Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Brandon Aubrey

Saturday, December 20, 12:08 AM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been a bit shaky in recent weeks, as he's recorded a missed field goal in each of Detroit's last two games. He's now missed six field goal attempts across 14 games this season after missing just three attempts across 17 games as a rookie in 2024. Still, Bates leads the NFL in both extra-point makes (49) and attempts (51). He remains attached to the Lions offense, which enters Week 16 averaging a league-leading 30.6 points per contest. In Week 16, Detroit will host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh currently ranks just 18th in points allowed per game (23.3), so Detroit could have opportunities to get Bates on the field in point-scoring situations. Additionally, the game will be held indoors at Detroit's Ford Field, so the weather will not be a factor. Bates profiles as a solid starting kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 16.

Friday, December 12, 7:55 PM

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey should be locked into all starting lineups in the opening week of the fantasy playoffs when the Cowboys face the Minnesota Vikings. The 30-year-old enters Week 15 sitting as the overall K2 in total fantasy points, trailing only Seattle's Jason Myers. Aubrey is coming off one of his most productive outings of the campaign, when he hit all five of his attempts during their loss to the Lions. In this contest, Aubrey hit three field goals from 50+ yards out and nailed his other two from within 49 yards. Following his brief four-game skid (Weeks 8 through 12), when he went 4-for-6 on attempts, Aubrey has rounded back into form, going 8-for-8 on attempts and 3-for-3 on extra points over his last two games. Overall, Aubrey continues to showcase an elite ceiling at the position, given his ability to convert from long range. He has hit nine field goals from 50+ yards, trailing only Tampa Bay's Chase McLaughlin. Playing in a dome on Sunday night, managers should feel great knowing they have an elite positional advantage over their league mates and confidently start Aubrey in all formats.