Zane Gonzalez, Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
With Christian McCaffrey back on the field, the Panthers should find it easier to move the ball. However, Sam Darnold is not playing his best football and the Patriots defense has been very good at times. Teams that have been middling through the season, struggling to score do find the Patriots difficult to score on, including kickers.
Squib Kicks
Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
This game just has the feeling of a close game, but not necessarily a shootout. The Bengals could conceivably score over 3 touchdowns but McPherson is probably scoring more extra points than field goals.
Robbie Gould, San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Gould is coming off of injured reserve and Joey Slye has been released. It’s always dicey starting a kicker coming off of an extended break with injury. That’s usually a risk I let someone else take.
On Bye: Detroit Lions (Austin Seibert), Washington Football Team (Chris Blewitt), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Ryan Succop), Seattle Seahawks (Jason Myers)
