Patriots Lead the Week Three Kicker and Defense Rankings

These rankings are reflective of how this writer believes NFL players will perform, from a fantasy (ESPN) standard scoring perspective, in their current situations and Week Three Matchups.

Kickers

1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE(vs MIA). The Patriots shouldn't have a problem at all moving the ball against Miami. However, whenever Matt Cassel and Co. can't get it in the endzone, Gostkowski will be locked and loaded.
2. Rob Bironas, TEN(vs HOU). You know what happened the first time they faced last year. Eight field goals. Of course, it would be a mistake to believe that he would do that again.
3. Matt Prater, DEN (vs NO). Good young kicker in a probably offensively charged game. Thin mountain air only helps.
4. Nick Folk, DAL (@ GB). Very good young kicker participating in a potential shootout.
5. Mason Crosby, GB (vs DAL). See: Folk, Nick.
6. Nate Kaeding, SD(vs NYJ).
7. Ryan Longwell, MIN (vs CAR).
8. Robbie Gould, CHI (vs TB).
9. Rian Lindell, BUF (vs OAK).
10. Jason Elam, ATL (vs KC).
11. Jason Hanson, DET (@ SF).
12. John Carney, NYG(vs CIN).
13. David Akers, PHI (vs PIT).
14. Jeff Reed, PIT (@ PHI).
15. Adam Vinatieri, IND (vs JAX).
16. John Kasay, CAR (@ MIN).

Defenses/Special Teams

1. Patriots DST, NE (vs MIA). I'm not impressed by the Dolphins' offense.
2. Bills DST, BUF (vs OAK). Won't let Oakland rush for 300 yards.
3. Giants DST, NYG(vs CIN). This defense is looking good, but the Bengals have to get something going some time.
4. Vikings DST, MIN (vs CAR). Should hold the Panthers' backs in check. It's just a matter of that Steve Smith guy now.
5. Titans DST, TEN(vs HOU). Cortland Finnegan is emerging as a defensive playmaker with 3 picks so far, and he should have his hands full when he covers Andre Johnson. The Titans should control the ball this game, though.
6. Bears DST, CHI (vs TB).
7. Ravens DST, BAL(vs CLE).
8. Cowboys DST, DAL (@ GB).
9. Falcons DST, ATL (vs KC).
10. Browns DST, CLE(@ BAL).
11. Seahawks DST, SEA(vs STL).
12. Chargers DST, SD(vs NYJ).
13. Colts DST, IND(vs JAX).
14. Jaguars DST, JAX (@ IND).
15. Steelers DST, PIT (@ PHI).

Week 3 Quarterbacks

Week 3 Running Backs

Week 3 Receivers

Week 3 Tight Ends