Who Should I Start? Graham Gano or Dustin Hopkins

Monday, November 6, 8:01 PM

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (knee) needs surgery for a left-knee injury and is likely out for the rest of the season. The Giants officially placed him on Injured Reserve on Saturday. Veteran Randy Bullock was signed and eventually elevated to the active roster, but he didn't have a single kicking opportunity in the 30-6 Week 9 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The G-Men also added Cade York last week, but he was inactive on Sunday. In eight games for the Giants this year before his knee injury, the 36-year-old Gano made 11 of his 17 field-goal attempts and made all eight of his extra-point tries. Bullock and York could continue to compete for the starting kicking job on game days on Sundays, but fantasy managers should avoid the situation entirely.

Thursday, January 11, 3:00 PM

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for Saturday's wild-card playoff game against the Houston Texans after missing practice all week. Hopkins will miss his third straight game due to his hamstring injury. Riley Patterson, who has served as Cleveland's kicker the last two games with Hopkins out, will likely be elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster for Saturday's playoff contest. The 24-year-old was the Detroit Lions' primary kicker for 13 games this year before getting cut and latching on with the Browns. In 15 total games between both teams this year, he's gone 16-for-18 on field-goal tries and has miss three of his 44 extra-point attempts. Fantasy managers should be looking for better options at the position on wild-card weekend.