Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Jude McAtamney

Friday, September 20, 9:44 AM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has hovered around the middle of the pack for kickers so far after two weeks. In the Lions' Week 2 loss, Bates converted on all three of his field goals and his lone extra point. So far, he hasn't missed a field goal or extra point through two games, but he hasn't attempted a field goal longer than 35 yards. The Lions' offense is good enough to move the ball down the field to get into Bates' range, but their aggressive play calling has seen more touchdown-or-bust type of plays rather than settling for field goals. Bates looks to be a mid-level option heading into Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals while having one of the higher-rated matchups according to RotoBaller's matchup tool.

Sunday, August 25, 4:43 AM

New York Giants kicker Jude McAtamney hit both of his field goal attempts in Saturday's loss to the Giants, connecting from 43 yards and 23 yards away. He was the only Giant to put points on the board in the preseason finale. Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, McAtamney had experience playing Gaelic football before giving the American game a go, eventually playing for Rutgers in 2022 and 2023. McAtamney's path to the NFL makes for a good story but he won't be making waves in fantasy just yet. Signed as an international player, the 24-year-old rookie would not count against the 16 players on the Giants' practice squad. That does seem like the likeliest destination for McAtamney, as Graham Gano is healthy again and slated to be the Giants' starting kicker.