Who Should I Start? Cameron Dicker or Jake Bates

Saturday, January 11, 11:53 PM

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made two field goals in a disappointing Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans. Dicker attempted two field goals and made them both, one from 35 yards and the other from 39 yards out. His one attempt at an extra point was blocked, scooped, and returned for a two-point conversion. Dicker ended up as the third-highest ranked fantasy kicker this season, and he should be right around that same level next season.

Friday, September 5, 5:44 PM

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.