Jan 18, 2013
- Written by Kyle Smith 
- Edited by Marc Caviglia 
Only one kicker missed a field goal last week during the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, and that player (Matt Prater) is no longer alive in the chase for the Super Bowl. The current field was perfect on three-pointers, and that includes David Akers, who retained his position as the 49ers kicker.
We’ll see how they do this week, with one game in a dome and the other outdoors during the NFC and AFC Championship games.
::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF JANUARY 18, 2013::
1. Stephen Gostkowski (New England Patriots) vs. Baltimore
Gostkowski hit field goals from 37 and 38 yards, and kicked five extra points during the Patriots win over the Texans last week. The number two fantasy scorer at his position is as sure a bet as there is this week because we don’t envision the Ravens shutting down the Patriots offense. History is on Gostkowski’s side as well, as he nailed three field goals and three PATs when the two teams met during Week 3.
Point Projection: 12 points
2. Matt Bryant (Atlanta Falcons) vs. San Francisco
Bryant hit a trio of field goals, including the game-winner from 49 yards in the Falcons’ win over the Seahawks last week. He also banged home 37 and 39 yard field goals in the contest, and simply carried his regular season success into the postseason. Bryant has a tough matchup against a 49ers team that allowed the second-fewest fantasy points in the league to kickers, but we’d happily start him on our fantasy squad this week.
Point Projection: 11 points
3. Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens) @ New England
Tucker made the game-winning 47-yard field goal for the Ravens in overtime against the Broncos last week. It was his only field goal of the game, but he did hit five extra points in the contest. Tucker had a fabulous rookie year, but he made just one field goal in Week 3 when the Ravens and Patriots met, and despite his success last week under pressure, it’s impossible to tell how he’ll react when the stakes are even higher.
Point Projection: 9 points
4. David Akers (San Francisco 49ers) @ Atlanta
It should not have come as a surprise that Akers retained his job last week, and he responded by making a 36-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter to give the 49ers a lead. That kick was his only field goal of the game, though he did make six extra points. Akers won’t be kicking that many PATs this week, and based on his regular season, we still don’t trust him, and advise fantasy owners to use the same caution.
Point Projection: 7 points
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DEF (click to view)
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