The Cleveland Browns were lousy again in 2013, finishing 4-12, but Billy Cundiff found salvation in the Rock and Roll Capital of the World and saved his career. In 2012, Cundiff had been cut by Washington after missing five out of 12 field goal attempts. That low point came after Cundiff’s infamous moment in 2011 as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, where he missed a field goal that would have sent the AFC Championship game into overtime. In Cleveland, Cundiff regrouped and succeeded despite the pressure of replacing popular Phil Dawson, now with the San Francisco 49ers. Many fantasy owners missed Cundiff’s revival, as the Cleveland offense was not good enough to support consistent kicking production. With Johnny Football on the scene, will Cundiff’s comeback gain more notoriety?
Fantasy Upside
In a not-so-shocking development, the Browns have a new coach. Mike Pettine comes to Cleveland with a defensive background and will rely on new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to install a ground-based attack with running backs Ben Tate and Terrance West leading the way. Cleveland’s defense is promising. The combination of a potentially strong defense and a ball-control offense that doesn’t score a ton of points but can advance the ball far enough to set up field goal opportunities can be very good for kickers.
Fantasy Downside
Last season, Cundiff converted 80.8% of his field goal attempts. It was only the second time in his career his accuracy rate had topped 80 percent. Has he really turned a corner, or was last year a fluke? At 34, Cundiff’s leg isn’t getting any stronger. While Johnny Manziel brings potential star power, any hope Cleveland had of having a dynamic offense is gone with Josh Gordon facing a lengthy suspension. The mindset of the new Browns brass is promising, but no fantasy owner wants to target a kicker on a below-average offense and that is what Cleveland is realistically going to be.
Bottom Line
In the fantasy galaxy, Cundiff is the kind of player you find at a second-hand store. Typically, owners enjoy trying to find bargains at other positions and would be happy to shop at that type of store for sleepers, but only want kickers that would be showcased at Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue. Until Cundiff and the Cleveland offense show they are ready to move up in the world, Billy belongs on the waiver wire.
