Should I Start Jake Bates?

Jake Bates: Low-End Starting Kicker Option in Week 17

Wednesday, December 24, 10:39 PM

Across 15 games this season, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has converted on 22 of 28 field goal attempts and 52 out of 54 extra-point tries. Bates has the benefit of being tied to the Detroit offense, which enters Week 17 ranked second in the NFL in points per game (30.1). However, Bates and the Lions will face one of the league's top scoring defenses in Week 17 when they travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. Over the last three weeks, Minnesota has allowed opponents to score an average of just 13 points per game. In the first matchup between the two NFC North division rivals this season in Week 9, the Lions were held to 24 points, their fourth-lowest mark in a game in 2025. If there's one benefit for Bates, the game will be played indoors, which eliminates any weather concerns for the kicking game. Bates remains a viable starting kicker for fantasy managers in Week 17, but he profiles as a low-end option rather than a must-start player at the position against Minnesota.

Start Jake Bates or Joshua Karty?

Start Jake Bates or Tyler Loop?

Start Jake Moody or Jake Bates?

Start Jake Bates or Will Reichard?

Start Brandon McManus or Jake Bates?

Start Jake Bates or Brandon Aubrey?

Start Chase McLaughlin or Jake Bates?

Start Jason Sanders or Jake Bates?

Start Evan McPherson or Jake Bates?

Start Wil Lutz or Jake Bates?

Start Jake Elliott or Jake Bates?

Start Jake Bates or Cam Little?

Start Joey Slye or Jake Bates?

Start Chris Boswell or Jake Bates?

Start Cameron Dicker or Jake Bates?

Start Jason Myers or Jake Bates?

Start Ka'imi Fairbairn or Jake Bates?

Start Jake Bates or Andy Borregales?

Start Daniel Carlson or Jake Bates?

Start Harrison Butker or Jake Bates?