Who Should I Start? Chase McLaughlin or Jake Bates

Saturday, September 6, 9:59 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin will look to keep the good times rolling after a strong 2024 campaign. McLaughlin posted a career-high 93.8 percent conversion rate on field-goal attempts last season. The 29-year-old knocked down 30-of-32 field goals and 54-of-56 extra point attempts across 17 games with the Bucs. He'll enter his third season in Tampa Bay as it appears McLaughlin has found a long term home. The Bucs have a strong enough offense to give McLaughlin plenty of opportunities. McLaughlin should be considered a strong kicking option in what could be a high-scoring game in Week 1 versus the Atlanta Falcons.

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.