2012 fantasy football profiles and projections (Ks 13-24)

[DEF RANKINGS 1-15

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers
• Tight Ends
• Kickers
• Defenses
• Linebackers
• Defensive Backs
• Defensive Line

Statistical projections are provided by EA Sports

• Player
• Analysis

It's a bit odd to note that Henery didn't attempt a single field goal of less than 20 yards in 2011. But once you get past that, it wasn't a bad rookie campaign. After a pair of misses in Week 4, Henery never missed another field-goal attempt again the rest of the season. That includes nailing a season-best 51-yarder against the Cowboys in Week 16. With expected upgrades and improvements in the Eagles offense, Henery could creep into the top 10 of fantasy kickers for 2012. If there's such a thing as a fantasy sleeper at the kicker position, Henery would certainly fit the bill. He's worth a late rounder.

Accuracy has always been a problem for Cundiff, and it could be his undoing this year. The last image of the Ravens kicker was missing a short field goal against the New England Patriots that could have sent his team to the Super Bowl. Combine that with a 75.7 conversion percentage during the regular season, down from a more impressive 89.7 in 2010, and it adds up to a potential kicking competition in training camp. If Cundiff can win the job, he's an adequate but inconsistent low-end fantasy option based on his most recent statistical performance. In fact, the veteran kicker could be left undrafted in many leagues.

Nugent, who was franchised by the Bengals this offseason, is coming off arguably the best year of his NFL career. Despite coming back from a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus suffered in 2010, Nugent, 30, still hit on 33 of his 38 field-goal attempts (86.8 percent) and crushed a solid 36 touchbacks. While he doesn't have the strongest leg, Nugent is ultra-accurate and should gain opportunities behind in an up-and-coming Bengals offense. Though he might not be drafted in many leagues, Nugent could develop into a viable No. 1 fantasy kicker in 2012.

Scobee signed a four-year deal with the Jaguars during the offseason, and will be locked in as the team's kicker. His biggest obstacle last season was a lack of opportunities due to the Jags offensive struggles. With Blaine Gabbert having a strong camp and seemingly leaving his rookie woes behind, look for the Louisiana Tech product to improve as well. Still, consider Scobee waiver-wire fodder until the Jags prove they can get within distance for him to make an impact.

Carpenter is a frustrating specimen of a fantasy kicker. His leg strength rivals anyone in the NFL, as he crushed a 60-yard field goal in 2010 and a 58-yarder last season. However, his accuracy (or lack thereof) likely has left more than one fantasy owner yanking their hair out. In four NFL seasons, Carpenter has missed 12 attempts from between 40 and 49 yards. It's those misses that have limited his growth in fantasy football. With questions about the Dolphins offense also growing, Carpenter is better left as a No. 2 fantasy kicker or matchup-based starter in 2012.

With Josh Brown removed from the equation, Folk has secured the Jets starting job. Though the offense has the potential to put him in plenty of situations to rack up points, their current struggles should keep fantasy owners from selecting the Arizona product on draft-day. However, he could prove to be a decent option if you're in a bind.

The journeyman kicker finished 18th in fantasy points at his position in 2011. He made a respectable 83.3 percent of his field-goal attempts, including a 52-yarder, but Hauschka also scored eight or more fantasy points just six times. With Matt Flynn at the helm, the Seahawks offense could be more productive and allow Hauschka more chances to score. However, he'll need to be more consistent to be considered more than a matchup-based starter. In fact, Hauschka won't even be drafted in most fantasy leagues.

The rookie out of Texas has been perfect during the 2012 preseason, converting on all of his extra-points and field goals. His performance was good enough for the Ravens, who released Billy Cundiff as a result. Tucker has a hold on the job for now, but the question is if the Ravens will be in the red zone enough to consider the rookie as a fantasy option. Though the offense has looked improved in preseason action, fantasy owners should play it safe and consider Tucker a bye-week play.

Consistency or lack thereof, is the biggest reason Suisham has never been able to stick with one team during his NFL career. That inconsistency reared its ugly head again in 2011 when the Steelers kicker made just 74.2 percent of his field-goal attempts, including missing 7 of 19 attempts from between 30 and 49 yards. It wouldn't be a total surprise to see Pittsburgh bring in another kicker to challenge Suisham this season, so his value is very much in a state of limbo. He's not much more than an occasional matchup-based starter in most leagues.

At one time considered the top kicker in football, fantasy and otherwise, Vinatieri's fall from fantasy grace has been in large part due to the unbridled awfulness that was the Colts offense in 2011. The veteran still has a decent leg (he booted a 53-yarder last season) and is as accurate as he's ever been in his career. But until Indianapolis can start to score points on the field on a more consistent basis, Vinatieri is doomed to a life as a fantasy afterthought in most leagues. In fact, he won't even be selected in the majority of drafts.

Dawson, who has been with the Browns since 1999, was franchised by the team this offseason and will continue to serve as their top kicking option. However, fantasy owners shouldn't feel so inclined to do the same. Dawson has rarely been a reliable option for owners. That was clearly evident last season, as he finished an unimpressive 23rd in fantasy points among kickers at his position. With questions about Cleveland's offensive effectiveness still at the forefront, there is no reason to believe that Dawson will emerge into a more consistent point producer in 2012.

With incumbent Randy Bullock placed on the IR with a torn groin, Graham will take over kicking duties. The veteran has his share of struggles the last few seasons, bouncing around with four teams in just two years. He will have a chance to resurrect his career with one of the better offenses in Houston and should be somewhat productive. Still, fantasy owners should be cautious of selecting Graham until he proves his past issues are behind him. Consider these projections an ideal season for the veteran, one which might be out of reach.

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