Who Should I Start? Chase McLaughlin or Jake Bates

Friday, January 3, 8:42 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin was extremely busy during last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. McLaughlin made eight kicks during that game, including six extra points. McLaughlin has been one of the better kicking options this season with only four misses heading into Week 18. He figures to continue having success in a plus-matchup against the New Orleans Saints. McLaughlin registered seven kicks during their last meeting. The 28-year-old is likely to remain busy given how the Bucs offense has been playing lately.

Saturday, January 4, 9:16 AM

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.