Rian Lindell

Lindell’s 2011 campaign was marred by a broken shoulder that caused him to miss the second half of the season. Lindell thrived while healthy during the Bills’ 5-3 first half, as a surprisingly solid offense allowed him to rack up 64 points. The offense did take a step back in the second half, however just about everyone is back for 2012 and they'll get some key injured players back in the mix. Lindell’s meager leg strength (4-of-11 on 50-yarders the last four years) and the fact the Bills play four of their last five games in the cold of Buffalo are the key drawbacks, while on the other side of the coin his job security is as good as any kicker, plus the team does have the ability to put up some points. He's probably worth stashing as a No. 2 kicker and using when the match-ups and weather dictate doing so.

Lindell endured one of the worst seasons of his career last year. His 21 field-goal attempts were his fewest as a Bill, and his 16 makes were the fewest in the league by a 16-game kicker. Lindell's accuracy (76.2 percent) was his lowest since 2003, and his streak of extra points made, fourth longest in league history, ended at 321 when a PAT was blocked midseason. The result was a disappointing 79 points, a league low among full-time kickers. The Bills haven't ranked in the top half of the NFL in scoring since 2004, and last year their red-zone touchdown efficiency jumped from 31.6 percent to 51.4 percent, giving Lindell 10 fewer red-zone field goals than in 2009. Lindell might not have another career-worst season and he'll likely improve that success rate, but the average offense and weather factors don't really put him in a position to be a top kicker in fantasy in 2011.

Lindell, who's over 1,000 points for his career, is one of the more dependable kickers out there and even with the change in coaching staff, will almost certainly be the No. 1 guy in 2010. Lindell finished with 108 points on the season, not too shabby considering how lousy the team's offense was. You can usually find a few better fantasy guys as your top kicker, but Lindell isn't too shabby and his job security is among the league's best. He's hit at least 102 points in five of the last six seasons.

Lindell’s field-goal percentage fell to 78.9 last season, his lowest mark since 2003, but he made up for it in volume, attempting 38 field goals, third most in the league. Lindell posted a career-high 124 points as the Bills had 18 more red-zone drives last season than in 2007 and improved their TD-conversion rate by 10 percentage points. Buffalo welcomes Terrell Owens this season, which should help the offense further improve. Cold-weather games are always a concern for a Bills kicker, but Lindell converted 6-of-7 December field goals last season (including games at the Jets and Broncos).

Lindell was 47-of-52 (90.3 percent) in his last two seasons, but he was stuck near the bottom of kicker scoring last year with the Bills finishing 30th in total offense and scoring (just 25 touchdowns). The Bills haven't scored more than 33 touchdowns in any of the past three years, and with either Trent Edwards or J.P. Losman at the helm, plus potential bad weather games in every December game, expect that trend to continue. His job security and ability are about as good as it gets, but team and weather offset that to make him a middle-of-the-road fantasy guy.

Lindell was in the top 10 in kicker scoring for consecutive seasons prior to 2006. The main culprit was lack of field goal attempts (25), which was one of the lowest totals in the league. Expect J.P Losman to continue to improve, but Lindell might struggle with attempts, as every Bills game in December has the potential for bad weather. Plus, it is unlikely that Lindell will duplicate his career-best 92 percent accuracy in 2006.

Lindell is another kicker who has found his accuracy (84.1 percent in last two seasons) after struggling to start his career. He’s averaged 115 points in two seasons with the Bills, but the team’s ability to move the ball is a concern, especially with yet another new offensive system about to be deployed.

Lindell was a nice surprise in 2004, tying for ninth among kickers with 117 points. Although he connected on 24-of-28 field goals, the Bills didn’t use him much in long distance situations (three attempts over 40 yards). An offense that could struggle with a first-year starting quarterback (J. P. Losman) and an expected return to his career 76.2 percent accuracy should bring Lindell back to the pack.

Of the 28 kickers who kicked 15 or more games for their teams in 2003, Lindell finished last in points with just 75. To put that into perspective, Jeff Wilkins of the Rams had more than twice as many points, with 163. Lindell was just 17-of-24 on field goals, though most of his fantasy fall was due to the ineptitude of the Buffalo offense. Although Lindell has a good chance of being back, the offense has a lot ot fixing to do, and he'll certainly be a bottom half fantasy pick among booters in 2004. Throw him in the 22-26 area for your kicker rankings.

Of the 28 kickers who kicked 15 or more games for their teams in 2003, Lindell finished last in points with just 75. To put that into perspective, Jeff Wilkins of the Rams had more than twice as many points, with 163. Lindell was just 17-of-24 on field goals, though most of his fantasy fall was due to the ineptitude of the Buffalo offense. Although Lindell has a good chance of being back, the offense has a lot ot fixing to do, and he'll certainly be a bottom half fantasy pick among booters in 2004. Throw him in the 22-26 area for your kicker rankings.