Top Ten Fantasy Kickers for the 2009 NFL Season

He used to be automatic when he was winning playoff games for the Patriots but his percentage has decreased since he switched to Indy. He doesn't get as many opportunities for field goals so that could be the issue. He'll still get plenty of PATs as long as Peyton Manning's around but his glory days are over.

9 - Nick Folk, Dallas Cowboys. (2008 Stats: 20/22 FGM/FGA. 12 field goals over 40 yards. 42 PATs made. Bye Week: 6)

T.O. has taken his one-man reality show to Buffalo. T.R. may be less focused without J.S. in the pink jersey in the press box. However, Felix Jones should be healthier which may give the 'Boys the most potent running duo in the league with Marion Barber and Jason Witten is one of the top tight ends. Teams that rely on their running game and tight ends have many field goal opportunities that should help Folk.

8 - Jason Elam, Atlanta Falcons. (2008 Stats: 29/31 FGM/FGA. 11 field goals over 40 yards. 42 PATs made. Bye Week: 4)

Elam was a mainstay for the Denver Broncos for fifteen seasons until he got out of the higher elevation and headed down to the "Dirty South". Matt Ryan surprised many as the rookie quarterback for the Birds and should improve in his sophomore campaign. Michael Turner showed everybody why he broke the bank after being LaDanian Tomlinson's caddy for years. This is Elam's seventeenth season so age could be a factor.

7 - David Akers, Philadelphia Eagles. (2008 Stats: 33/40 FGM/FGA. 10 field goals over 40 yards. 45 PATs made. Bye Week: 4)

Before last season's rise from the ashes Akers was considered by many to be yesterday's news. His numbers coincided with the revival of his quarterback, Donovan McNabb, who could have three solid receivers if rookie Jeremy Maclin gets into camp sooner than later. He may not repeat last year's numbers but is still a solid pick.

6 - Rob Bironas, Tennessee Titans. (2008 Stats: 29/33 FGM/FGA. 16 field goals over 40 yards. 40 PATs made. Bye Week: 7)

With a cannon for a leg Bironas takes advantage of long field goal opportunities better than anyone in the league. What remains to be seen is if Kerry Collins can continue to recapture last season's magic. If he falters can Vince Young prove he's worthy of a starting role?

5 - Nate Kaeding, San Diego Chargers. (2008 Stats: 27/32 FGM/FGA. 4 field goals over 40 yards. 46 PATs made. Bye Week: 5)

Compared to other kickers on this list Kaeding has a pea-shooter instead of a cannon. However, he collects PATs like 80s rockers collected women's underwear and L.T. is still running the ball for the Bolts. Philip Rivers figures to improve and continue to stoke the debate on whether he or Eli Manning should have been chosen first.

4 - Neil Rackers, Arizona Cardinals. (2008 Stats: 25/28 FGM/FGA. 7 field goals over 40 yards. 44 PATs made. Bye Week: 4)

In 2005 Rackers was my fantasy football MVP as he made a whopping nineteen field goals beyond forty yards. But since the Cards discovered the passing attack he doesn't get those opportunities as much as he used to. He should get plenty of PATs, though, and will make the long-range bombs when asked.

3 - Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears. (2008 Stats: 26/29 FGM/FGA. 8 field goals over 40 yards. 41 PATs made. Bye Week: 5)

Gould didn't get drafted. This isn't unusual for a kicker but many teams are kicking themselves (no pun intended) for not picking him now. His only weakness is that he doesn't get to attempt many fifty-yarders. The X factor is new helmsman Jay Cutler who is the league's most enigmatic quarterback. If he's on Gould could lead the league in PATs.

2 - Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots. (2008 Stats: 36/40 FGM/FGA. 10 field goals over 40 yards. 40 PATs made. Bye Week: 8)

Last season's numbers were helped by the loss of Tom Brady but in 2007 Gostkowski had a whopping 74 PATs made. Bottom line? No matter who's running the show behind center Gostkowski will get his numbers but don't look for him to get close to forty attempts this season.

1 - Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers. (2008 Stats: 27/34 FGM/FGA. 8 field goals over 40 yards. 46 PATs made. Bye Week: 5)

Toward the end of the season he faded a bit but he did attempt a 69-yarder in the finale. Aaron Rodgers made the Pack Attack continue to hum and answered critics who were still pining for Brett Favre. This is a very young offense that should continue to improve with experience and as a result Crosby will see plenty of opportunities. He should be the first kicker off the board in your league.

Sources

All statistics can be verified by Athlon's 2009 Fantasy Football Annual Guide.