Who Should I Start? Riley Patterson or Blake Grupe

Saturday, December 28, 6:36 PM

Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson was busy during last week's win over the New York Giants. Patterson recently took over as the kicker after Younghoe Koo (hip) went on the injured reserve. Patterson came ready to kick as he knocked down all four extra point attempts and converted 2-of-3 field goal attempts in the win. The 25-year-old hasn't kicked much this season, but looked solid outside of his 43-yard miss last week. He should continue to get chances to kick in what could be a high-scoring matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 17. Patterson isn't a must-start option, but is certainly worth a look for fantasy managers seeking a kicker for this weekend.

Saturday, December 28, 3:39 AM

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was blanked in Week 16. It wasn't that he missed any kicks, it was the fact that the offense was never in a position to get him on the field in a 34-0 shellacking at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. When Grupe last saw scoring opportunities, in Week 15, he went two-for-two on field goals (from 41 and 51 yards out) and nailed his lone extra point. In Week 17, Grupe and the Saints face the Las Vegas Raiders, who have given up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers. Still, Grupe remains a risky option in fantasy football's championship round. With Derek Carr (hand) and Alvin Kamara (out) the Saints' offense could still be stuck in the mud come Sunday. New Orleans has averaged 12.8 points per game in rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler's five starts thus far. With most fantasy leagues whittled down to their final two teams, there should be safer alternatives on the wire to stream in Week 17.