Jason Hanson

Hanson's 2010 was cut short mid-season by a sprained MCL in his right knee, after which Dave Rayner took over the kicking duties for the final eight games. Hanson's surgery was considered minor, and he is expected to be healthy for his 20th NFL season this year. The duo combined for 110 points last season, each totaling 55, as Detroit provided 30 field goals and 35 PATs to its kickers. The Lions appear finally to be headed in the right direction. Offensively, they increased their average points scored by more than six per game last season and scored 41 touchdowns. The offense ranked second in red-zone touchdown efficiency at 64.4 percent. With legitimate weapons in the passing game in Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew, the only thing standing in the way of further offensive production is quarterback Matthew Stafford's health. Detroit should improve last year's meager 5.1 yards per play (20th in the NFL), extending drives and giving the kicker more work. A more kicker-friendly red-zone efficiency would offer more chip-shot field goals. Hanson has served as the Detroit kicker since 1992, so he'll get the first crack to prove he's healthy and effective. And Hanson still has the big leg he's been known for, converting 3-of-4 from 50 yards last season. Just one cold-weather game down the stretch – and even that's in Week 17 – also bodes well for Hanson this season.

The Lions offense contributed just 25 touchdowns last year, but Hanson also had his most inaccurate season since 2001, as he missed seven field goals — a stark contrast to 2008 when he went 21-of-22. The culprit was his long-range accuracy. He was just 8-of-14 from beyond 40 yards, and age may finally be catching up with the soon-to-be 40-year-old kicker. While the Lions continue to add pieces to the offense, including first-round pick Jahvid Best, they have scored more than 35 touchdowns just once since 1998, and Hanson has not attempted more than 30 field goals in six of his last eight seasons.

Hanson had a phenomenal 2008, going 21-of-22 and making an almost unheard of 8-of-8 from 50-plus yards. The problem was Hanson had just 48 overall kicking attempts, which ranked him near the bottom of the NFL. While we don’t expect to see another 0-16 spot from the Lions, Hanson still likely won’t get enough attempts to be a top-tier fantasy kicker, as he hasn’t made more than 35 extra points in 12 years and has had less than 30 field-goal attempts in five of the last seven.

Hanson is the Matt Hasselbeck of kickers. He's usually undervalued, and at season's end we might be guilty as charged. Hanson had a top-10 scoring season last year, and his 35 field goal attempts were his most since 1993 while his 36 extra-point attempts were his most since 1997. Despite being 37, Hanson is still one of the best long-range kickers in the NFL, making eight kicks of more than 50 yards in the last three seasons. Weather is also not a major concern for Hanson as three of Detroit's last four games are indoors (the season finale is at Green Bay, however). Offensive coordinator Mike Martz's departure, though, threatens to offer fewer scoring chances, thus possibly robbing Hanson a third straight top-10 scoring season.

Hanson surprised many by ranking seventh in kicker scoring last season after finishing last in 2005. Hanson had an outstanding year, making 29-of-33 field goals, including three from 50-plus. With the addition of Calvin Johnson, Lions could score more touchdowns in Mike Martz’s offense and give Hanson fewer attempts for 3-pointers. Move him up several spots in leagues that reward kicks over 50 yards as Hanson kicks in a dome and is 9-of-14 in his last four seasons from 50-plus.

The Lions haven’t been the best situation for a kicker, but with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz and new quarterbacks Jon Kitna and Josh McCown, that could change. Hanson brings a certain level of consistency, and the fact that he kicks indoors is a bonus.

Hanson is about as steady as they come given the fickle existence of NFL kickers. He’s a career 81.1-percent kicker and has been getting better with age, nailing 87.3 percent (69-for-79) the last two seasons. His problem is the team’s problem – the offense doesn’t score enough (26 offensive TDs last season). The Lions have given quarterback Joey Harrington plenty of wideout options, so there is potential to improve Hanson’s PATs. He kicks in a dome and has the leg to go long distance (25-of-53 beyond 50).

This will be Hanson’s 13th season in the NFL, and he’s only getting better based on his accuracy in 2003, which included 4 of 4 from 50-plus. He’s been a solid kicker over the years, but has suffered with the team’s recent offensive shortcomings. The Lions’ offense produced a league-worst 22 TDs last year. While some help is on the way in rookies Kevin Jones and Roy Williams, their impact may not be completely felt for another year or two.

A solid kicker on a team with a bad offense. That sums up Hanson, who has hit 79.6 percent of his career field goal attempts and averaged 104 points in his 11 NFL seasons. He should reach the 100-point level, the minimum standard for fantasy kickers, but there are always variables when a team's offense has holes or is entrusting young players at skill positions. There's not a ton of upside here.