Who Should I Start? Chris Boswell or Jake Bates

Saturday, October 11, 12:35 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell got off to a hot start this season but cooled off for fantasy purposes with two underwhelming outings before the team's Week 5 bye. He'll look to get back on track against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. The Browns have held kickers to the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game, as their defense has made it difficult for offenses to sustain drives. Still, it's difficult to imagine the Steelers emerging victorious on Sunday without the help of Boswell's leg. His lone miss this year came on a blocked field goal attempt in Ireland against the Vikings. Fantasy managers can likely find a safer streaming option in a more favorable matchup, but Boswell's ceiling remains among the highest at the position, making him a viable starter in most formats.

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.