Kickers can play a major role in a team's success. They can be just as -- if not more -- valuable than any of a team's every-down positions.

Kicker David Akers made 44 of his 52 field goal attempts for the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Akers scored an NFL-leading 166 total points that season en route to helping the 49ers to a 13-3 record, their best since 1997, and their first playoff appearance since 2002.

With Akers, San Francisco advanced to the NFC championship game where it lost to the New York Giants in overtime.

Both Akers' 44 made field goals and his 52 field goal attempts in 2011 remain NFL single-season records. Below is a list of the players with the most made field goals in a single season in NFL history:

44 - David Akers (San Francisco 49ers) in 2011

41 - Chris Bosw

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