Who Should I Start? Harrison Butker or Jake Bates

Friday, October 18, 4:15 PM

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. In Kansas City's last contest, Butker nailed four of five field goal attempts and both of his extra-point attempts in the 26-13 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. Butker has been accurate this season, draining 12 of his 14 field goal attempts and 10 of 11 extra-point attempts. Butker has been one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL throughout his career, nailing over 85% of his field goal attempts in every season except 2022. Butker has also made over 90% of his extra-point attempts in his career. The San Francisco defense is a well-rounded unit that could trouble the Kansas City offense when the field shortens. If the Chiefs offense stalls within Butker's range, he is more than capable of splitting the uprights. The Kansas City Chiefs kicker should be worthy of a start in Week 7.

Sunday, October 20, 8:24 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates delivered in the clutch during Week 7, nailing a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left to secure a 31-29 comeback victory over Minnesota. Bates, now a perfect 10-for-10 on the season, connected on his lone field goal attempt of the game and went 4-for-4 on extra points. The game-winning kick marked the most significant moment of Bates' young career after a costly David Montgomery fumble that was returned for a touchdown, temporarily putting the Vikings ahead. Detroit's defense forced a quick three-and-out, setting up Jared Goff and the offense to drive down the field, giving Bates a chance to seal the win. Bates has scored eight or more fantasy points in four of six games this season. The Lions will host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday, and Bates remains a solid kicking option in Week 8.