Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Andre Szmyt
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
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.
Week 4 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Andre Szmyt News
Wednesday, March 4, 12:00 PM
The Cleveland Browns announced on Wednesday that they tendered a contract to exclusive-rights free-agent kicker Andre Szmyt, among others. In his first year in the NFL, Szmyt made 24 of his 27 field-goal tries and missed just one of his 26 extra-point attempts in 17 games played in Cleveland. The 27-year-old will return to Cleveland for the 2026 season and should be expected to open the regular season as their starting placekicker. Szmyt was dependable for the Browns as a rookie, but he was only the No. 26 kicker in terms of overall fantasy points in a Browns offense that didn't create many scoring opportunities. Szmyt averaged only 5.7 fantasy points per game. He was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 3 in 2025. Szmyt is a solid young kicker, but in 12-team fantasy leagues, you can find better, higher-ceiling options at the position.
Jake Bates vs. Andre Szmyt
Still trying to decide between Bates and Szmyt? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jake Bates is projected to score 8.0 points this week while Andre Szmyt is projected to score 6.0 points.
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