Who Should I Start? Joey Slye or Blake Grupe

Friday, December 20, 12:00 PM

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues ahead of Sunday's Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Slye has been relatively mediocre this year, showcasing impressive power but struggling with accuracy on kicks that most NFL kickers would make. All in all, he's 19-for-20 on extra points and 23-for-30 on field goals in 2024. This week, the bad news for Slye is that he faces the Bills, who have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers in 2024. To further complicate matters, he'll be kicking in Orchard Park, New York, which is known for cold temperatures, wind gusts, and potential snow in the winter months. Any of these weather conditions could affect Slye in Week 16, further reducing his fantasy value. For now, he's a mid-range K2 who lacks fantasy appeal on Sunday.

Saturday, December 14, 5:32 AM

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe converted both of his extra point attempts in Week 14 but he missed both of his field goal tries. It is worth noting that the misses were both from over 50 yards out. The first, a 53-yarder, had the distance but veered left of the uprights. The second was a 60-yard try at the end of the first half that was blocked by the Giants. Before those whiffs, Grupe had been a perfect 5-for-5 from 50 or more yards out. Grupe is a tough sell for fantasy football purposes in Week 15. The Saints will next face the Washington Commanders, who have seen the fourth-fewest field goal attempts in the league and are tied for the third-lowest fantasy points per game allowed to opposing kickers. On top of that, the Saints offense as a whole will be downgraded with quarterback Jake Haener drawing the start in light of regular starter Derek Carr's (concussion, hand) injuries. Fantasy managers can and should find a more bankable option for the first round of the fantasy playoffs.