Stephen Gostkowski has been one of the highest point-scoring kickers this season, so you'll always find him toward the top of the rankings. This week seems even more sure-fire, though, for two reasons. First of all, the Patriots' once-vaunted offense seemed to be back on track prior to a bye week, in which they were able to rest and further prepare. Secondly, only the Browns, Chiefs and Raiders have allowed more kicking points than the Pats' opponent this week, Miami. Gostkowski as the top kicking option is a no-brainer.1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE vs. MIA
2. Lawrence Tynes, NYG vs. SD
3. Mason Crosby, GB at TB
4. John Carney, NO vs. CAR
5. David Akers, PHI vs. DAL
6. Nick Folk, DAL at PHI
7. Joe Nedney, SF vs. TEN
8. Nate Kaeding, SD at NYG
9. Robbie Gould, CHI vs. ARI
10. Shayne Graham, CIN vs. BAL
11. Olindo Mare, SEA vs. DET
12. Josh Scobee, JAX vs. KC
13. Jeff Reed, PIT at DEN
14. Matt Stover, IND vs. HOU
15. Rob Bironas, TEN at SF
16. Kris Brown, HOU at IND
17. Steven Hauschka, BAL at CIN
18. Neil Rackers, ARI at CHI
19. Dan Carpenter, MIA at NE
20. Matt Prater, DEN vs. PIT
- A couple of good sleepers this week who haven't scored a lot of points thus far: Mare and Graham. Olindo's Seahawks face the Lions at home. The Lions have allowed 25 extra points and 10 field goals to this point. Also, Graham's Bengals face a Ravens' team who has coughed up 13 field goals and will likely be able to stop the Bengals in field goal range a few times.
- I could have included Scobee above, but anytime you think he's in line to do something he puts up jack-squat. He's tough to ignore against a Kansas City team who has allowed 19 extra points and 14 field goals, but he's had three straight bad games in similar situations. Against the Seahawks, Rams and Titans, Scobee has combined for just six total points. So, yeah, the matchup looks tasty, but he could always burn you again. Proceed with caution.
- Bironas has put himself back on the map after a good outing against the Jags and now gets a 49ers team who has allowed 12 field goals. It's tough to rank him any higher, though, because we're worried the Titans can't move the ball well against San Fran -- and if Chris Johnson breaks one (likely) Bironas will only be left with an extra point chance instead of a three-pointer.
