College Football Best Bets of the Week: Week 9
Walter Waddell
The NFL season is flying by, so it is time to take a step back and evaluate some of the teams from now on to maximize our ability to win in fantasy. Every offseason at FTN, we look at each unit for every NFL team. Now seems like an appropriate time to reevaluate these rankings.
Over the last week, we have re-evaluated and re-ranked all 32 offensive lines, defensive lines, linebackers and secondaries. This week we will focus on special teams.
This update will be the most dramatic from the original rankings. Teams always shift kickers and punters throughout the preseason and projecting returners is impossible.
2024 Special Teams Rankings — Midseason
1. Dallas Cowboys
K: Brandon Aubrey, P: Bryan Anger, KR/PR: KaVontae Turpin
Brandon Aubrey has picked up where he left off last season, converting on 89.5% of his kicks and going 6-of-7 from 50-plus yards (including 2 field goals of 60-plus). Punter Bryan Anger is averaging 41.8 net yards on 17 punts with four landing inside the 20.
KaVontae Turpin remains one of the most dangerous kick returners in the NFL. He’s fourth in kick return yards (301 yards) despite returning just seven kicks. He also is second in the NFL in punt return yards (19.2) with one return for a touchdown.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
K: Chris Boswell, P: Corliss Waitman, KR: Cordarrelle Patterson (INJ), PR: Calvin Austin III
Chris Boswell is having a fantastic season, converting on 19-of-20 field goals, with his lone miss coming from 60-plus yards. He’s a perfect 6-of-6 on field goals of 50-59 yards this year.
Corliss Waitman has consistently been a punter, landing 12 of his 26 punts inside the 20-yard line. Returners have just 10 returns for 33 yards on the year against the Steelers.
We haven’t gotten many chances to see Cordarrelle Patterson return kicks this year due to an injury, but he remains one of the best active kick returners in the NFL when healthy. Calvin Austin III is sixth in punt return yards (133) and averages 9.5 yards per return on 14 returns.
3. New England Patriots
K: Joey Slye, P: Bryce Baringer, KR: JaMycal Hasty, PR: Marcus Jones
Joey Slye has converted 10 of his 12 field goals this season, but he is 1-of-1 on attempts of 50-59 yards 1-of-1 from 60-plus this year. The reason for this lofty ranking is the excellence of punter Bryce Baringer, who has gotten quite a workout this year. He leads all punters in punts downed inside the 20 (19).
JaMycal Hasty has emerged as a reliable kick returner, averaging 23.8 yards per return. Seven of his nine returns have gone for 20-plus yards this season. Marcus Jones is ninth in punt return yards in 2024 (124).
4. Atlanta Falcons
K: Younghoe Koo, P: Bradley Pinion, KR: Ray-Ray McCloud, PR: Avery Williams
Younghoe Koo has once again been automatic on field goals inside of 40 yards (7-of-7). He is a strong 5-of-7 from 50-plus this year, which is hurting his overall field goal percentage (83.3%). Punter Bradley Pinion is averaging 47.8 yards per punt with returners fair catching five of his 17 attempts.
Six of Ray-Ray McCloud’s seven kick returns have gone for 20-plus yards this season (24.3 average yards per return). Avery Williams has been steady as a punt returner, racking up seven returns for 65 yards on the season.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
K: Daniel Carlson, P: AJ Cole, KR: Ameer Abdullah, PR: Tre Tucker
Daniel Carlson remains a steady kicker for the Raiders, hitting 13-of-15 attempts, with his misses coming from 40-49 and 50-59. AJ Cole continues to assert himself as one of the best punters in the NFL. He’s second in average punt distance (52.2 yards), sixth in net punt yards (44.3) and has landed 11 of his 30 attempts inside the 20.
All six of Ameer Abdullah’s kick returns have been for 20-plus yards this season while Tre Tucker is averaging 7.3 yards on his six punt returns.
6. Washington Commanders
K: Austin Seibert, P: Tress Way, KR: Austin Ekeler, PR: Olamide Zaccheaus
Austin Seibert has been fantastic this season, converting 19 of his 20 field goal attempts with his lone miss coming from 50-plus yards. Tress Way is averaging 45.7 yards on 12 punts this season with four of his punts landing inside the 20.
The Commanders have gotten excellent production from Austin Ekeler in the return game. He’s ninth in average return yards (32.1) thanks to eight 20-plus-yard returns and one of 40-plus. Olamide Zaccheaus is fourth in average punt return yards (16.3) on six punt returns.
7. Seattle Seahawks
K: Jason Myers, P: Michael Dickson, KR: Laviska Shenault Jr., PR: Dee Williams
Veteran kicker Jason Myers has struggled with consistency from distance this year with one miss from 40-49 yards, a miss from 50-59 yards and a miss on his lone attempt from 60-plus. Michael Dickson has only punted the ball 29 times in 2024 but is averaging 40.9 net yards per punt.
Laviska Shenault Jr. has emerged as a weapon in the kick return game, averaging 32.7 yards on 12 kick returns with one touchdown. 10 of his 12 returns have gone for 20-plus yards this season. Punt returner Dee Williams has just nine returns for 83 yards this season.
8. Cleveland Browns
K: Dustin Hopkins, P: Corey Bojorquez, KR: Pierre Strong Jr., PR: Jaelon Darden
Dustin Hopkins is converting just 76.9% of his field goal attempts this season, with two of his misses coming from 50-plus yards (he is four of six from that distance). Corey Bojorquez is second in average punt distance (52.1), sixth in net punt average (44.0) and second in kicks inside the 20 (18) on 40 punts this season.
All six of Pierre Strong Jr.’s kick returns have gone for 20-plus yards this season. Jaelon Darden is averaging the most yards per punt return (11.8) of any returner in the NFL with more than 10 returns.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
K: Cam Little, P: Logan Cooke, KR: Tank Bigsby, PR: Parker Washington
Cam Little has been very efficient in 2024, hitting 11-of-12 field goal attempts, with his lone miss coming from 40-49 yards. He isn’t a powerful kicker (just two 50-plus-yard attempts) but is very accurate at all levels. Logan Cooke is fourth in net punt average (44.9) on 24 punts. 12 of his attempts have been downed inside the 20.
Devin Duvernay (20 yards per kick return and 11.6 yards per punt return) landed on injured reserve, leaving Tank Bigsby (34-yard average on three returns) and Parker Washington (three punt returns for 123 yards and a touchdown) picking up the slack. They were quite effective in a one-game sample size.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
K: Cameron Dicker, P: JK Scott, KR/PR: Derius Davis (INJ)
Cameron Dicker has hit 93.8% of his field goals this year (15-of-16). He’s converted all five of his 40-49 yards attempts and is 4-of-5 from 50-plus yards this season. 11 of JK Scott’s 29 punts have landed inside the 20. Returners have just nine punt returns for 86 yards against the Chargers this season.
Derius Davis is navigating an injury but has struggled to show the explosive return ability that was his calling card in college. He’s averaging just 21.2 yards on four kick returns and 11.0 yards on five punt returns this season.
11. Denver Broncos
K: Wil Lutz, P: Riley Dixon, KR/PR: Marvin Mims Jr.
Wil Lutz continues to be automatic this season for Denver. He’s converted 14 field goals from 30-49 yards and has hit two of three attempts from 50-plus this season. Punter Riley Dixon is tied for second for punts downed inside the 20 (18) with just 14 returns for 97 yards against him.
Marvin Mims Jr. has been disappointing as a wide receiver, be he’s an excellent return man. He’s averaging 25.8 yards on five kick returns and 11.7 yards on 15 punt returns this season.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
K: Chase McLaughlin P: Trenton Gill, KR: Sean Tucker, PR: Trey Palmer
Chase McLaughlin has converted 12 of his 13 field goal attempts, with his lone miss coming from 50-plus yards. Tampa Bay waived punter Jake Camarda and elevated Trenton Gill from the practice squad. The veteran punter has averaged 38.5 net yards per punt in his career with 40 of 76 punts landing inside the 20.
Sean Tucker has proven to be an effective kick returner, averaging 31.7 yards on six kick returns with one 40-plus-yard return. Trey Palmer has just three punt returns for 27 yards this year.
13. Miami Dolphins
K: Jason Sanders, P: Jake Bailey, KR: De’Von Achane, PR: Malik Washington
Miami’s offensive struggles haven’t been helped by kicker Jason Sanders. The veteran has hit just 71.4% of his field goals this year with two misses at 40-49 yards and two misses at 50-plus yards. Jake Bailey has been steady as a punter, averaging 42.7 net yards on 25 punts. Returners have just nine returns for 90 yards against him this season.
De’Von Achane has just one kick return for 32 yards this season. The team will hope that Malik Washington can handle punt return duties after the recent injured reserve trip for Braxton Berrios (seven returns for 103 yards).
14. Houston Texans
K: Ka’imi Fairbairn, P: Tommy Townsend, KR/PR: Steven Sims (INJ)
Ka’imi Fairbairn has become one of the best power kickers in the NFL this season. He has hit nine of 10 attempts from 50-plus yards and three of four attempts from 40-49 yards. Punter Tommy Townsend is 10th in net punt average (43.4 yards) with 15 of his 33 punts landing inside the 20.
Steven Sims is banged up but has been the team’s primary returner this year. He has just three kick returns for 89 yards and 12 punt returns for 56 yards.
15. Arizona Cardinals
K: Chad Ryland, P: Blake Gillikin, KR: DeeJay Dallas, PR: Greg Dortch
Chad Ryland has been consistent while kicking for the injured Matt Prater (6-for-6 in 2024). Ryland has hit six of his seven attempts but has just three attempts (and one miss) past 39 yards. Punter Blake Gillikin is 13th in net punt average (42.9 yards) with just eight of his 22 punts landing inside the 20 this season.
Arizona’s ranking rests solely on their return game. DeeJay Dallas has been one of the best kick returners in the NFL this season with 12 kick returns from 378 yards and a touchdown on the season. Greg Dortch has just five punt returns for 41 yards.
16. Minnesota Vikings
K: Will Reichard, P: Ryan Wright, KR: Myles Gaskin, PR: Brandon Powell
Will Reichard is having a successful rookie season, converting all 12 of his field goal attempts. He’s also 4-of-4 from 50-plus yards this year. Ryan Wright is averaging a mediocre 42.0 net yards per punt in 2024 but has stuck 12 of his 23 punts inside the 20. Returners have just 10 returns for 60 yards against him.
Minnesota hasn’t gotten much from their return game this season. Brandon Powell has nine punt returns for 51 yards while Myles Gaskin leads the kick return efforts (three returns for 60 yards). Cam Akers (2 for 52 yards) also factored in Week 7.
17. Green Bay Packers
K: Brandon McManus, P: Daniel Whelan, KR/PR: Keisean Nixon
Brandon McManus nailed his lone attempt for 45 yards to win the game against Houston in Week 7. He’s converted on just 81.4% of field goals in his career. Punter Daniel Whelan is averaging 43.9 net yards on his 24 punts this season, with just eight landing inside the 20.
Cornerback Keisean Nixon has retained returner duties despite having a full-time role on defense. He’s averaging 28.4 yards on five kick returns and 12.0 yards on four punt returns in 2024.
18. Chicago Bears
K: Cairo Santos, P: Tory Taylor, KR/PR: DeAndre Carter
The Bears have gotten steady play from kicker Cairo Santos this season. He’s converted 8-of-10 field goal attempts and is 4-of-5 from 50-plus yards on the season. Tory Taylor has been solid as a rookie, averaging 42.1 net yards on 26 punts. He’s landed 10 inside the 20-yard line with a long of 66 yards this year.
Veteran returner DeAndre Carter is averaging the sixth-most yards per kick return (33.3 on six returns) while also adding 10 punt returns for 91 yards.
19. Detroit Lions
K: Jake Bates, P: Jack Fox, KR/PR: Kalif Raymond
Jake Bates has been a perfect 10-of-10 on field goal attempts this season, but he hasn’t attempted a kick of 50-plus yards. Punter Jack Fox has just 18 punts this year but is averaging 44.8 net yards per punt with just five returns for 16 yards against him.
Detroit has just five kick returns (from three different players this season), but Kalif Raymond is the team’s primary punt returner (14 returns for 125 yards).
20. Philadelphia Eagles
K: Jake Elliott, P: Braden Mann, KR: Kenneth Gainwell, PR: Cooper DeJean
The Eagles’ offensive struggles have translated to the kicking game. Jake Elliott has hit just 6-of-8 field goal attempts. Both of his misses have come from 50-plus yards (including one from beyond 60). Braden Mann has one of the strongest legs in the NFL with the second-longest net punt average (45.5), but he has put just six of 22 attempts inside the 20.
The Eagles’ leading kick returner is Kenneth Gainwell (four returns for 89 yards), but they have also used Isaiah Rodgers (three for 75) and Will Shipley (three for 76) this season. Cooper DeJean has operated as the team’s punt returner with nine returns for 102 yards.
21. Baltimore Ravens
K: Justin Tucker, P: Jordan Stout, KR: Justice Hill, PR: Tylan Wallace
Justin Tucker’s struggles from a distance have continued into 2024. Tucker has hit 12-of-15 field goals this season but has converted just 5-of-8 attempts from 40-plus yards. Jordan Stout has just 20 punts on the season and is averaging a pedestrian 40.4 net yards per punt this year. Just nine of his attempts have been pinned inside the 20.
Deonte Harty (24.5 yards per kick return and 10.6 yards per punt return) had been doing well as a return man before landing on the injured reserve. Baltimore has used Justice Hill (three returns for 94 yards), Chris Collier (three for 57) and John Kelly Jr. (two or 46 yards) as kick returners. Tylan Wallace has just one punt return for 11 yards.
22. Tennessee Titans
K: Nick Folk, P: Ryan Stonehouse, KR/PR: Jha’Quan Jackson
Nick Folk has been the bright spot for the Titans this season (which is sad for the team). He’s hit all nine of his field goal attempts and is a perfect seven for seven from 40-plus yards. Ryan Stonehouse has been less strong as a punter, averaging just 40.8 net punting yards on 30 punts. Only five of his punts have landed inside the 20.
2024 rookie Jha’Quan Jackson has made an immediate impact in the return game. He’s sixth in kick return yards (296 yards on 11 returns) and second in punt return yards (148 yards on 18 returns this season).
23. Kansas City Chiefs
K: Harrison Butker, P: Matt Araiza, KR: Carson Steele, PR: Mecole Hardman
Harrison Butker is making 85.7% of his field goals this season, but his two misses have come from 50-59 and 60-plus yards. Matt Araiza has the most powerful leg in the NFL. He’s averaging 52.2 yards per punt and 45.7 net yards, both of which are first this season. Eight of his 16 punts have landed inside the 20.
Kansas City is rotating kick returners right now to find a long-term option. Both Skyy Moore (two returns for 43 yards) and Carson Steele (four returns for 113 yards) have been used in the last two games. Mecole Hardman is handling punts, averaging 11.5 yards per return on 11 returns.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
K: Evan McPherson, P: Ryan Rehkow, KR: Chase Brown, PR: Charlie Jones
Evan McPherson’s consistency struggles have continued after a stable rookie season. McPherson has hit just 10 of 13 field goals with all of his misses coming from 40+ yards. Ryan Rehkow’s first NFL season as a punter has been a success. He’s third in the NFL in net punt yards (44.9) and has dropped 15 of his 28 punts inside the 20. He’s also one of two punters with an 80-yard punt this season.
Chase Brown has been solid as a punt returner, averaging 26.6 yards per return on seven returns. Charlie Jones has 14 punt returns for 99 yards but also has contributed as a kick returner (three returns for 158 yards and a touchdown).
25. Buffalo Bills
K: Tyler Bass, P: Sam Martin, KR/PR: Brandon Codrington
Tyler Bass’s struggles (78.6%) led the team to sign another veteran kicker (Lucas Havrisik). All three of Bass’s misses this season have come from 40-49 yards. Sam Martin is averaging just 40.2 net yards per punt with 12 of 28 attempts landing inside the 20.
Brandon Codrington has been the bright spot of the team’s special teams unit. He’s averaging 32.5 yards on four kick returns and 10.4 yards on 11 punt returns.
26. Los Angeles Rams
K: Joshua Karty, P: Ethan Evans, KR: Blake Corum, PR: Xavier Smith
Joshua Karty has been dependable during his rookie season. He has hit nine of his 11 attempts, although one of his misses came from 30-39 yards. The team hasn’t pushed him much (1-for-1 at 50-plus yards). Ethan Evans has been strong as a punter as well. He has 42.0 net yards per punt on 20 punts. 10 of them have landed inside the 20 this year.
Blake Corum has returned just four kicks for 115 yards this season. Xavier Smith has four punt returns for 63 yards.
27. New Orleans Saints
K: Blake Grupe, P: Matthew Hayball, KR/PR: Jermaine Jackson
Blake Grupe has hit all 11 of his field goal attempts this season, including two attempts past 50 yards. Matthew Hayball has landed 14 of his 26 punts inside the 20 but is averaging just 40.5 net yards per punt.
The loss of Rashid Shaheed is detrimental for this team on special teams. He had six kick returns for 171 yards and nine punts for 143 yards and a touchdown. The team has tried to replace him with Jermaine Jackson on both kicks (four returns for 100 yards) and punts (one return for 13 yards).
28. Indianapolis Colts
K: Matt Gay, P: Rigoberto Sanchez, KR/PR: Anthony Gould (INJ)
Matt Gay is 10-of-12 on field goals this season with two of his three 50-plus-yard attempts missing. Veteran punter Rigoberto Sanchez is ninth in net punt yards (43.8) and has stuck 17 of his 31 punts inside the 20.
Anthony Gould should return from an injury soon, which will be a big boost for this group. He has four kick returns for 109 yards this season. He also returned a punt for 19 yards.
29. Carolina Panthers
K: Eddy Pineiro, P: Johnny Hekker, KR/PR: Raheem Blackshear (INJ)
One of the few bright spots for this team has been Eddy Pineiro He’s 9-of-10 on field goal attempts, although he hasn’t attempted a kick beyond 50 yards. Johnny Hekker is averaging 39.7 net yards on punt and has pinned just nine of his 30 punts inside the 20. That’s not great for a team that punts a lot.
Raheem Blackshear dislocated his shoulder in the team’s last game, and it is unclear if that will cost him any time. He’s been excellent in the return game this year handling both kicks (23 returns for 589 yards) and punts (10 returns for 94 yards), so hopefully he is back quick.
30. New York Giants
K: Greg Joseph, P: Jamie Gillan, KR: Eric Gray, PR: Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Greg Joseph has hit just 9-of-12 field goal attempts this year with three misses coming between 40-49 yards. Jamie Gillan is averaging 42.3 net yards per punt on 20 punts but has dropped just nine inside the 20.
The team has split return duties between Eric Gray (12 kick returns for 300 yards) and Ihmir Smith-Marsette (12 punts for 83 yards). Both have done fine in their respective roles.
31. New York Jets
K: Greg Zuerlein, P: Thomas Morstead, KR/PR: Xavier Gipson
Greg Zuerlein has been awful this season, converting on just 61.5% of his 13 attempts. He’s missed two attempts from 30-39, two attempts from 40-49 and his only 50-plus kick. Thomas Morstead has the fifth most punts (31) and is averaging 42.7 net yards per punt, but only 10 of his punts have landed inside the 20.
Xavier Gipson has functioned as both the kick returner (nine returns for 235 yards) and punt returner (18 punt returns for 140 yards). Isaiah Davis has also been a strong kick returner when given opportunities (seven for 179).
32. San Francisco 49ers
K: Anders Carlson, P: Mitch Wishnowsky, KR: Isaac Guerendo, PR: Jacob Cowing
The 49ers will shoot up these rankings when Jake Moody returns from his injury. He was 13-of-14 on field goals this season, with his lone miss coming from 50-plus. Mitch Wishnowsky is averaging 37.6 net yards on just 18 punts this season. He has landed nine of those inside the 20.
Rookies Isaac Guerendo and Jacob Cowing have handled return duties this year. Guerendo has three kick returns for 90 yards while Cowing has nine punt returns for 54 yards.
