Who Should I Start? Greg Zuerlein or Blake Grupe

Tuesday, December 31, 5:39 PM

The New York Jets announced on Tuesday that they placed kicker Greg Zuerlein (knee) and safety Chuck Clark (undisclosed) on Injured Reserve, so they will not be available to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The team also signed defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis and linebacker Jamin Davis to the active 53-man roster, signed offensive lineman David Sharpe to the practice squad, signed kicker Greg Joseph to the active roster and released kicker Anders Carlson. The Jets activated Zuerlein from IR last week, but he didn't attempt a kick in the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and apparently had a setback with his left knee. The 37-year-old veteran made only nine of his 15 field-goal opportunities and went 13-for-14 on extra points when healthy, so he'll likely be cut this offseason.

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.