Who Should I Start? Chase McLaughlin or Blake Grupe

Saturday, October 4, 11:05 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin (illness) was added to the injury report late in the week, but he carries no game designation and is fully expected to play against the Seattle Seahawks. McLaughlin has been productive through four weeks, hitting nine of 12 field goal attempts, including a 65-yarder against Philadelphia in Week 4. While his 75% field goal percentage ranks just 26th in the league, the Buccaneers' explosive offense has kept him busy, and he currently sits fifth among kickers in fantasy points. With Tampa Bay traveling to Seattle for what projects to be a close matchup, McLaughlin should once again see multiple scoring opportunities. Fantasy managers should treat him as a must-start option in Week 5.

Saturday, October 18, 1:05 AM

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was perfect in Week 6, making all four field goal attempts and his lone extra point in the loss to the Patriots. This marks his second straight game with four field goals, and with New Orleans struggling to reach the end zone, Grupe has established himself as one of the more reliable fantasy kickers, currently ranking fifth overall. He's 14-for-19 on field goals and 9-for-9 on extra points this season. Grupe faces the Bears in Week 7, who have allowed 8.2 fantasy points per game to kickers, 10th in the league. With the Saints moving the ball but struggling to score touchdowns, Grupe offers a strong floor and high-upside production for fantasy rosters.