Who Should I Start? Matt Gay or Blake Grupe

Friday, December 20, 5:54 PM

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (neck) is listed as questionable to kick for the Colts in a Week 16 divisional matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Gay did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a full practice on Friday, giving him a shot to be available this weekend in a must-win game for Indy. The fact that he was a full-go on Friday probably puts him on the right side of questionable for this one, but fantasy managers probably should be looking in another direction in semifinal matchups in most leagues. The 30-year-old veteran booter has gone 24-for-27 on his field-goal attempts in 2024 while also knocking down all 23 of his extra-point tries. The Colts don't have another kicker on roster, and the fact that haven't added one as insurance this week likely means they are expecting Gay to be ready to roll 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.