Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Cam Little

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.

Saturday, December 20, 12:54 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little has been solid in 2025. Little has drilled 23 of 27 field goals while converting 39 of 40 extra point tries. However, it might be tough to trust him in the fantasy playoffs with a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have the third-best scoring defense in the NFL, which, in theory, should limit Little's kicking opportunities. However, coming off a massive game against the New York Jets, the Jacksonville offense is clicking, so they could at least move the ball. That could mean fewer red-zone chances but more field-goal opportunities. Fantasy managers who have been riding Little all season can continue to do so, but there are certainly better options to start in Week 16.