Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Tyler Loop

Friday, September 5, 5:44 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates had a breakout season as a rookie in 2024, nailing 26 of his 29 field goal attempts and converting a league-high 64 extra-point attempts. The 26-year-old will face a tough road environment in Week 1 at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. Last year, Bates made 13 field goals both at home and on the road, but he made 14 more extra points in the friendly confines of Detroit's domed Ford Field. The weather is not expected to be an issue in Green Bay on Sunday, but it's still an additional variable to consider. More importantly, the Lions averaged 30.8 points per game on the road last season, compared to 35.3 at home. The over/under for Week 1 is 47.5, so the betting markets are expecting a solid number of points to be scored between the two teams. Bates is a starting-caliber kicker in fantasy this week who should be expected to provide top-12 production.

Friday, September 5, 11:06 PM

Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop has big shoes to fill in his first season after being drafted with the 186th overall pick this year. Despite the shaky last season and shady off-field allegations, the Ravens were used to one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history with Justin Tucker. Loop showed some impressive leg strength throughout training camp and the preseason, and he should get plenty of opportunities with the way this offense can move the ball. Another aspect in his favor is that head coach John Harbaugh is a former special teams coach who knows when to put trust in his guys. Loop's ADP was in the middle of the pack for his position, but he has the highest Week 1 projection in RotoBaller's rankings with 8.9 fantasy points against the Buffalo Bills.