Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Joshua Karty

Saturday, November 1, 12:09 AM

Through seven games so far in 2025, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has made an uninspiring eight out of 11 field goal attempts. However, Bates leads the NFL in both extra-point attempts (27) and makes (27). The Lions are currently averaging over 30 points scored per game, which has given Bates a relatively safe fantasy floor. In Week 9, Detroit will host the Minnesota Vikings. Playing inside the domed Ford Field, Bates will not have to deal with any potential weather concerns. In 12 career games at Ford Field, Bates has scored an average of 8.67 points per contest. He profiles as a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 9 against Minnesota.

Wednesday, November 5, 9:39 PM

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty is facing competition for the starting kicking gig, according to head coach Sean McVay. The organization will have Harrison Mevis compete for the kicking job with Karty ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Karty had a strong rookie campaign where he connected on 84.3 percent of his field goal attempts. The 23-year-old is having a much more difficult time during his sophomore season. Karty is 10-for-15 on field goal attempts, while missing three additional extra point kicks. Mevis hasn't kicked in the NFL before and was signed onto the practice squad this week. Neither kicker is an ideal option for the Week 10 contest against the 49ers.