Who Should I Start? Chad Ryland or Blake Grupe

Sunday, December 29, 8:58 AM

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland converted his lone field goal attempt but missed an extra point during Saturday's Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The second-year kicker wasn't able to build on last week's dominant showing against the Carolina Panthers. Ryland's missed kick brought him to 21-for-22 on extra points and 26-for-30 on field goals in 2024. He'll look to bounce back as a decent streamer next week, assuming Matt Prater (knee) doesn't return from injured reserve for the Cardinals' season finale.

Saturday, January 4, 4:22 AM

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was perfect in Week 17, hitting his lone extra point and a 34-yard field goal try. On the season he is 30-for-32 for extra point attempts and has converted 23 of his 27 field goal attempts. All of those misses have come from 40 yards out or further. Grupe won't be kicking in the comfort of a dome in Week 18 but he will have good weather conditions when the Saints travel to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers. That said, Grupe should probably be avoided for fantasy purposes. Since their Week 12 bye, the Saints have averaged just 11.4 points per game. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will be at the helm again in the season finale. The Saints have had a hard time sustaining drives since he took over for Derek Carr (hand), which means there is less of a chance for Grupe to get on the field. Grupe has a good leg and can be of service when called upon but the Saints' woes on offense should steer fantasy managers elsewhere in Week 18.