Who Should I Start? Daniel Carlson or Jake Bates

Saturday, November 15, 6:08 PM

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson hasn't been able to offer fantasy managers much value over the last few weeks. Over the last three games, Carlson is 1-for-2 on field goal attempts, while making 3-of-4 extra point attempts. The 30-year-old hasn't been great this season, but he also doesn't get a ton of chances. The promising news is that Carlson is heading into a favorable matchup in Week 11. The Raiders will face off against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. The Cowboys have struggled to contain anyone this season, so the Raiders should be able to get into scoring position. Carlson isn't an ideal fantasy option, but he should offer better value than he has the past few weeks.

Saturday, December 20, 12:08 AM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been a bit shaky in recent weeks, as he's recorded a missed field goal in each of Detroit's last two games. He's now missed six field goal attempts across 14 games this season after missing just three attempts across 17 games as a rookie in 2024. Still, Bates leads the NFL in both extra-point makes (49) and attempts (51). He remains attached to the Lions offense, which enters Week 16 averaging a league-leading 30.6 points per contest. In Week 16, Detroit will host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh currently ranks just 18th in points allowed per game (23.3), so Detroit could have opportunities to get Bates on the field in point-scoring situations. Additionally, the game will be held indoors at Detroit's Ford Field, so the weather will not be a factor. Bates profiles as a solid starting kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 16.