Who Should I Start? Graham Gano or Blake Grupe

Saturday, November 23, 1:46 AM

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano will look to bounce back in Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a mixed performance in Week 10 against Carolina, where he went 1-for-2 on field goals, including a clutch 42-yard game-tying kick in regulation. Gano, who has played just three games this season due to injury, has made three of four field goal attempts, including a long of 50 yards, for a 75% conversion rate. The Buccaneers' defense, ranked 30th against the pass, could allow the Giants' offense to generate scoring opportunities, giving Gano a chance to capitalize. With the Giants' offense still finding its footing (with Tommy Devito at the helm), Gano is a risky fantasy option.

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.