Giorgio

Tavecchio

It’s not exactly stunning after Stephen Gostkowski’s cringe-inducing struggles this season. The veteran has missed seven of 17 field goal tries -- including a potential game winner two weeks against against Pittsburgh -- along with two extra points. Whoever kicks for the Titans should see solid opportunity in an offense that moves the ball efficiently.

Jon Gruden has cleaned out Rich Bisaccia’s special teams room, parting ways with last year’s starting placekicker, punter (Marquette King), and top returner (Cordarrelle Patterson). Mike Nugent was signed as veteran competition, but the Raiders appear likely to roll with UDFA Eddy Pineiro out of Florida.

The former Cal Bear has become a regular at Raiders training camp. He’ll only see the field if something happens to 39-year-old Sebastian Janikowski.

Sebastian Janikowski’s replacement was an exclusive rights free agent. Tavecchio converted just 16-of-21 field goal attempts last season and will surely face offseason competition.

Aldrick Rosas is on the hot seat having only made 67% of his field goals this season. Rosas has particularly struggled on deeper kicks (0-for-3 on kicks beyond 41 yards), so the Giants have no choice but to explore other options. With the Giants near the bottom of most offensive rankings, it’s unlikely that a Giants kicker will have fantasy relevance down the stretch.

This was fully expected after the Falcons re-signed Matt Bryant. Tavecchio struggled this preseason, making just 4-of-9 fields goals. He’s unlikely to resurface before Week 1.

The Falcons released longtime K Matt Bryant on Wednesday. Tavecchio (28) is 15 years younger than Bryant and costs a fraction of what Bryant was scheduled to make. Bryant remains one of the best when healthy, but Tavecchio was a fine replacement for three games Bryant missed this past season, making all five of his field goals and eight PATs. He’ll be a top fantasy kicker.

There are no surprises on this list.

With Matt Bryant back, Tavecchio is out. Jones still isn’t ready to return despite being activated from injured reserve earlier this week.

Tavecchio wasn’t brought in to be an ornament. Crosby connected on just 21-of-33 field goals last season and his 63.6 percent conversion rate ranked dead last among all qualifiers. It’s a position battle for fantasy owners to watch as the Packers’ elite offense yields plenty of opportunities.