Who Should I Start? Chris Boswell or Jake Bates

Saturday, November 29, 12:52 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was quiet in last week's loss to the Chicago Bears, but he should bounce back in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills. Although the Bills haven't given up a ton of fantasy production to kickers, their defense has been subpar overall, allowing nearly 23 points per game. With this contest taking place in Pittsburgh, Boswell's outlook only improves. The 34-year-old has scored at least nine fantasy points in all five of his matchups at Acrisure Stadium this season and is averaging more than five additional fantasy points per game at home than on the road. The inconsistent play of the Steelers' offense caps his reliability a bit, but not enough to remove him from starting consideration. Boswell profiles as a top-10 option on Sunday.

Wednesday, November 26, 11:08 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates was one of the heroes of his team's Week 12 win over the New York Giants, bending in a 59-yard field goal to send the game to overtime. After a relatively shaky start to the season, Bates has now made six straight field goal attempts over his last three games. He'll have a second straight game in the friendly confines of Ford Field in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers. For his career, Bates is averaging 8.6 points per game at home, compared to 7.4 on the road. If there's one concern for Bates in Week 13, it's Green Bay's prowess as a scoring defense. The Packers have held three of their last four opponents to 16 points or fewer and held the Lions to 13 points in the first matchup between the two teams this season in Week 1. Still, Bates profiles as a solid starting kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 13.