Projecting fantasy football kicker production is more like pin the tail on the donkey than anything else: Close your eyes and hope for the best.
OK, so maybe it’s a bit more scientific than that, but while we lean in favor of kickers in high-powered offenses purely because of opportunity, that doesn’t necessarily translate into fantasy kicker success.
That said, here’s who we like for Week 3.
1. Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears
Week 3 Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
2015 Stats: 6 of 6 field goals (2 of 2 40-49 yards, 2 of 2 50+ yards)
Gould has had the most opportunity, and with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler out, touchdowns aren’t guaranteed. Gould could get a lot of work in Week 3.
2. Brandon McManus, Denver Broncos
Week 3 Opponent: Detroit Lions
2015 Stats: 5 of 5 field goals (1 of 1 40-49, 3 of 3 50+)
If given the opportunity, McManus probably could break the NFL record for longest field goal. He already has drilled three from 50 yards or longer this season, but he’s in a good situation either way: If Peyton Manning is as bad as his first six quarters this season would suggest, the Broncos will rely more heavily on McManus. If Manning plays well, then that doesn’t hurt either. McManus is a must-start in Detroit’s dome field this week.
3. Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots
Week 3 Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
2015 Stats: 4 of 4 field goals (1 of 1 from 40-49 and 50+)
The Patriots should roll through the Jags, and Gostkowski owners ideally will reap the benefits with them.
4. Josh Brown, New York Giants
Week 3 Opponent: Washington Redskins
2015 Stats: 6 of 6 field goals, (2 of 2 40-49, 1 of 1 50+)
A stingy Redskins defense could stifle the Giants, leaving plenty of opportunity for Brown to rack up the points, as he’s done consistently through two weeks. He ranks third with 26 overall points.
5. Matt Bryant, Atlanta Falcons
Week 3 Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
2015 Stats: 5 of 5 field goals (4 of 4 40-49)
Red-hot offense + dome = fantasy success. Bryant is a great play in Week 3.
6. Dan Bailey, Dallas Cowboys
Week 3 Opponent: Atlanta Falcons
2015 Stats: 4 of 4 field goals
With Tony Romo out with a broken clavicle and Dez Bryant sidelined with a broken foot someone has to score points for the Cowboys.
7. Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers
Week 3 Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
2015 Stats: 5 of 5 field goals (1 of 1 40-49, 50+)
Crosby thrived in Week 2 against a good Seattle Seahawks defense. Expect more of the same against the Chiefs.
8. Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens
Week 3 Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
2015 Stats: 6 of 6 field goals (1 of 1 40-49, 50+)
The Ravens have called Tucker’s number plenty, and he has been as consistent as anyone else all season. That won’t change against a tough Bengals defense.
9. Steven Hauschka, Seattle Seahawks
Week 3 Opponent: Chicago Bears
2015 Stats: 4 of 4 field goals (1 of 1 50+)
There should be plenty of opportunity for Hauschka against a mediocre (at best) Bears defense. He also drilled a 60-yarder in the preseason, which underscores his raw ability.
10. Cody Parkey, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 3 Opponent: New York Jets
2015 Stats: 2 of 3 field goals (1 of 2 40-49)
The second-year pro has been pretty reliable for coach Chip Kelly, and the Eagles could be forced to settle for field goals against a Jets defense that might be the best in the NFL.
Thumbnail photo via Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports Images
