Who Should I Start? Zane Gonzalez or Riley Patterson

Sunday, November 30, 10:12 AM

Atlanta Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez went 3-for-3 on field goals last week, including nailing one from 56 yards out, and is now 6-for-6 in three games as the team's place kicker. The 30-year-old is also perfect on extra points, going 6-for-6 over the three-game stretch. The team's third kicker this season has appeared to have brought some stability to the position, and will look to stay perfect on the road against the Jets in Week 13. He could have to deal with light rain in East Rutherford, but in a game with a low expected total (39.5) with the potential for stalled drives, Gonzalez could see a couple opportunities to convert field goals. Even so, the Arizona State product projects well outside the top 12, so there could be better options available in games with higher totals and/or being played indoors.

Saturday, December 13, 6:51 PM

Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson has been solid but not spectacular this season, while filling in for Jason Sanders (hip), who remains on IR. Patterson has made 23 of his 25 field goal attempts and 28 of his 29 extra point attempts. He didn't have any issues on the road in the cold against the Jets last week, making all four of his kicks. This week, he'll be on the road for a night game in Pittsburgh with very cold temperatures again in the forecast. While it won't be ideal conditions for long field goals, Patterson has been consistent enough from short range to not be a total "must avoid" option, especially since the Steelers have been a top-10 matchup for kickers. Patterson is the No. 19 kicker in RotoBaller's Week 15 rankings, so there are potentially kickers with more upside on the waiver wire in most standard-sized leagues this week.