Who Should I Start? Matt Gay or Blake Grupe

Wednesday, November 19, 7:06 PM

The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent kicker Matt Gay to their practice squad on Wednesday and released wide receiver Russell Gage Jr. from their practice squad in a corresponding move, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain in the Week 11 win over the Arizona Cardinals and is not expected to be available to kick this coming Monday night against the Carolina Panthers. Gay was just waived by the Washington Commanders on Monday after missing two kicks in a three-point loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in Madrid. The 31-year-old veteran looks like he'll be the 49ers' short-term replacement at place kicker with Pineiro injured, but fantasy managers should be looking to stay away. The seven-year veteran has been inconsistent, making 13 of his 19 field-goal tries in 10 games, including going 4-for-9 from 50-plus yards out.

Saturday, October 18, 1:05 AM

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was perfect in Week 6, making all four field goal attempts and his lone extra point in the loss to the Patriots. This marks his second straight game with four field goals, and with New Orleans struggling to reach the end zone, Grupe has established himself as one of the more reliable fantasy kickers, currently ranking fifth overall. He's 14-for-19 on field goals and 9-for-9 on extra points this season. Grupe faces the Bears in Week 7, who have allowed 8.2 fantasy points per game to kickers, 10th in the league. With the Saints moving the ball but struggling to score touchdowns, Grupe offers a strong floor and high-upside production for fantasy rosters.