Kickers, man. The football equivalent of a relief pitcher is unlike any other position on the football field. While many may think kickers have the easiest job (they just have to kick a ball!), they actually have the most fragile job. A couple missed kicks and a kicker could be out of a job. They also have a job that puts a lot of pressure on them. They often come in to kick in potential game-tying or game-winning situation, and a missed kick could be the difference between a win and a loss. As Pat McAfee would say, this past Sunday was not a good day "for the Brand". 19 kicks were missed. Browns kicker Zane Gonzalez missed two field goals and two extra points, and Cleveland lost by three in New Orleans. The Browns could be 2-0 with a competent kicker. Instead, they are 0-1-1 and let Gonzalez go on Monday in favor of undrafted free agent Greg Joseph. Vikings kicker Daniel Carlson also struggled Sunday, missing a field goal in overtime that would have given Minnesota a victory over arch-rival Green Bay (instead, the two teams tied). Instead, he too was out of a job Monday, in favor of former Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey. Even the best team in the NFL (the Los Angeles Rams) had some kicking troubles on Sunday. Greg ("the Leg) Zuerlein suffered a groin injury, so the Rams didn't have a kicker the entire game. They ended up going for two after every touchdown, and even had punter Johnny Hekker kick a 19-yard field goal (he made it, and the Rams won easily). People sometimes take kickers for granted. Sunday showed that kickers should never be taken for granted, and that a good kicker is harder to come by than some may think.
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| Zane Gonzalez is out of a job after a rough Week 2 (Photo via DailySnark.com) |
Week 3 Fantasy Picks to Click
Quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buccaneers (vs. PIT)
The "Fitz-magic" will run out at some point, but I don't think it will this week. The Pittsburgh defense gave up 326 yards and six touchdowns to Pat Mahomes last Sunday. No, Fitzpatrick isn't as talented as Patty Mahomes, but he has played about as well thus far.
Matt Ryan, Falcons (vs. NO)
Matty Ice hasn't had a rousing start to the season, but a meeting with the Saints has the makings of a high-scoring affair. Remember, this is a defense that got torn up by Ryan Fitzpatrick two weeks ago (to the tune of 417 yards and four touchdowns).
Jimmy Garroppolo, 49ers (@ KC)
The 2-0 Chiefs have had the most prolific offense in the NFL so far this season, but they've also given up the most points. After giving up 424 yards and three touchdowns to Phillip Rivers in Week 1, Kansas City heeded 452 yards and three scores to Big Ben. The Niners may not win, but Jimmy G could have some big numbers.
Running Back
James Connor, Steelers (@ TB)
At this point, you should probably be starting Connor every week (until Le'Veon Bell comes back). Connor had 192 total yards and two touchdowns against Cleveland, then had 65 total yards and a touchdown against Kansas City. J.C. is getting a lot of opportunity in Pittsburgh.
Tevin Coleman, Falcons (vs. NO)
With starting running back Devonta Freeman out due to a knee injury, Coleman had 16 carries for 107 yards (plus four catches for 18 yards) in last week's win over Carolina. It looks like Freeman will be out again this week, which means an opportunity for another big game for Coleman.
Giovani Bernard, Bengals (@ CAR)
Speaking of backup running backs getting opportunity, Gio Bernard will be Cincy's feature back after Joe Mixon had a procedure that will have him out at least a couple weeks. The Panthers gave up 107 yards rushing to the aforementioned Tevin Coleman, so Gio could be in for a good game.
Wide Receiver
Jarvis Landry, Browns (vs. NYJ)
Landry is questionable for the Thursday night games, but he is expected to play. With Josh Gordon gone, Landry is now the clear top target in Cleveland. Although the Browns may continue to play ultra-conservative offensively, Landry should still be heavily targeted.
DeSean Jackson, Buccaneers (vs. PIT)
D-Jax has found the fountain of youth playing with Ryan Fitzpatrick. The 32-year-old has 275 yards and three touchdowns through two games, and as long as the Fitz-magic continues, I think the DeSean Jackson magic will continue. I've already discussed Pittsburgh's defense.
Keelan Cole, Jaguars (vs. TEN)
With Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson gone, Keelan Cole has become Jacksonville's number one receiver. He had a breakout game last week (seven catches, 117 yards, a touchdown) that included an insane one-handed catch. It looks like Cole could be on his way to a breakout season.
Tight End
George Kittle, 49ers (@ KC)
With Jimmy G in a favorable position against a porous Kansas City defense, that means his pass catchers are in a favorable position as well. Although Kittle had just two catches for 22 yards in last week's win over Detroit, but he had five catches for 90 yards the week before. He should find a lot of room on Sunday in Kansas City.
O.J. Howard, Buccaneers (vs. PIT)
This could be a breakout year for the second-year pro out of Alabama. Howard had 96 yards and a touchdown last week against Philly, and this week he faces a Pittsburgh defense that couldn't stop Kansas City. As long as the Fitz-magic continues, O.J. should reap the benefits.
Will Dissly, Seahawks (vs. DAL)
The rookie out of Washington has burst onto the scene, scoring a touchdown in each of his first two games. The fourth-rounder has built a report with Russell Wilson, catching three passes for 105 yards in Week 1 and three passes for 42 yards last week. He could make it a third straight game with a score on Sunday.
Defense
Cleveland Browns (vs. NYJ)
The Browns defense leads the lead in takeaways, and is the main reason they have been in a position to win in each of their first two games. Jets quarterback Sam Darnold has thrown three touchdowns through the first three games, but he has also thrown three interceptions. This opportunistic Cleveland defense could feast on the rookie Thursday night in the Dawg Pound.
Dallas Cowboys (@ SEA)
If you haven't heard, Seattle's offensive line is... what's the word... BAD. They've given up a league-high 12 sacks through two games, and that's with escape artist Russell Wilson at quarterback. Russ has also made some costly errors, throwing three picks and fumbling the ball four times. Dallas has the pass-rushers to give the Seahawks fits.
Miami Dolphins (vs. OAK)
The return of Jon Gruden has gotten off to a rocky start, as the Raiders are 0-2. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have been a pleasant surprise, starting 2-0. The 'Fins have been one of the better defenses in the league through two weeks, and I think that continues this week.
Week 3 Game Picks
Record
Last Week: 9-7 vs. Spread: 7-9 Over/Under: 7-8
Season: 17-15 vs. Spread: 14-17-1 Over/Under: 13-18
(Home Teams Listed Last)
Thursday
Jets 17, Browns 24 (8:20 PM, NFL Network)
Spread: CLE -3 Over/Under: 41
Saints 32, Falcons 28 (1:00 PM, FOX)
Spread: ATL -3 Over/Under: 53.5
49ers 20, Chiefs 31 (1:00 PM, FOX)
Spread: KC -6.5 Over/Under: 55.5
Raiders 17, Dolphins 21 (1:00 PM, CBS)
Spread: MIA -3 Over/Under: 44.5
Bills 10, Vikings 34 (1:00 PM, CBS)
Spread: MIN -16.5 Over/Under: 40.5
Colts 28, Eagles 31 (1:00 PM, FOX)
Spread: PHI -6.5 Over/Under: 47.5
Packers 35, Redskins 23 (1:00 PM, FOX)
Spread: GB -3 Over/Under: 45.5
Bengals 24, Panthers 28 (1:00 PM, CBS)
Spread: CAR -3 Over/Under: 43.5
Titans 13, Jaguars 23 (1:00 PM, CBS)
Spread: JAC -6.5 Over/Under: 39.5
Broncos 27, Ravens 21 (1:00 PM, CBS)
Spread: BAL -5.5 Over/Under: 44.5
Giants 17, Texans 24 (1:00 PM, FOX)
Spread: HOU -6 Over/Under: 42
Chargers 14, Rams 28 (4:05 PM, CBS)
Spread: LAR -7 Over/Under: 48
Bears 23, Cardinals 10 (4:25 PM, FOX)
Spread: CHI -5.5 Over/Under: 38
Cowboys 19, Seahawks 21 (4:25 PM, FOX)
Spread: SEA -1.5 Over/Under: 41.5
Patriots 32, Lions 23 (8:20 PM, NBC)
Spread: NE -6.5 Over/Under: 53.5
Monday
Steelers 31, Buccaneers 34 (8:15 PM, ESPN)
Spread: PIT -1.5 Over/Under: 53.5
Stats and Info via ESPN.com
Lines and Over/Unders via SportsLine.com
Lines and Over/Unders as of Thursday Evening
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