Who Should I Start? Brandon McManus or Jake Bates

Friday, October 17, 9:33 PM

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus (quad) is officially questionable for the Week 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. McManus is in danger of missing his second straight game due to a right quad injury. The veteran kicker hasn't practiced all week, which puts him in serious danger of missing another contest. Last week, Lucas Havrisik handled the kicking duties with McManus absent. He made both his field goal attempts and three extra point attempts in the win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It seems like the Packers are in good hands if McManus is unable to go.

Saturday, October 18, 11:02 PM

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.