Who Should I Start? Wil Lutz or Blake Grupe

Monday, January 13, 10:54 AM

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz was a top-10 fantasy kicker during the regular season, but we warned fantasy managers setting DFS lineups in playoff leagues to avoid him for the wild-card matchup in Buffalo against the Bills on Sunday. Hopefully you did, as Lutz didn't attempt a single field goal and made just one extra point in the 31-7 blowout loss at Orchard Park. Although the Broncos put up a dud to close out what was a successful 2024 season, the 30-year-old Lutz was money in the bank for Denver in his second year with the team. He made 91.2% of his 34 field-goal attempts in 17 regular-season games and didn't miss any of his 47 extra-point opportunities on the year. In his final eight games, Lutz made all 27 of his field goals and went 13-for-13 on extra points. With impressive QB Bo Nix leading Denver's offense moving forward, Lutz should easily be a top-12 fantasy kicking option this fall.

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.