Jake Bates

Detroit Lions
Place Kicker #39
Detroit Lions
Place Kicker #39

Jake Bates News RotoBaller

Jake Bates Remains a Solid Starting Kicker Option in Week 16 Despite Recent Struggles

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been a bit shaky in recent weeks, as he's recorded a missed field goal in each of Detroit's last two games. He's now missed six field goal attempts across 14 games this season after missing just three attempts across 17 games as a rookie in 2024. Still, Bates leads the NFL in both extra-point makes (49) and attempts (51). He remains attached to the Lions offense, which enters Week 16 averaging a league-leading 30.6 points per contest. In Week 16, Detroit will host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh currently ranks just 18th in points allowed per game (23.3), so Detroit could have opportunities to get Bates on the field in point-scoring situations. Additionally, the game will be held indoors at Detroit's Ford Field, so the weather will not be a factor. Bates profiles as a solid starting kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 16.

Dec 20, 2025 12:08 AM EST


Jake Bates: Must-Start Kicker in Potential Week 15 Shootout

Although Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates saw his streak of four straight games without a missed field goal come to an end in Week 14, he still knocked in three out of four field goal attempts and all five of his extra point tries in Detroit's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Bates remains the current NFL leader in both extra-point attempts (47) and makes (45) through 14 weeks. In Week 15, the Lions will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams. The Lions and Rams enter the week as two of the NFL's top teams in points per game, so this game could have shootout potential. Additionally, playing indoors at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium eliminates any potential issues Bates might have with the weather. Fantasy managers can view Bates as a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 15.

Dec 13, 2025 12:31 AM EST



Jake Bates: Must-Start Kicker in Week 14

Across 12 games this season, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has connected on 16 of 20 field goal attempts and converted a league-leading 40 extra-point tries. The 26-year-old has also done some of his best work in recent weeks, knocking in all seven of his field goal attempts over his last four games. In Week 14, Bates and the Lions will host the Dallas Cowboys in a game that appears to have shootout potential. Through 13 weeks, both Detroit and Dallas rank in the top five in points per game among all NFL teams. If both offenses hold to form, there could be plenty of opportunities for Bates to put points on the board. The game will also be played indoors at Detroit's Ford Field, which removes any potential weather concerns. Bates profiles as a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 14.

Dec 3, 2025 10:24 PM EST


Jake Bates Remains a Solid Starting Kicker Option in Week 13

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates was one of the heroes of his team's Week 12 win over the New York Giants, bending in a 59-yard field goal to send the game to overtime. After a relatively shaky start to the season, Bates has now made six straight field goal attempts over his last three games. He'll have a second straight game in the friendly confines of Ford Field in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers. For his career, Bates is averaging 8.6 points per game at home, compared to 7.4 on the road. If there's one concern for Bates in Week 13, it's Green Bay's prowess as a scoring defense. The Packers have held three of their last four opponents to 16 points or fewer and held the Lions to 13 points in the first matchup between the two teams this season in Week 1. Still, Bates profiles as a solid starting kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 13.

Nov 26, 2025 11:08 PM EST


Jake Bates Returns Home for Potentially High-Scoring Week 12 Matchup

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates had an underwhelming game in Week 11, making just one field goal and missing his lone extra-point try in his team's 16-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. On paper, Bates has a much lighter matchup in Week 12, when the Lions host the New York Giants inside the domed Ford Field. In his career to this point, Bates is averaging 8.5 points per game at home, compared to 7.4 per game on the road. The Giants have also been one of the easiest teams for opposing offenses to light up the scoreboard against so far this season. New York enters Week 12 allowing 27.3 points per game and has allowed 31.2 points per game over the last five weeks. Bates could have plenty of chances to put points on the board for the Lions against the Giants and profiles as a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 12.

Nov 22, 2025 1:13 AM EST



Jake Bates Remains a Solid Starting Option Despite Difficult Week 11 Matchup

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates recorded his first missed extra-point of the season in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, but he knocked in all three of his field goal attempts. Even with the blunder against Washington, Bates leads the NFL in extra-point makes (33) and attempts (34) through 10 weeks. The Lions have a difficult road matchup in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia ranks in the top ten in the NFL in per-game opponent scoring (21.3 points per game). Still, the Lions have one of the league's highest-scoring offenses so far this season and could provide Bates with some opportunities to put points on the board. It's not his most favorable matchup, but Bates still profiles as a solid starting kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 11.

Nov 15, 2025 12:01 AM EST


Jake Bates A Top Kicker Option in Week 10 Versus Washington

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates projects as one of the top kicker options for Week 10's matchup against the Washington Commanders. Bates hasn't been quite as effective this season compared to last, however, making just nine of 13 attempts, but he has nailed all 30 of his extra points, which is the most in the league. His 69.2% field goal percentage ranks 31st out of 33 qualified kickers this season. The Lions attempt field goals at one of the lowest rates in the league, but Bates has still struggled to deliver in his limited opportunities. Bates should have plenty of opportunity for scoring in Week 10 against a Washington defense that hasn't shown itself capable of stopping anything recently.

Nov 8, 2025 8:09 PM EST


Jake Bates Remains a Must-Start Kicker in Week 9

Through seven games so far in 2025, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has made an uninspiring eight out of 11 field goal attempts. However, Bates leads the NFL in both extra-point attempts (27) and makes (27). The Lions are currently averaging over 30 points scored per game, which has given Bates a relatively safe fantasy floor. In Week 9, Detroit will host the Minnesota Vikings. Playing inside the domed Ford Field, Bates will not have to deal with any potential weather concerns. In 12 career games at Ford Field, Bates has scored an average of 8.67 points per contest. He profiles as a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 9 against Minnesota.

Nov 1, 2025 12:09 AM EST


Jake Bates: Must-Start Kicker in Week 7

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has benefited from his team's high-powered offense through the first six weeks of the season, as Bates has both attempted and made the most extra-point tries (24) in the NFL. The 26-year-old has also knocked in seven of nine field goal attempts. The Lions will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 in what looks on paper like a high-scoring affair. The two teams are currently averaging a combined 59.3 points per contest. Bates will also have the advantage in Week 7 of kicking at home inside the domed Ford Field, so weather will not play a factor in the kicking game. Bates profiles as a must-start kicker in Week 7 against Tampa Bay.

Oct 18, 2025 11:02 PM EST


Jake Bates Worth Starting in Week 6?

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has made six of his eight field goal attempts so far this season and has not yet missed an extra-point try. Playing for a Lions team that has averaged 34.8 points per game, Bates currently leads the NFL in extra-point attempts for the second straight season. The 26-year-old will face the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 6. Kansas City is allowing an average of 21.4 points per contest, so this could be a more difficult game for Detroit to put up points. Still, Bates profiles as a low-end starting kicker option in Week 6.

Oct 10, 2025 6:22 PM EST


Jake Bates Remains a Must-Start Kicker in Week 5

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates knocked in both his field goal attempts and all four extra-point tries in his team's Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. Bates continues to lead the league in extra-point attempts and makes while playing with the high-powered Lions' offense, which is averaging 34.3 points per game through the first four weeks of the season. On paper, Detroit should be able to put up points again in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have allowed 29.8 points per game across their first four games. The weather in Cincinnati on Sunday also looks favorable for kicking, so Bates should be well-positioned for success in Week 5. Bates profiles as a must-start fantasy kicker this week against the Bengals.

Oct 3, 2025 5:16 PM EST


Jake Bates: Must-Start Kicker in Week 4?

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has made just four out of six field goal tries so far this season, but one of his misses was from 67 yards out. Perhaps most importantly for his fantasy outlook, Bates is currently leading the NFL in extra-point attempts and makes (13) for the second-straight season. Detroit faces a difficult matchup in the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, who have been one of the NFL's best defenses so far in 2025. That could lead to more field goal opportunities for Bates if the Lions have some success moving the ball, but the Browns can hold them out of the end zone. Bates also gets the advantage this week of playing an indoor home game at Ford Field. Heading into Week 4, Bates profiles as a high-end starting fantasy kicker.

Sep 26, 2025 11:08 PM EST


Jake Bates Profiles as a Low-End Starting Kicker in Week 3

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates recorded his first missed field goal attempt of 2025 in Week 2, a 55-yard try against the Chicago Bears. Still, Bates had a solid fantasy day by knocking in all seven of his extra-point attempts and nailing a 34-yard field goal. The Lions will leave the friendly confines of Ford Field and head outdoors in Week 3 for a road matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The weather shouldn't be an issue for Bates on Monday night, and the Lions may be forced to push the ball downfield and hunt points to keep up with the high-powered Baltimore offense. Bates profiles as a low-end top-12 fantasy kicker in Week 3.

Sep 20, 2025 9:55 PM EST


Jake Bates Looking to Continue Historical Success Against Bears in Week 2

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates held up his end of the bargain in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, nailing both of his field goal attempts and an extra-point try in his team's 27-13 loss. Bates will not have to worry about any potential weather issues in Week 2, as the Lions return home to the domed Ford Field to take on the Chicago Bears. Bates has more career points scored (21) against Chicago than any other NFL team. The Lions should also have an easier time moving the football and generating scoring opportunities against the Bears than they did against the Packers. Bates profiles as a low-end top-12 fantasy kicker in Week 2 against Chicago.

Sep 12, 2025 1:49 PM EST


Jake Bates Faces Tough Road Matchup in Week 1

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates had a breakout season as a rookie in 2024, nailing 26 of his 29 field goal attempts and converting a league-high 64 extra-point attempts. The 26-year-old will face a tough road environment in Week 1 at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. Last year, Bates made 13 field goals both at home and on the road, but he made 14 more extra points in the friendly confines of Detroit's domed Ford Field. The weather is not expected to be an issue in Green Bay on Sunday, but it's still an additional variable to consider. More importantly, the Lions averaged 30.8 points per game on the road last season, compared to 35.3 at home. The over/under for Week 1 is 47.5, so the betting markets are expecting a solid number of points to be scored between the two teams. Bates is a starting-caliber kicker in fantasy this week who should be expected to provide top-12 production.

Sep 5, 2025 5:44 PM EST


Jake Bates Opens Playoff Run As Top Fantasy Kicker

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has never appeared in an NFL playoff game before, but he already ranks as the No. 1 overall kicker in RotoBaller's Divisional Round fantasy rankings. His highly anticipated performance against the Washington Commanders on Saturday is the result of an impressive regular season in which he scored the seventh-most fantasy points among kickers. He missed just three field-goal attempts, and the Lions' incredibly potent offense put him in position to make a whopping 64 extra points. Also working in his favor is a somewhat favorable matchup against the Commanders, who surrendered two field goals to Chase McLaughlin last week, including one from 50 yards out. All in all, Bates is this week's top fantasy kicker thanks to his accuracy, power, and role on a dominant Lions team.

Jan 17, 2025 1:49 AM EST


Jake Bates Remains High-Scoring Option For Big Week 18 Contest

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates should benefit from the competitive, high-scoring nature of Sunday night's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. With the NFC's No. 1 seed on the line, Detroit will stay highly competitive and keep its foot on the gas pedal for all 60 minutes. This bodes well for Bates, who has thrived in high-leverage situations all year long and benefits when the Lions put up a lot of points. In his first NFL season, Bates ranks eighth among all kickers in fantasy points. He has made a whopping 60 of 63 extra points, plus 25 of 28 field goals. He does have two missed field goals and two missed extra points over his last three games, but fantasy managers shouldn't have any concerns about his accuracy given his track record and high fantasy points total this season. Bates should be deployed as a top-five kicking option for the final week of the 2024 regular season.

Jan 4, 2025 9:16 AM EST


Jake Bates Drills Two Long Field Goals In Week 17

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates went 2-for-2 on field goals and 2-for-4 on extra points during Monday's Week 17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. His two field goals came from 42 and 57 yards out. In the shorter kicking game, Bates missed one extra point attempt and had another blocked. The 25-year-old has been terrific in his first NFL season, ranking seventh among kickers in fantasy football. In the primetime victory, he set a Lions single-season franchise record for points scored (135). He'll remain a top fantasy option heading into next week's pivotal matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Dec 31, 2024 12:39 AM EST


Jake Bates A Top Kicking Option In Week 17

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates is afforded one of the better matchups of Week 17 when he lines up against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. The 25-year-old has been excellent this season -- driving through all but one of his 59 extra-point attempts and knocking in 23-of-26 field goal tries across 15 games. Coincidentally, all three of his missed field goals have come over the last four contests. He gets a 49ers defense this Monday night, which has been tough on opposing offenses but is one of the more favorable ones for fantasy kickers. San Fran is letting up the twelfth-most points per game to opponents in 2024, and Detroit should come out swinging as they're still fighting for first place in the NFC North. Bates ranks as RotoBaller's K2 ahead of this weekend's action.

Dec 27, 2024 9:46 PM EST


Jake Bates Looks Like A Starting Option In Week 16

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates can be started with confidence in Week 16 at the Chicago Bears. He is coming off a game against Buffalo in which he missed a 52-yard field goal but made all six of his extra points. The 52-yarder was his only attempt of the game so he will look to rebound a bit at Chicago this week. Tied to the Lions' high-powered offense, Bates is a trustworthy option for fantasy managers at the position. Look for more opportunities for field goals in this game and expect Bates to deliver this week.

Dec 21, 2024 9:25 AM EST