Who Should I Start? Eddy Pineiro or Blake Grupe

Friday, November 22, 1:20 PM

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro (knee) is listed as questionable to play in Week 12 on Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs with a left-knee injury that he suffered in Germany during the overtime celebration in the win over the New York Giants in Week 10, according to head coach Dave Canales. However, Canales also said Pineiro had two good practices this week coming out of the bye and is expected to play this weekend. The 29-year-old probably won't be 100 percent on Sunday, though, and fantasy managers should be looking to avoid him against one of the better defenses in the league in KC. Carolina's inconsistent offense has only provided Pineiro with 13 field-goal attempts (31st in the NFL) in 2024 and 17 extra-point opportunities (tied for 21st). Continue to avoid Pineiro as a fantasy kicker.

Saturday, November 16, 3:27 AM

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was perfect in Week 10, converting both of his field goal attempts and both extra point tries. He scored the first points of the game against the Falcons with a 38-yard field goal in the second quarter and hit another from 26 yards out in the third quarter. On the season he has missed just one of his 19 field goal attempts and is now 21-for-23 on extra points. Grupe offers a solid floor, rarely straying far from his average 7.5 fantasy points per game. In Week 11, the Saints face the Browns, who have offered little to opposing kickers this season, though that may be because they are allowing teams to reach the end zone more often than they are stopping them short, particularly in close range. Cleveland has only seen five field goals attempted at a distance of 39 yards or fewer. They have also had the good fortune of opponents going 8-for-14 from 40 yards out or more, with just one block to their credit. Grupe is 8-for-9 from that range. Grupe isn't an option to get excited about but a top-12 finish isn't out of the question. He is worth a look for fantasy managers seeking a kicker in Week 11.