Fantasy football preview: Scouting the kickers

Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots: The difference between Gostkowski's league-best 148 points and the league's 11th-highest scoring kicker was 24 points ... or, about 1 1/2 points per week. Don't reach too high for Gostkowski.

Jason Elam, Falcons: The former longtime Bronco went 6-for-7 on the road from 40-plus as a Falcon last year, proving there's more to Elam than mile-high elevation.

Robbie Gould, Bears: Figures to get more opportunities if the Bears' offense improves behind Jay Cutler.

Mason Crosby, Packers: Owners in leagues that penalize missed field goals might want to look elsewhere.

John Kasay, Panthers: The book says to be wary of 30-year-old running backs, but what about 40-year-old kickers? Kasay, who turns 40 in October, is coming off his best season (130 points) since 1996 (145).

Kris Brown, Texans: Was a very respectable 10-for-13 from 40-plus yards last year.

David Akers, Eagles: The only bright spot of the Eagles' woes in the red zone last year was that it helped allow Akers to set a career high with 33 field goals.

Adam Vinatieri, Colts: arguably the greatest kicker of all time, but just a mediocre option in fantasy anymore. Knee and hip surgeries in the offseason don't ease doubts.

Rian Lindell, Bills: is getting a lot of attention for posting at least one field goal in every game except one last season. Was a shaky 11-for-18 in boots of 40-plus yards, however.

Garrett Hartley, Saints: was viewed as a sleeper, until he got himself suspended for the first four games for a drug-policy violation. And the Saints have a bye in Week 5, so Hartley won't be available until mid-October. John Carney will kick for the Saints in the meantime.

1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots 8

2. Rob Bironas, Titans 7

3. Jason Elam, Falcons 4

4. Ryan Longwell, Vikings 9

5. Robbie Gould, Bears 5

6. Mason Crosby, Packers 5

7. Neil Rackers, Cardinals 4

8. Nate Kaeding, Chargers 5

9. John Kasay, Panthers 4

10. Kris Brown, Texans 10

11. David Akers, Eagles 4

12. Nick Folk, Cowboys 6

13. Jason Hanson, Lions 7

14. Lawrence Tynes, Giants 10

15. Adam Vinatieri, Colts 6

16. Jay Feely, Jets 9

17. Matt Bryant, Buccaneers 8

18. Rian Lindell, Bills 9

19. Shayne Graham, Bengals 8

20. Matt Prater, Broncos 7

* On the way down: Adam Vinatieri, Colts

* Riskiest pick: John Kasay, Panthers

* Sleeper: Kris Brown, Texans

* Please avoid: Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders

* Top rookie: None

* On the way up: Robbie Gould, Bears

Note: bye week is at the end of each line