Mike Vanderjagt

You can never go wrong taking the kicker on the NFL’s highest-scoring offense. Even in a season in which Vanderjagt experienced a career-low in field goal attempts (25), he posted 119 points, good for seventh among kickers and well above an NFL team’s average kicking points (102.8). The Colts drafted Michigan State’s Dave Raynor in the sixth round, but he is nothing more than a kickoff guy as the team is unhappy with just four touchbacks last season. Vanderjagt is second in field goal accuracy the past four years at 85.0 percent and has a career mark of 87.0 percent.

What’s not to like here? The Colts were third in the league in points scored, fourth in touchdowns and found time to give Vanderjagt 37 FGA in 2003. Vanderjagt is averaging 128.3 points over the last three years. He can hit from long distance (14-for-20 on 50-plus) and kicks in a dome. He might miss one or two attempts, but nothing much will change for Vanderjagt in 2004.

The most accurate kicker in NFL history, Vanderjagt remains a top-notch fantasy kicker despite posting his career-worst season in 2002. He hit only 74.2 percent of his attempts (23 of 31) for 103 points and ranked 15th among fantasy kickers. But he should regain his form, as the Colts' potent offense will likely give him plenty of scoring opportunities. Plus, he has a strong leg, making 13 of 19 beyond 50. While his kicking tends to be on the mark, Vanderjagt put his high-priced foot in his mouth with disparaging comments about Peyton Manning and coach Tony Dungy. Manning responded by calling him an “idiot kicker” and it looked like Vanderjagt punched a one-way ticket out of town. But apologies were exchanged and Indy's kicking remains in good shape. Vanderjagt could hit for 120 points.