Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Harrison Mevis

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.

Thursday, December 18, 2:07 AM

Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis has been trending up lately with three field goals and 11 extra points over his last two games. He has the ninth-most fantasy points among kickers during that two-week span, but he'll likely drop outside of the top 12 as he faces suboptimal weather conditions on Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16. The forecast calls for occasional rain showers and winds consistently above 20 mph during the game, with gusts up to 45 mph. The wind could pose a major threat to Mevis' outlook on Thursday night, limiting his accuracy on field-goal attempts from medium or long distance. As a result, Mevis has dropped to #15 in the latest RotoBaller fantasy football rankings for kickers in Week 16. Managers should use RotoBaller's rankings to find a better option at the kicker position for this week.