Who Should I Start? Anders Carlson or Jake Bates

Wednesday, June 18, 12:31 PM

The New York Jets released kicker Anders Carlson on Wednesday and signed kicker Harrison Mevis in a corresponding move, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Mevis made 20 of his 21 field-goal attempts (95.2%) this year while playing for the UFL's Birmingham Stallions. Carlson, 27, is the younger brother of Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson. The Auburn product hasn't been as good as his older brother in the NFL, though, making 83.3% of his 48 field-goal tries since entering the league in 2023 with the Green Bay Packers. He went 13-for-15 on his field goals and 12-for-15 on extra points in seven games in 2024 with the San Francisco 49ers and the Jets. Carlson will now look for another team to sign with before training camp. Mevis will be competing with Caden Davis for the starting kicking job this summer.

Saturday, November 1, 12:09 AM

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.