Which Kicker Will Have the Most Points in 2017?
Everyone’s favorite prop…kicker points leader! I was actually told not to write about this because it may crash our website due to a traffic overload, but I live life on the edge so here’s the article.
New England’s Stephen Gostkowski, the leader from 2012-2015, was dethroned last year by his Super Bowl opponent Matt Bryant of the Falcons. Bryant had 20/1 odds in the preseason, tied for 10th highest in the league.
| Kicker (Team) | 8/9 (Bet365) |
|---|---|
| Stephen Gostkowski (NE) | +350 |
| Matt Bryant (ATL) | +400 |
| Will Lutz (NO) | +700 |
| Justin Tucker (BAL) | +800 |
| Dan Bailey (DAL) | +1000 |
| Mason Crosby (GB) | +1000 |
| Blair Walsh (SEA) | +1400 |
| Cairo Santos (KC) | +1600 |
| Dustin Hopkins (WAS) | +1600 |
| Adam Vinatieri (IND) | +2000 |
| Sebastian Janikowski (OAK) | +2000 |
| Graham Gano (CAR) | +2500 |
| Caleb Sturgis (PHI) | +2500 |
| Chris Boswell (PIT) | +2500 |
| Matt Prater (DET) | +2500 |
| Brandon McManus (DEN) | +2800 |
| Nick Novak (HOU) | +3300 |
| Kai Forbath (MIN) | +3300 |
| Phil Dawson (ARI) | +4000 |
| Steven Hauschka (BUF) | +5000 |
| Jason Myers (JAX) | +5000 |
| Aldrick Rosas (NYG) | +5000 |
| Josh Lambo (LAC) | +6600 |
| Ryan Succop (TEN) | +6600 |
| Robert Aguayo (TB) | +6600 |
With the Patriots primed to have an exceptional offense, it’s not surprising that oddsmakers expect Gostkowski to retake his throne. His 27 field goals and 127 points last year were both the least he’s had in a full season since 2009. He had gone four straight seasons with at least 150 points so last year seems like a real outlier. Given the Pats’ expectations this season, I would be surprised if he can’t top 150 again this year— which is generally high enough to lead the league. I feel that +350 is great value given Gostkowski’s track record.
Bryant is right behind Gostkowski at 4/1. His 34 field goals and 56 extra points last season were both high water marks of a career that dates back to 2002. Atlanta’s 33.8 points per game last year were the most a team has had since Denver in 2013 so it’s natural to expect somewhat of a regression. Bryant is also 42 — something that never stopped Adam Vinatieri — but there aren’t too many Vinatieris out there. I would be surprised if he stays on top again this year.
If you are looking for a long-shot, perhaps Graham Gano (+2500) is your guy. The Panthers scored the most points in the league two years ago, but obviously struggled last year. Gano’s not exactly a great kicker, but if Carolina can regain some of that Super-Bowl-losing form of a couple years ago, he could rack up mad points.
If you like to bet weird props like this one, here are some other ones that may tickle your fancy.
Most interceptions by a defensive player
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