Freaking Jets. I swear to go being a Jets fan is the hardest thing in the world. Not only do they win, and put themselves farther away from a good draft pick, they couldn’t stop Alex Smith or Tyreek Hill, thus ending my fantasy season. I hate being a Jets fan sometimes. Also after last night, JuJu Smith-Schuster is one of my favorite players in the NFL.
Anyways, it’s time to get down to the important stuff. Just a reminder for all you still in contention for your fantasy playoffs, we’ve got three levels of kickers, FG’s, Touchbackers and Squibs. Anyone not listed is someone you should avoid.
FG’S
1. Greg Zuerlein, L.A. Rams (vs. Philadephia Eagles). LA is the highest scoring offense, and Zuerlein is on pace to break the single-season field goal record. He’s having the best fantasy season for any kicker this year and is averaging more points per game than Julio Jones. Nuff said.
2. Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots (@ Miami Dolphins). Did anyone else see what the Patriots did to Miami in week 12? It was a complete dismantling. Last week he hit 3 field goals and two extra points in Buffalo, which anyone will tell you is a much tougher place to kick than Miami. Gostkowski might just win you a game next week.
3. Travis Coons, “L.A.” Chargers (vs Washington Redskins). The Chargers are surging (no pun intended) the Redskins are back to being the Deadskins, minus Kirk Cousins, who is fighting like a man looking for a contract. Add that to a late season, West Coast trip and you have all the makings of a slaughter. Look for Coons to get plenty of volume this week.
4. Chandler Cantazero, New York Jets (@ Denver Broncos). The Jets are better than people thought this year. Their offense can actually move the ball, and their Defensive backfield, while not being able to cover a tight end (or Tyrek Hill evidently) is learning at a way faster pace than anyone anticipated. The Broncos are in disarray right now, and Cantazero should benefit greatly.
5. Matt Prater, Detriot Lions (@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Bad week for Prater against the Baltimore D. But, hey everyone has bad weeks right? Detriot should have no problem moving the ball this weak against a porous Tampa defense. Look for Prater to rebound this week
6. Mason Crosby, Greenbay Packers(@ Cleveland Browns). I feel like anyone playing the Browns are a good bet. Even with Brett Hudley, who over the last couple of games has been playing much better (yes McCarthy is playing to his strengths but still). While it isn’t a good idea to keep Crosby for the remainder of the season, starting him this week is a smart bet.
7. Wil Lutz, New Orleans Saints (@ Atlanta Falcons). God Julio Jones has been such a bust. Another reason I’m out of the playoffs. Anyways, New Orleans might have come back down to earth the last couple of weeks, but their offense is still extremely formidable. Lutz is averaging the third most points for kickers this season, so he’s a good bet really any week, including this one.
Touchbackers
8. Kai Forbath, Minnesota Vikings (@ Carolina Panthers). Forgetting Fantasy for a moment, this should be one of the best games of the week. The Vikings are in my mind, the class of the NFC right now and Carolina seems to be playing pretty well. Yes, they lost last week, but still. That being said, while Carolina is competitive, they aren’t on the same tier as Minnesota. Look for Forbath to get his chances this upcoming week.
9. Dan Bailey, Dallas Cowboys, (@ New York Giants). I know this should be a layup, but there is so much anger and angst from the Giants sideline that it’s not crazy to think that they come out and play like a team possessed. You know Eli Manning is livid after getting benched. And quite frankly, a lot of the team is going to be playing for their jobs. So The Giants could come out guns blazing. While the upside is phenomenal, Bailey is a 50/50 shot this week.
10. Stephen Hauschka, Buffalo Bills (vs Indianapolis Colts). Buffalo is a mess. Indy is a mess. And the stadium’s weather is always iffy. This is a complete toss-up.
11. Josh Lambo, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs Seattle Seahawks). I’m not sold on the Seahawks, but this should be a tough matchup for the Jags. Everyone and their mother knows the Jags are a run first (maybe only) offense and for all the injuries the Seahawks D has had, they’re all on the backside. Lambo should score you some points here, but the upside isn’t great.
Squibs
12. Robbie Gould, San Fransico 49ers (@ Houston Texans). Do the 49ers have their QB in Jimmy Garappolo?Last week sure didn’t prove anything. If he improves, Robbie Gould could have a good day. The Texans aren’t a great team right now but don’t expect Gould break 6-7 points.
13. Jake Elliot, Philadephia Eagles, (@ L.A. Rams). Will the Eagles bounce back this week? This man thinks they will. They are currently staying out on the West Coast, so the travel aspect is a nonfactor. The Rams defense is good. Good not great, and Carson Wentz is one of the hungriest competitors the NFL today. So I think Elliot will have a decent day.
14. Randy Bullock, Cincinnati Bengals (vs Chicago Bears). The Bengals. They play hard sometimes. I don’t think they will. Don’t hope it either. either way, Bullock should be good for a couple of points.