Who Should I Start? Evan McPherson or Jake Bates

Saturday, September 27, 2:11 PM

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson hasn't missed this season. However, it's mostly due to a lack of opportunities, with the 26-year-old attempting only three kicks through the first three weeks of the 2025 campaign while draining all seven extra-point attempts. The Bengals offense has struggled so far this season. Many aren't optimistic that things will change on that side of the ball anytime soon, especially with Joe Burrow (foot) out for the foreseeable future. Until McPherson starts getting more chances to produce, he's not worth starting in all fantasy formats, including in Week 4 versus the Denver Broncos.

Friday, September 26, 11:08 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has made just four out of six field goal tries so far this season, but one of his misses was from 67 yards out. Perhaps most importantly for his fantasy outlook, Bates is currently leading the NFL in extra-point attempts and makes (13) for the second-straight season. Detroit faces a difficult matchup in the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, who have been one of the NFL's best defenses so far in 2025. That could lead to more field goal opportunities for Bates if the Lions have some success moving the ball, but the Browns can hold them out of the end zone. Bates also gets the advantage this week of playing an indoor home game at Ford Field. Heading into Week 4, Bates profiles as a high-end starting fantasy kicker.