Who Should I Start? Evan McPherson or Jake Bates

Thursday, October 16, 11:01 AM

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson has struggled to find fantasy relevance to start the 2025 season. Through six games, McPherson has converted six of eight field goal attempts and 11 extra points, averaging just 5.5 fantasy points per game, which ranks 36th among all kickers. The injury to quarterback Joe Burrow has limited scoring opportunities across the Bengals' offense, directly impacting McPherson's production. Even with a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been shaky defensively, McPherson remains a risky fantasy option due to his limited opportunities in the struggling Cincinnati offense. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a more reliable kicker in Week 7.

Saturday, November 8, 8:09 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates projects as one of the top kicker options for Week 10's matchup against the Washington Commanders. Bates hasn't been quite as effective this season compared to last, however, making just nine of 13 attempts, but he has nailed all 30 of his extra points, which is the most in the league. His 69.2% field goal percentage ranks 31st out of 33 qualified kickers this season. The Lions attempt field goals at one of the lowest rates in the league, but Bates has still struggled to deliver in his limited opportunities. Bates should have plenty of opportunity for scoring in Week 10 against a Washington defense that hasn't shown itself capable of stopping anything recently.