Who Should I Start? Daniel Carlson or Jake Bates

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Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
7.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Daniel Carlson News

Daniel Carlson Set to Handle Saints' Kicking Duties

Sunday, August 30, 10:17 AM

New Orleans Saints kicker Daniel Carlson appears set to handle the job entering the regular season, with Charlie Smyth being released Sunday, according to Mike Triplett. Carlson only joined New Orleans on Aug. 24 but made a strong final impression. He hit field goals from 38 and 53 yards in Friday's preseason finale against Dallas, with the 53-yarder providing the winning points in a 27-24 victory. The veteran made 22 of 27 field goals for Las Vegas last season and owns an 86.9% conversion rate over his NFL career. Smyth had handled the job over the final six games of 2025, making 12 of 16 field goals and all 13 of his extra points, but never completely separated from the competition this summer. Tanner Brown was also part of the battle, though Smyth's release leaves Carlson in position to enter Week 1 as New Orleans' kicker.

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Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
8.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jake Bates News

Jake Bates a Low-End Starting Kicker Option in Week 3

Friday, September 25, 6:52 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been perfect to open 2026, making both of his field goal attempts and converting all eight of his extra-point tries through two games. In Week 3, Bates and the Lions will host the New York Jets. The Jets defense has been stingy early in the year, allowing just 15 points per game across their first two contests. While the Lions have put up points on offense so far this year, their efficiency in the red zone has actually hurt Bates in that he hasn't had many chances to kick field goals yet. Still, the strong Jets defense could slow Detroit down and keep them out of the end zone. Bates also has the advantage of kicking indoors at Ford Field, taking any potential weather concerns out of play. In Week 3, Bates profiles as a low-end starting kicker option for fantasy managers.

Daniel Carlson vs. Jake Bates

Still trying to decide between Carlson and Bates? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Daniel Carlson is projected to score 7.8 points this week while Jake Bates is projected to score 8.0 points.