in win over Ravens

 

[Freelove]

TEN - Succop's Revenge

I love #### like this.

Not only was Succop money in his revenge game, but Santos clonked both FG attempts off the uprights, getting lucky to make 1/2.

 

[kutta]

Keep an eye on this kid in AZ tonight. He's got a rocket leg.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Really like this new kicker for the Detroit Lions, Nate Freese. Started out slowly in TC but really came on once the games began. He made all of his kicks, including a 55 yarder. In college he was 70-81, a perfect 20/20 his senior year.

History is certainly behind him.

The Lions drafted Eddie Murray in the 7th round of the 1980 draft, and in the next 12 seasons he was a 4-time All Pro, became the team's all-time leading scorer and was named to the All Decade team for the 1980s. Played for 19 years, and stands 16th on the all-time scoring list.

Jason Hanson was taken in the 2nd round of the 1992 draft. He went on to score 2,150 points in 21 seasons - third all-time - and compiled an impressive resume:

• Most field goals of 40 or more yards (total) – 189
• Most consecutive field goals of 40 or more yards (total) – 24 (2007–2009)
• Most field goals of 50 or more yards (total) – 52.[11]
• Became the second player in league history (after Jason Elam) to score 200+ points against 3 different teams (division rivals Packers, Bears, and Vikings).
• Most career games with one NFL team (327 as of December 31, 2012).
• Most career seasons with one NFL team (21).
• On December 18, 2011, became the first player in NFL history to score 2,000 points with one franchise.
• Most career game winning field goals in overtime – 9 – tied with Jason Elam, Jim Breech, and Steve Christie

Here's hoping Nate has a similarly long and productive career. As a franchise, the Lions get very few things right. But going back to Errol Mann, they've had great kickers for since 1969 (excepting last year's disaster of David Akers).

Missed 43 yarder in a dome.

Avoid

 

[RGIII HTTR]

I know it may seem silly, but I got P.Dawson in a league and I pulled in ONE magnificent point. Panic is not what I'm feeling now opposed to just the plain inept score of this PK...just can't remember ever having a PK give me only 1 pt.

I know SF is supposed to be a team that should produce pts, but would moving on to someone like Cody Parkey be better/same/worse???

Graham and M. Bryant are there too, but doubt Bryant nails too many 50+ yarders on the regular basis.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

*crickets* I was asking since I am not really aware of Cody Parkey and how stable or not his situation/tenure might be. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I know it may seem silly, but I got P.Dawson in a league and I pulled in ONE magnificent point. Panic is not what I'm feeling now opposed to just the plain inept score of this PK...just can't remember ever having a PK give me only 1 pt.

I know SF is supposed to be a team that should produce pts, but would moving on to someone like Cody Parkey be better/same/worse???

Graham and M. Bryant are there too, but doubt Bryant nails too many 50+ yarders on the regular basis.

Well I lost one matchup by 0.3 because (I concluded, among other things, but this seemed the simplest) Dawson missed a 37 yd FG.

 

[(HULK)]

*crickets* I was asking since I am not really aware of Cody Parkey and how stable or not his situation/tenure might be. Any insight would be appreciated.

High volume offense. Philly didn't kick from long a lot last year, but he nailed one from over 50 week 1, so that may have been about the coach's confidence in the kicker rather than part of his gameplan. I'm a buyer.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

*crickets* I was asking since I am not really aware of Cody Parkey and how stable or not his situation/tenure might be. Any insight would be appreciated.

High volume offense. Philly didn't kick from long a lot last year, but he nailed one from over 50 week 1, so that may have been about the coach's confidence in the kicker rather than part of his gameplan. I'm a buyer.

I guess that is a good point about coach's confidence in him. Just realized that that Chip Kelly does go for it on 4th down a lot though...wonder how much that might affect the PK's ability to put up scores. I'm sure its minimal, but maybe something to think about. I am seriously thinking of dropping Dawson for him, not sure why I haven't done yet or why there is any apprehension for me.

 

[Raider Nation]

MIA - Caleb Sturgis hits four FGs in win over Pats

Sturgis might be in a very good situation this year.

My strategy of throwing a dart at the remaining kickers in the last round never fails!

 

[Mike Herman]

Award winning kickers... NFL Special teams players of the Week

AFC - Bills kicker Dan Carpenter

NFC - Falcons kicker Matt Bryant

 

[TartanLion]

So..........kickers.

I can't help but feel kickers are just a total lottery. I'm aware of theories behind semi decent offences with poor red zone conversion rates, the advantages of domes etc etc, but still...

I drafted Matt Bryant in the last round of every draft this year. Lo and behold he pulls out a 17 point game for me and basically wins me my matchup in a nail biter in my main league. Then I see Herman has him ranked 19th this week and his number 2 pick Viniateri is sitting on my WW. I'm all for going with Herman every week since he is the kicker specialist after all, but it just feels a bit wrong dropping Bryant for reasons that I can't quite comprehend or know in my own head. Atlanta have a great offence after all, and the Bengals good D could see repeated FG attempts forthcoming.

How much do people on here use Hermans rankings ? Or do they just ride the hot hand or the guy they have a gut feeling over ? I basically did this last season, utilising Tucker, then Crosby and then Dawson and it seemed to work pretty well overall. Crosby basically outright won me a match in his match at home to Lions for instance.

Unlike some, I have a great interest in kickers fantasy wise and trying to dig deeper and understand what is important. After all, fantasy players should want advantages in every compartment of the starting line up because any one of them can win you a game on a weekly basis. I was all too aware of this last season, when Justin Tucker knocked me out of my league semi's by racking up 20+ points against the Lions ( oh the irony ) in week 15.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

In fairness, a player can have a better projected 4 game stint or year and have a horrible one week projection. That said...I'd keep Bryant until he or ATL offense shows to not be who they appeared to be in week one, which was dynamic to say the least.

 

[Mike Herman]

Word is that injured Washington kicker Kai Forbath (groin) will play in tomorrow's game

 

[Raider Nation]

Dan Bailey is tremendous.

 

[Raider Nation]

I'll be rooting hard for Cairo Santos.

Pick him up at the São Paulo airport tomorrow morning.

 

[Mike Herman]

Assorted kicking notes from yesterday's games:

THE GOOD

BUF - another strong game from Dan Carpenter

ARI - rookie Chandler Catanzaro kicks four FGs

CAR - Graham Gano kicks three FGs and recovers a fumble (although most fantasy leagues probably don't award points for that)

STL - Four field goals, including a game winner, for Greg Zuerlein

DAL - Dan Bailey is one of the best kickers in the league

CLE - Billy Cundiff kicks game winner

GB - Mason Crosby kicks a record 55 yarder at Lambeau

THE NOT-SO-GOOD

CIN - Mike Nugent misses three, but coach still supports him

KC - Cairo Santos misses another, but coach appears to still be behind him

DET - Nate Freese misses two more, coach said "We want to take a look at all of our options and see where we'd like to go from here"

 

[TartanLion]

Freese has been something like 2 from 5 so far across two games. After not missing once all last season in college.

Amazing how quickly a career can just be nuclear detonated upon

 

[Josh the FunkDOC]

Freese has been something like 2 from 5 so far across two games. After not missing once all last season in college.

Amazing how quickly a career can just be nuclear detonated upon

well, the same thing happened with randy bullock last year and he's kept his job...