Who Should I Start? Chase McLaughlin or Jake Bates

Saturday, October 4, 11:05 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin (illness) was added to the injury report late in the week, but he carries no game designation and is fully expected to play against the Seattle Seahawks. McLaughlin has been productive through four weeks, hitting nine of 12 field goal attempts, including a 65-yarder against Philadelphia in Week 4. While his 75% field goal percentage ranks just 26th in the league, the Buccaneers' explosive offense has kept him busy, and he currently sits fifth among kickers in fantasy points. With Tampa Bay traveling to Seattle for what projects to be a close matchup, McLaughlin should once again see multiple scoring opportunities. Fantasy managers should treat him as a must-start option in Week 5.

Friday, October 10, 6:22 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has made six of his eight field goal attempts so far this season and has not yet missed an extra-point try. Playing for a Lions team that has averaged 34.8 points per game, Bates currently leads the NFL in extra-point attempts for the second straight season. The 26-year-old will face the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 6. Kansas City is allowing an average of 21.4 points per contest, so this could be a more difficult game for Detroit to put up points. Still, Bates profiles as a low-end starting kicker option in Week 6.