News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh nailed his only field-goal attempt and tallied an extra point during Minnesota's 24-10 loss at Green Bay in an NFC Wild Card contest Saturday night. Walsh booted a 33-yard field goal to open the scoring in the first quarter before sitting idle until the fourth quarter.
Analysis: Walsh, a sixth-round draft pick out of Georgia last April, served as a standout during his rookie campaign and paced the league with 141 points. He only missed three kicks throughout the season while converting 10 field goals from beyond 50 yards. The Vikings could work on their offense in the offseason, but Walsh will remain a solid Fantasy option worthy of a selection at the end of all drafts for the 2013 season.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh had another perfect performance in Week 17 against the Packers. He made three field goals and converted all four of his extra points in the 37-34 win. He made his field goals from distances of 54, 37 and 29, which secured the victory for Minnesota.
Analysis: Walsh has set an NFL record by making 10 field goals of 50-plus yards and has sustained just three misses this season. The rookie appears to have some solid upside in Fantasy and should see plenty of work in the first round of the playoffs against the Packers again. Consider Walsh a viable option in the majority of Fantasy playoff formats.
News: With a 56-yard field goal in the second quarter, Vikings kicker Blair Walsh set an NFL record by going 9 for 9 from 50-plus yards on the season. He added two other field goals (41, 39) and a pair of extra points against the Texans in Week 16.
Analysis: Walsh had made 32 of 35 field goals this season, missing only one indoors and none at home. Though there have been some less productive weeks, he's proven to be a stud kicker who is not only worth starting at home vs. the Packers in Week 17 but worth a final-round pick in 2013 drafts too.
News: Held without a field goal in each of his previous two games, Vikings rookie kicker Blair Walsh made up for lost time by going 5 for 5 on field goal attempts Week 15 at St. Louis. Three of those field goals were from at least 50 yards out, including a 50-yarder in the second quarter, a 53-yarder in the third quarter and a 51-yarder in the fourth quarter. He also had a 38-yarder and a 42-yarder in the contest. Factor in his three extra points, and he had a total of 18 points on the day.
Analysis: With all the long field goals, Walsh no doubt topped 20 points in most Fantasy formats. Too bad the Vikings' struggles on offense in recent weeks had relegated him to the waiver wire in almost half of all leagues. He has a knack for kicking long field goals -- his eight of 50 yards or more ties the single-season record -- but since his opportunities are sporadic, he's a shaky starter in Fantasy. With the Vikings visiting the Texans in Week 16, you might not want to invest too heavily in Walsh.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh converted three extra points Week 14 vs. Chicago. He didn't attempt a field goal in a 21-14 win and hasn't recorded a field goal in his last two games.
Analysis: Walsh has managed more than 10 points just once in his last seven games. He was averaging 10 points in his first six games, but he is averaging just 5.6 points in his last seven games. Walsh is no longer a reliable Fantasy kicker and has low-end appeal in deeper formats heading into Week 15 at St. Louis.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh finished with two extra points Week 13 at Green Bay. He missed his only field-goal attempt, a 42-yard kick late in the fourth quarter. It was the second straight game Walsh missed a kicker after not missing one in his first 10 games.
Analysis: Walsh's Fantasy appeal has really taken a hit in the second half. He opened the season averaging 10 points through his first six games. He has since averaged six points per game in his last six contests. Walsh has low-end Fantasy appeal heading into Week 14 vs. Chicago.
News: The Bears were able to stymie the Vikings' offense in Week 12, and that meant a quiet afternoon for Vikings kicker Blair Walsh in the 28-10 loss. Walsh converted his only extra-point attempt, though he was just 1 for 2 in field goals. He converted a 40-yarder, but his 30-yard attempt in the second quarter was blocked by Bears defensive lineman Julius Peppers.
Analysis: This was one of Walsh's worst games this season, but generally he has been accurate and reliable. The Vikings should have an easier time moving ball in Week 13 against the Packers, so Walsh is worth keeping active in most Fantasy formats.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh converted all four of his field-goal attempts and two extra points during Minnesota's 34-24 win over Detroit in Week 10. It was the third time this season he drilled four field goals as he matched a season-high with 14 points. Walsh connected on kicks of 48, 23 (twice) and 33 yards -- the first time in three weeks he did not boot a 50-yard kick.
Analysis: Yes, he's just the kicker, but Walsh has served as one of the Vikings' most reliable scoring options this season. The 22-year-old has drilled five kicks from 50-plus yards and is among the league leaders with 23 made field goals out of 24 attempts. Fantasy owners should continue to consider him a fine option in Week 12 at Chicago following Minnesota's upcoming bye.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh converted both of his field-goal attempts and two extra points during Minnesota's 30-20 loss at Seattle in Week 9. Walsh nailed kicks of 36 and 55 yards to finish perfect for the fourth consecutive game and improve to 19 for 20 overall on the season.
Analysis: Walsh has made a living from long range this year and matched a season long with his 55-yard field goal in the third quarter that pulled the Vikings within a touchdown of the lead. Overall, he has five kicks of at least 50 yards and is worth utilizing in most Fantasy formats for Week 10 against Detroit.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh made his lone field-goal attempt in Week 8 against the Buccaneers. He nailed a 51-yarder in the second quarter and also converted both of his extra points in the 36-17 loss.
Analysis: Walsh has made just one field goal in his last two games but is now 17 for 18 on the year. He is also a perfect 4 for 4 from 50-plus yards. With his ability to kick from deep, continue to view Walsh as a viable option in most Fantasy formats heading into Week 9 against the Seahawks.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh kicked three extra points in Sunday's 21-14 victory over the Cardinals. He did not attempt a field goal.
Analysis: Walsh, a rookie, has one of the more powerful and accurate legs in the NFL. He has successfully converted 16 of 17 field goal attempts this year, plays in a dome for half of his games, and benefits from an offense that is capable of getting him in field goal range every time they get possession. A top Fantasy kicker, Walsh should be started in all leagues.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh had an outstanding game on Sunday of Week 6 at Washington. Minnesota dropped the game but not for Walsh's effort. Walsh nailed all four field goals he attempted in the game with a long of 37 yards. He did not kick an extra point and finished with 12 points scored.
Analysis: Walsh has already recorded double figures in scoring four times this season over six games. In his other two contests he managed eight points scored. Walsh has been an excellent Fantasy kicking option to this point and that should continue Week 7 against Arizona. Fantasy owners can start Walsh across the board Week 7.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh made all three of his field-goal attempts in Week 5 against the Titans. Walsh connected from 42 and 36 yards in the first half before hitting from 26 yards in the fourth. He also made all three of his PATs and finished with 11 points.
Analysis: Walsh is now 12 for 13 on the season with a long of 55 yards and has posted a double-digit point total in two of his five contests. While kicking inside Mall of the America Field has helped, Minnesota's offense is a bit too fickle to consider him anything more than a low-end option. Continue to view him as such in Week 6 at Washington.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh made field goals from 46 and 27 yards out and missed a 46-yard try at Detroit in Week 4. He made two extra points.
Analysis: Walsh continues to be a serviceable Fantasy kicker as the Vikings offense moves the chains. He should continue to get kicking chances in Week 5 when the Titans come to Mall of America Field. Consider him as a low-end starter or one-week replacement off waivers.
News: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh only had one field goal Sunday against the 49ers in Week 3, but he made it count. Walsh hit from 52 yards, and he also connected on three extra points.
Analysis: Walsh now has three games with at least one 50-yard field goal, and he looks like a solid Fantasy option in all leagues. Consider Walsh a quality Fantasy option in Week 4 at Detroit.
News: Minnesota kicker Blair Walsh converted both field goals and extra points during the Vikings' 23-20 loss to Indianapolis in Week 2. Walsh drilled kicks from 51 yards and 29 yards to remain perfect on all six of his field-goal attempts in the first two games of his rookie season.
Analysis: Walsh has received steady work through the first two games as the Minnesota offense has remained stagnant at times. The 22-year-old has now connected on a field goal of 50-plus yards in each game and is viewed as a low-end kicking option for Week 3 against San Francisco.
News:Blair Walsh kicked four field goals, including a 55-yarder as regulation expired and another in overtime, to lift the Vikings to a 26-23 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. Walsh's kick in overtime was good from 38 yards. He converted from 20 and 42 yards as well in the fourth quarter. He also made both of his extra points for a 14-point outing.
Analysis: Walsh had quite the NFL regular season debut Sunday. He didn't buckle under pressure and hit some clutch kicks for Minnesota. You saw Sunday why the Vikings chose to release veteran kicker Ryan Longwell. Walsh could be a talent in the NFL for years to come. Let's continue to monitor Walsh's scoring attempts moving forward, but this was definitely encouraging. Consider him a low-end Fantasy option Week 2 at Indianapolis.
News: After a good showing kicking at the passing scrimmage Saturday, Vikings kicker Blair Walsh ended Tuesday's practice by attempting two 56-yard field goals into the wind. He made the second one but missed the first. So he's human after all? "Apparently,” coach Leslie Frazier said. “But he came back and boomed it when the pressure was on and with his teammates giving him a hard time. So it was good to see him bounce back.”
Analysis: Walsh is having a great camp after being a head-scratcher of a pick for the Vikings back in April. He hit 21 of 35 field goal attempts (60 pct.) in 2011 while setting an NCAA record with at least one field goal in 45 games in his career. Nonetheless if the Vikings are willing to let him try long field goals, and if he hits them early on, we could see Walsh as a good one-week replacement option this season.
News: The Vikings have released veteran placekicker Ryan Longwell, who had three years remaining on his contract. The 37-year-old veteran of 15 seasons, including six with the Vikings, saw his job become tenuous when the team selected Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round, and even more so when coach Leslie Frazier said last week keeping two kickers was "not in the thinking right now."
Analysis: Walsh is considered a reliable mid-range kicker who is not afraid to tee it up from 60-plus yards. But he hit 21 of 35 field goal attempts (60 pct.) in 2011 while setting an NCAA record with at least one field goal in 45 games in his career. It's tough to take a shot on Walsh knowing he hit just 60 percent of his kicks in school, and even tougher knowing that the Vikings' offense isn't expected to put him in position to kick a ton of field goals. We wouldn't take Walsh with a pick in Fantasy and wouldn't obviously take Longwell until he lands somewhere (if he lands somewhere).
News: With the fifth pick in the sixth round, the Vikings picked Georgia placekicker Blair Walsh. A 2010 Semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, Walsh is expected to challenge 38-year-old placekicker Ryan Longwell. Walsh is considered a reliable mid-range kicker who is not afraid to tee it up from 60-plus yards. He hit 21 of 35 field goal attempts in 2011 and set an NCAA record with at least one field goal in 45 games in his career. "I can be a little bit of a long-range threat for them," he said. "I'd be more than happy with that."
Analysis: We bet Walsh would be happy with that, but with 21 of 35 field goals made last year, Walsh leaves a little bit to be desired. He's not worth drafting, even if he lands the starting job in Minnesota.
