1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE

Selecting a kicker on potentially the best offense in the NFL is a good way to go.   Gostkowski sports a career 85.6% field goal percentage including 90% last season.  He had 40 FG attempts last season, and connected on 36.   But when the Patriots offense was on all cylinders in ’07, he had 24 tries and 74 extra points.

2. Rob Bironas, TEN

Bironas averaged 130 points over the past 2 years.  He went 15 for 19 on kicks between 40-49 yards which boosted his value in leagues that reward longer field goals.

3. Jason Elam, ATL

Elam moved from high altitude surroundings in Denver to the cozy Georgia Dome in Atlanta and posted the best accuracy rate 93.5% in his career.  Don’t be concerned about his 39-year-old frame; he’s a dependable fantasy kicker in 2009.

4. Ryan Longwell, MIN

Longwell’s point total skyrocketed from 99 in 2007 to 127 last year.  He showed off a big leg, converting all 6 FG attempts from 50+ yards.  Longwell plays 10 games in a dome this year along with one in Arizona, so he’ll benefit from decent conditions for a large part of the season.

5. David Akers, PHI

David Akers finished second behind Stephen Gostkowski with 144 points scored.  He attempted a career-high 40 FGs and connected on all 45 extra point kicks.  Akers will be a fine draft choice if the Eagles continue their offensive resurgence, just be wary of the career year.

6. Kris Brown, HOU

Brown converted 29 field goals on 33 attempts for an 87.9% average, the highest of his career.  He’s averaged 120 points over the past two years and he can clearly accelerate his production if the Texan offense realizes their sleeper potential.

7. Mason Crosby, GB

Crosby’s point total dipped from 141 to 127 in 2008.  He only received 6 attempts between 40-49 yards last year in addition to 6 tries from 50+.  His career FG percentage is a mediocre 79.5%, so owners in leagues that penalize missed field goals should take that into account.

8. John Carney, NO

Incumbent starter Garrett Hartley in suspended for the first 4 games, so John Carney will take over the Saints kicking duties.  Carney doesn’t have a powerful leg anymore, but he was quite accurate (92.1%) in New York last season.  He may find himself kicking for the one of the best offenses in the league.

9. Robbie Gould, CHI

Gould has been a consistent kicker, although his FGM and point total have declined over the past 3 years.  Cutler’s addition should help spark the offense and Gould could see a reversal to the downward trend.

10. Nate Kaeding, SD

San Diego’s offensive uptick in 2008 resulted in career-high 27 field goals and 32 attempts.  He only connected on 3 out of 8 attempts from 40-49 yards, but he was perfect inside 39 yards.