Who Should I Start? Younghoe Koo or Blake Grupe

Saturday, August 23, 7:51 PM

Atlanta Falcons placekicker Younghoe Koo converted two of his three field goal attempts in Friday's 31-13 preseason loss to the Cowboys, making from 28 and 38 yards away while missing from 51 yards out. The 31-year-old also converted his lone extra point attempt. After Lenny Krieg handled kicking duties in the team's first preseason game, Koo has taken over in the last two and appears to be in line to be named the Falcons' starter for Week 1 of the 2025 season. The eighth-year pro had a down year in 2024, but also battled through a hip injury that ultimately cut his season short. Now fully healthy, fantasy managers should have confidence in him, however, there are higher upside options available in 12-team leagues.

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.