Week 9: Emergency Kickers and Defenses

If you are looking for a kicker or defense to start this week, due to injuries or byes, these choices would be good in pinch.

K Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh Steelers – Reed was hot early in the year but has cooled off over the last couple weeks. However, this week, Reed should see a lot of action. The Steelers are going up against the Baltimore Ravens in what promises to be a battle of the field goal kickers. Both teams have very good defenses and there shouldn’t be many touchdowns being scored.

K Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders – Janikowski was horrible to start the season but has been kicking well lately. This week, Janikowski faces the Houston Texans. Yes, the same Houston Texans who gave up field goal attempts to Rob Bironas. Don’t expect eight field goals from Janikowski, but he should be good for at least a couple.

D Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons defense has been bad this year. This week, that could turn around as the Falcons face the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners offense has been horrible for much of the season and with a banged up Frank Gore, don’t expect that to change. If Gore misses the game due to injury, the Falcons become a great start.

D Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs have quietly moved up the ranks as one of the better fantasy football defenses in the league. They are well coached defensively and don’t make many mistakes. While they face Brett Favre and the hot Green Bay Packers, the Chiefs are still a good start based on the fact that they are at home and have played exceptional defense when playing in front of the home fans.