Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Tanner Brown

Sunday, October 20, 8:24 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates delivered in the clutch during Week 7, nailing a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left to secure a 31-29 comeback victory over Minnesota. Bates, now a perfect 10-for-10 on the season, connected on his lone field goal attempt of the game and went 4-for-4 on extra points. The game-winning kick marked the most significant moment of Bates' young career after a costly David Montgomery fumble that was returned for a touchdown, temporarily putting the Vikings ahead. Detroit's defense forced a quick three-and-out, setting up Jared Goff and the offense to drive down the field, giving Bates a chance to seal the win. Bates has scored eight or more fantasy points in four of six games this season. The Lions will host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday, and Bates remains a solid kicking option in Week 8.

Tuesday, September 17, 2:58 PM

The Los Angeles Rams signed kicker Tanner Browns to the practice squad on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The 24-year-old went unselected in last year's NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State and has been on and off the L.A. roster since signing with the organization after the draft. Starting kicker Joshua Karty has made all three of his field goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries to begin the year, so it's unclear whether Brown will be given a chance to earn the starting role. Either way, the Rams offense is likely to struggle with Puka Nacua (knee), Cooper Kupp (foot), and several offensive linemen on the shelf, so he would not be an attractive fantasy kicker option if he plays anytime soon.