Fantasy football preview: Breaking down the kickers and defenses/special teams
 

Rankings, three-year stats (if available) and a breakdown on the kickers. PART 6 OF 7 (the defenses/special teams) IS BELOW.

Players on the rise are indicated with a + symbol (up to three). Players whose stock is on the decline is noted with a # symbol (up to three).


Michael DeMocker / The Times-Picayune
Solidly entrenched as the kicker for the high-flying Saints, Garrett Hartley enters the season as the top kicker in fantasy football.
1. Garrett Hartley, New Orleans (Bye: 10)
Two-year stats: 13G, 8.0 pts/gm

2. Mason Crosby, Green Bay + (Bye: 10)
Three-year stats: 48G, 8.3 pts/gm
3. Stephen Gostkowski, New England (Bye: 5)
Three-year stats: 48G, 8.6 pts/gm
4. Nate Kaeding, San Diego (Bye: 10)
Three-year stats: 48G, 8.1 pts/gm
5. David Akers, Philadelphia (Bye: 8)
Three-year stats: 48G, 8.1 pts/gm
6. Ryan Longwell, Minnesota # (Bye: 4)
Three-year stats: 48G, 7.5 pts/gm
7. Rob Bironas, Tennessee (Bye: 9)
Three-year stats: 48G, 7.9 pts/gm
8. David Buehler, Dallas + (Bye: 4)
Three-year stats: None, rookie


Fantasy football preview: Breaking down the kickers and defenses/special teams | NOLA.com