Prime-Time First TD Bets — Monday Night Football, Week 16
Alex Christenson
Special teams in the NFL can be a fickle thing. Kickers and punters are seemingly unstoppable for years at a time, but then will suddenly fall off out of the blue. Some kickers are stellar in one season but then can’t hit a field goal the next year. Additionally, the NFL rules are designed to try and limit kick returns to try and keep players safe which makes having an excellent returner a distinct advantage.
Now that we have six weeks’ worth of data, we can provide accurate context and review the preseason special teams rankings coming into the 2023 season.
2023 NFL Special Teams Rankings
Below is every team ranked 1-32 by how their special teams unit shape up through six weeks of the NFL season.
1. San Francisco 49ers (Preseason Rank: 7)
K: Jake Moody, P: Mitch Wishnowsky, KR/PR: Ray-Ray McCloud
Jake Moody may have missed Week 6’s game-winning field goal against the Browns, but aside from that he has been solid during his first season. Moody has converted on 10 of 12 field goal attempts, with both misses coming beyond 40 yards. Mitch Wishnowsky has put 12 of his 20 punts inside the 20-yard line and is averaging 43.6 net yards per punt. Ray-Ray McCloud has the fourth-most punt return yards in the league (152) and is averaging 21.0 yards per kick return on the season.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (Preseason Rank: 13)
K: Jake Elliott, P: Braden Mann, KR: Boston Scott, PR: Britain Covey
Jake Elliott continues to be one of the most consistent kicking weapons in the NFL. Elliott has nailed 16 of his 18 attempts, including a 6-for-7 mark from 40-plus yards. Punter Braden Mann has just seven punts on the year, but only one of them has been returned for 14 yards. Britian Covey is averaging 13.9 yards per return on 14 punt returns, including a long return of 52 on the season.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (Preseason Rank: 6)
K: Brandon McManus, P: Logan Cooke, KR/PR: Jamal Agnew
The Jaguars are getting a reliable performance from Brandon McManus in 2023. The veteran kicker has converted 12 of his 14 field goal attempts, including a long of 56 yards. Both of McManus’ misses have come from 40-plus yards on the season. Punter Logan Cooke is averaging 45.0 net yards per punt and has pinned 14 of his 24 attempts inside the 20-yard line this season. Veteran return man Jamal Agnew remains one of the more dynamic threats on special teams, averaging 29.0 yards on five kick returns and 10.6 yards on his seven punt returns.
4. Dallas Cowboys (Preseason Rank: 25)
K: Brandon Aubrey, P: Bryan Anger, KR/PR: KaVontae Turpin
Brandon Aubrey has been a revelation this season, going a perfect 16-of-16 on his field goal attempts (including 2-for-2 from 50-plus yards). The Cowboys haven’t needed the services of Bryan Anger much to start the season, but he has been reliable when called upon, averaging 44.7 net yards on 19 punts. Teams have also clued into the dynamism of returner KaVontae Turpin. He’s averaging 18.0 yards on just three kick returns and 7.5 yards on his six punt returns (with 11 fair catches).
5. Atlanta Falcons (Preseason Rank: 5)
K: Younghoe Koo, P: Bradley Pinion, KR/PR: Mike Hughes
Younghoe Koo isn’t being relied upon as much as in years past, but he remains automatic inside 50 yards. The veteran kicker is 10 for 11 on his field goal attempts this year with a long of 49 yards. Meanwhile, punter Bradley Pinion has been a weapon at flipping fields this season. He is averaging 42.4 net yards per punt with just 10 of his 27 punts being returned. The Falcons lost dynamic return man Avery Williamson in the preseason, but Mike Hughes has done an admirable job filling in. Hughes is averaging 15.3 yards on his three-kick returns this season and 5.8 yards on punt returns.
6. Chicago Bears (Preseason Rank: 29)
K: Cairo Santos, P: Trenton Gill, KR: Tyler Scott, PR: Trent Taylor
After years of subpar kicking performances, the Bears have found stability with Cairo Santos. Santos has converted all 10 of his field goal attempts and is 4-for-4 on attempts past 40 yards on the season. Second-year punter Trenton Gill is a steady option as a punter with six of his 23 attempts being downed inside the 20. Tyler Scott has emerged as the team’s primary kick returner and is averaging 21.0 yards per return while Trent Taylor is a steady punt returner, returning just six of his punts for 8.8 yards per return.
7. Green Bay Packers (Preseason Rank: 19)
K: Anders Carlson, P: Daniel Whelan, KR: Keisean Nixon, PR: Jayden Reed
The Packers climb the midseason special teams list thanks to the kicking efficiency of Anders Carlson, who has gone 7-for-7 on attempts (including 2-for-2 past 50 yards). Punter Daniel Whelan is averaging 47.4 yards per punt and has pinned four of his 22 punts inside the 20. Dynamic kick returner Keisean Nixon has taken 10 of his 25 returns for 20+ yards while rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed is averaging 9.7 yards per punt return. The Packers aren’t the flashiest special teams group, but they have consistently done their job, which gets them to the top of this list.
8. Indianapolis Colts (Preseason Rank: 3)
K: Matt Gay, P: Rigoberto Sanchez, KR/PR: Isaiah McKenzie
Kicker Matt Gay has provided stability to a Colts offense that has inconsistently moved the ball this season, converting on 11 of his 12 field goal attempts. The veteran kicker is 5-for-5 on attempts beyond 50 yards (with a long of 56) on the season. Unfortunately, that is offset by the inconsistency of punter Rigoberto Sanchez, who is averaging just 39.9 net yards per punt and has seen 14 of his 25 punts returned for 156 yards. Veteran return man Isaiah McKenzie has just one kick return this season (19 yards) and nine punt returns for 99 yards.
9. Detroit Lions (Preseason Rank: 10)
K: Riley Patterson, P: Jack Fox, KR/PR: Kalif Raymond
The efficiency of the Lions offense has meant that Riley Patterson has not been needed much in the kicking game. Patterson has just eight attempts through six weeks this season and missed his one attempt beyond 40 yards. The team is getting a great season out of punter Jack Fox. He is averaging 41.5 net yards per punt and 11 of his 22 punts have landed inside the 20-yard line. Teams have done a great job limiting Kalif Raymond’s ability to hurt them in the return game this season as he’s returned just 11 punts for 9.6 yards per return.
10. Kansas City Chiefs (Preseason Rank 17)
K: Harrison Butker, P: Tommy Townsend, KR/PR: Mecole Hardman
Veteran kicker Harrison Butker has returned to form in 2023, nailing all 14 of his kicking attempts with a long of 60 yards on the season. Punter Tommy Townsend isn’t frequently used thanks to the Chiefs offensive success, but when he is he’s shown the ability to flip the field effectively. The punter has just 18 punts this season but is averaging 44.0 net yards per attempt. Kansas City will likely turn returning duties back to Mecole Hardman after the team re-acquired the veteran receiver in a late-round pick swap with the Jets. Hardman has averaged 23.1 yards on kick returns and 9.0 yards on punt returns in his career.
11. New York Jets (Preseason Rank: 20)
K: Greg Zuerlein, P: Thomas Morstead, KR/PR: Xavier Gipson
The Jets have gotten what they expected from veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein, who remains one of the more effective deep kickers in the NFL. Zuerlein has nailed 14-of-15 field goal attempts this season, including a 5-for-6 mark beyond 40 yards. Punter Thomas Morstead has been one of the best punters in the NFL this season, averaging 44.4 net yards on his 29 attempts this season. Opposing returners have just 10 returns for 62 yards on the year. Xavier Gipson has made an immense impact on the return game for the Jets, averaging 23.8 yards per kick return and 13.7 yards per punt return. He sealed a huge victory for the Jets against the Bills in Week 1 with a 65-yard punt return touchdown.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (Preseason Rank: 24)
K: Evan McPherson, P: Brad Robbins, KR/PR: Charlie Jones
Evan McPherson is still trying to reach the highs that he hit during his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals. The third-year kicker has hit 10 of his 12 attempts this season, with both of his misses coming beyond 50 yards. He is still a strong 8-of-10 from 40-plus yards on the year. The Bengals have leaned on punter Brad Robbins more this season due to the offense’s early struggles. Robbins is second in the NFL in punts this season (32) and has allowed just 13 returns for 113 yards. Rookie Charlie Jones’ returning prowess has translated from college to the NFL. The rookie is averaging 18.8 yards on eight punt returns and has already taken one of his returns back for a touchdown this season.
13. Las Vegas Raiders (Preseason Rank: 1)
K: Daniel Carlson, P: AJ Cole, KR/PR: DeAndre Carter
The Raiders special teams units have been a relative disappointment this season. Daniel Carlson came into 2023 regarded as one of the best kickers in the game, but he is just 9-for-11 on the season, with both of his misses coming past 50 yards. Thankfully, AJ Cole has continued to be a weapon as a punter. The veteran is averaging 48.1 net yards per punt on his 20 punts this season. Teams have mustered just seven returns for 39 yards against him. Opposing kickers have been avoiding dynamic return man DeAndre Carter in the kicking game as well. Carter is averaging 30.7 yards on his three kick returns and just 8.0 yards on eight punt returns.
14. Baltimore Ravens (Preseason Rank: 2)
K: Justin Tucker, P: Jordan Stout, KR/PR: Devin Duvernay
Justin Tucker may finally be turning into a mortal (kind of). Tucker is just 11-of-13 on-field goal attempts this season, with one miss coming from 50-plus yards and the other coming from 60-plus. Tucker is still money from inside 50 yards but could be showing his age after a career of booming kicks. Jordan Stout has also had some struggles this season averaging just 39.8 net yards per punt. Opponents have returned 12 of his punts for 196 yards and a touchdown this season. Devin Duvernay continues to be one of the best returners in the NFL. The speedster is averaging 20.5 yards on six kick returns and 15.2 yards on 13 punt returns. The team has full confidence in him considering he has the green light to return any kick that comes his way.
15. New York Giants (Preseason Rank: 8)
K: Graham Gano, P: Jamie Gillan, KR/PR: Eric Gray
The Giants have struggled to convert field goals this season with veteran kicker Graham Gano. Gano has hit just 10-of-13 attempts this season with misses at 30-plus, 40-plus and 50-plus. One player who hasn’t struggled is punter Jamie Gillan. Gillan is third in the NFL in net yards per punt (45.3) and has landed 9 of his 25 punts inside the 20 this season. Rookie running back Eric Gray has emerged as the team’s primary return man, averaging 14.5 yards on five kick returns. He also has six punt returns for a modest 28 yards.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Preseason Rank: 16)
K: Chase McLaughlin, P: Jake Camarda, KR/PR: Deven Thompkins
The Buccaneers have gotten solid but unspectacular production from their special team group to start the 2023 season. Kicker Chase McLaughlin has started the season hitting 9 of his first 10 field goals including both attempts from 50-plus yards. Punter Jake Camarda has also been a mixture of good and bad. On one hand, Camarda has a net punt average of 43.6 on his 24 punts. On the other, he’s tied for the league lead in touchbacks to start the season (3). Deven Thompkins is averaging 19.5 yards on his four kick returns but only 6.1 yards on his seven punt returns.
17. Miami Dolphins (Preseason Rank: 27)
K: Jason Sanders, P: Jake Bailey, KR/PR: Braxton Berrios
The explosive, high-scoring Dolphins offense hasn’t led to many field goal attempts for Jason Sanders to begin the year. That could be a good thing considering Sanders is just 5-for-7, with one miss coming at 40-plus yards and the other coming at 50-plus. Punter Jake Bailey is seldom used as well but has been more effective. He’s averaging 42.5 net yards on 14 punts and has allowed just five returns for 36 yards. Braxton Berrios has been as advertised in the return game, averaging 23.2 yards on five kick returns and 9.5 yards on his six punt returns.
18. Arizona Cardinals (Preseason Rank: 22)
K: Matt Prater, P: Blake Gillikin, KR/PR: Greg Dortch
Matt Prater continues to be as steady as they come. The veteran kicker has hit 12 of his 13 attempts, including 5-of-6 of 40-plus yards. Prater has also nailed the longest kick in the NFL this season with a 62-yard field goal. Punter Blake Gillikin has been a victim of poor talent on the roster. He’s averaging 50.4 yards per punt but has a net punt average of 36.4. All seven of his punts have been returned for a total of 98 yards. Teams are also trying to avoid Greg Dortch in the return game. The veteran receiver is averaging 20 yards on three kick returns and has added 8.1 yards on 10 punt returns this season.
19. Cleveland Browns (Preseason Rank: 23)
K: Dustin Hopkins, P: Corey Bojorquez, KR: Pierre Strong, PR: Donovan Peoples-Jones
Dustin Hopkins has been clutch for a Cleveland offense that has struggled to get traction this season. Hopkins has hit 12 of his 14 attempts, including all four of his kicks beyond 50 yards. Punter Corey Bojorquez is also enjoying a solid season, averaging 42.5 yards on his 27 punts. The veteran punter has dropped 10 punts inside the 20 this season. The Browns have split their return duties due to the preseason injury to Jakeem Grant. New running back acquisition Pierre Strong has handled kick return duties, taking his only return back 26 yards. Donovan Peoples-Jones has returned nine punts for 55 yards on the season.
20. Washington Commanders (Preseason Rank: 28)
K: Joey Slye, P: Tress Way, KR: Antonio Gibson, PR: Jamison Crowder
Joey Slye’s career inconsistencies have manifested during the 2023 season. Slye has hit just 9-of-12 attempts this season, missing two opportunities at 40-plus yards and an additional attempt at 50-plus. The team is getting the same out of punter Tress Way. The veteran punter is averaging just 39.9 net yards on his 25 punts. He’s landed eight punts inside the 20-yard line but has also allowed 15 returns for 162 yards. Antonio Gibson has looked good during kick returns, averaging 21.6 yards on 5 attempts. The team has also entrusted punt return duties to surehanded veteran Jamison Crowder. Crowder is averaging 14.3 yards on eight punt returns this season.
21. Denver Broncos (Preseason Rank: 26)
K: Wil Lutz, P: Riley Dixon, KR/PR: Marvin Mims
Wil Lutz found a home in Denver with former Saints head coach Sean Payton this offseason. Lutz has hit 8-of-9 field goal attempts, with his lone miss coming from 50-plus yards. That is someone disappointing given the atmospheric advantage provided by Denver’s home stadium. Riley Dixon is up to 23 punts on the season with just seven of his attempts landing inside the 20-yard line. Opponents have returned 11 of his kicks for 71 yards to start the year. Thankfully, rookie Marvin Mims has been electric as a returner in his first season. Mims is averaging 35.2 yards per kick return this season (with one touchdown) while adding 20.0 yards per punt return. He’s been one of the best all-around returners in the NFL in 2023.
22. Seattle Seahawks (Preseason Rank: 18)
K: Jason Myers, P: Michael Dickson, KR/PR: DeeJay Dallas
The struggles of kicker Jason Myers are the only thing holding back the Seahawks from jumping way higher on this list. Myers has only hit 11-of-15 field goal attempts this season, including one attempt at 30-plus yards, one attempt at 40-plus and two at 50-plus. Punter Michael Dickson has been fantastic, registering the second-best average net punt yards (46.8) and dropping 7 of his 16 punts inside the 20-yard line. DeeJay Dallas has become one of the most dynamic returners in the NFL. He’s averaging 25.9 yards on eight kick returns and 14.5 yards on eight punt returns this season.
23. Los Angeles Rams (Preseason Rank: 32)
K: Brett Maher, P: Ethan Evans, KR/PR: Austin Trammell
The Rams could use more consistency out of veteran kicker Brett Maher. Maher has hit just 16 of his 20 attempts this season, going just 9-of-13 from 40-plus yards. On the flip side, rookie punter Ethan Evans has been very effective in his first NFL season. Evans is averaging 41.2 net yards on 20 punts with a long punt of 72 yards. Seven of his punts have been downed inside the 20 and opponents have 10 returns for 140 yards against him. Third-year return man Austin Trammell hasn’t done much in his limited return attempts. He has one kick return for 20 yards and seven punt returns for 45 yards this season.
24. Buffalo Bills (Preseason Rank: 14)
K: Tyler Bass, P: Sam Martin, KR: Khalil Shakir, PR: Deonte Harty
Tyler Bass has been effective for the Bills to start the season, converting 9-of-11 field goals with both misses coming past 50 yards. Sam Martin has also been solid, averaging 40.5 net yards on 16 punts with six of his kicks landing inside the 20. Unfortunately, Martin has surrendered seven returns for 75 yards and one touchdown this season. The injury to Nyheim Hines in the preseason forced the Bills to utilize Khalil Shakir as a kick returner and Deonte Harty as a punt returner. Both players are doing fine in their roles with Shakir averaging 21.5 yards on two kick returns and Harty averaging 7.2 yards on six punt returns.
25. Carolina Panthers (Preseason Rank: 21)
K: Eddy Pineiro, P: Johnny Hekker, KR: Laviska Shenault, PR: Ihmir Smith-Marsette
The Panthers’ special teams have collectively been hit or miss this season. Eddy Pineiro has been solid but not spectacular to start the 2023 season, hitting 9-of-11 attempts with both of his misses coming from 40-plus yards. On the other side, Johnny Hekker has been fantastic. The veteran punter is averaging the sixth most net yards per punt (44.2 on 27 punts). Opponents are averaging just 7.0 yards per return on 10 returns this season. Similarly, Laviska Shenault has been dynamic as a kick returner, averaging 27.2 yards on his five returns this season. Veteran receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette on the other hand has been a steady punt returner, averaging just 6.5 yards per return.
26. Houston Texans (Preseason Rank: 9)
K: Ka’imi Fairbairn, P: Cam Johnson, KR: Devin Singletary, PR: Tank Dell
Ka’imi Fairbairn has been one of the best kickers in the NFL this season, leading the league in both field goals attempted (18) and field goals made (17). Fairbairn is perfect inside of 50 yards this season, including 9-of-9 from 30 to 39 yards. The same can be said for Cam Johnson. Five of his 11 punt attempts have been downed inside the 20-yard line this season, with opponents returning just one punt for 10 yards. Devin Singletary has provided solid production as a kick returner (22.5 yards per return on four returns) with rookie Tank Dell averaging 10.0 yards on punt returns.
27. Los Angeles Chargers (Preseason Rank: 4)
K: Cameron Dicker, P: JK Scott, KR/PR: Derius Davis
The Chargers might be the most disappointing special teams unit (and team in general) in the NFL this season. Cameron Dicker has been fine as a kicker, hitting all six of his attempts within 40 yards but missing one of his two attempts from 50-plus yards. Additionally, punter JK Scott has been underwhelming, posting a net punt average of 38.4 on 21 punts. Thankfully he has allowed just five returns for 27 yards on the season. Rookie Derius Davis hasn’t provided much punch in the kick return game either. The speedster has just two kick returns for 19.5 yards. He has popped as a punt returner, averaging the 12th-best average punt return yards (12.2) on 10 returns this season.
28. Tennessee Titans (Preseason Rank: 31)
K: Nick Folk, P: Ryan Stonehouse, KR: Kearis Jackson, PR: Kyle Philips
Unfortunately, the strong play of Nick Folk hasn’t been able to offset the problems in the other phases of the special teams units. Folk has hit all 16 of his field goal attempts this season, including all three of his attempts past 50 yards on the season. Punter Ryan Stonehouse has not been nearly as steady, averaging just 41.2 net yards per punt return and allowing opponents to return 13 punts for 178 yards. Tyjae Spears has flashed as a kick returner (16.3 yards per kick return), but Kyle Philips has struggled to find footing as the team’s primary punt returner, averaging just 5.8 yards per return with a fumble.
29. Minnesota Vikings (Previous Rank: 12)
K: Greg Joseph, P: Ryan Wright, KR: Ty Chandler, PR: Brandon Powell
The Vikings haven’t had much need for Greg Joseph’s services this year. The veteran kicker has hit six of seven attempts on the season, including a 2-for-3 mark on attempts of 50-plus yards. Unfortunately, punter Ryan Wright has gotten far more work on the field this season. Wright is posting the sixth-best net punt yard average (44.4) on 21 punts this season. He’s only landed three of his attempts inside the 20 and opponents are averaging 8.6 yards per return on his punts. The combination of Ty Chandler and Brandon Powell have done their best to replace the electric ability of Kene Nwangwu to start the season. Chandler has three kick returns for an average of 23.3 yards while Powell is averaging a modest 6.2 yards per punt return on 13 returns.
30. New Orleans Saints (Preseason Rank: 15)
K: Blake Grupe, P: Lou Hedley, KR/PR: Rashid Shaheed
Blake Grupe has had an inconsistent rookie season with the New Orleans Saints. The first-year kicker has converted just 13 of his 16 attempts with one miss inside 30 yards and two misses on attempts of 40-plus yards. Lou Hedley has also been a solid but unremarkable punter this season. Hedley has a modest 39.8 net punt average this season on 31 attempts but has pinned 11 of his punts inside the 20-yard line. Thankfully, Rashid Shaheed continues to make a massive impact in the return game. Shaheed is averaging 20.4 yards on 13 kick returns while adding 18.3 yards per punt return and a touchdown on 9 punt returns.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers (Preseason Rank: 30)
K: Chris Boswell, P: Pressley Harvin, KR/PR: Gunner Olszewski
As expected, the Steelers collective special teams unit has struggled to start the 2023 season. Kicker Chris Boswell has performed well, nailing all 10 of his field goal attempts, including three kicks beyond 50 yards. Punter Pressley Harvin has been less consistent. Harvin is averaging just 40.6 net yards per punt on 19 punts this season. Eight of his punts have landed inside the 20, but another eight have been returned for 85 yards on the season. Gunner Olszewski has done little outside of fair-catching kicks this year. He has just two kick returns for 24 yards and one punt return for eight yards this year.
32. New England Patriots (Preseason Rank: 11)
K: Chad Ryland, P: Bryce Baringer, KR: Ty Montgomery, PR: Demario Douglas
The Patriots’ “inexperienced special teams” experiment has gone quite poorly to start the year. Rookie kicker Chad Ryland has hit just 5-of-9 field goal attempts with all of his misses coming at 40-plus yards. Rookie punter Bryce Baringer has been only slightly better. He’s averaging just 39.2 yards per punt (33 punts) but has stuck 16 of his kicks inside the 20. Fourteen of his punts have been returned for 144 yards. Ty Montgomery has been effective as a kick returner (25.4 yards per return on five returns) while rookie Demario Douglas has failed to have a major impact in the punt game (4.8 yards per return on five returns).
