Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Tyler Loop

Saturday, October 18, 11:02 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has benefited from his team's high-powered offense through the first six weeks of the season, as Bates has both attempted and made the most extra-point tries (24) in the NFL. The 26-year-old has also knocked in seven of nine field goal attempts. The Lions will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 in what looks on paper like a high-scoring affair. The two teams are currently averaging a combined 59.3 points per contest. Bates will also have the advantage in Week 7 of kicking at home inside the domed Ford Field, so weather will not play a factor in the kicking game. Bates profiles as a must-start kicker in Week 7 against Tampa Bay.

Saturday, October 4, 2:54 PM

Baltimore Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop has made all seven of his field goal attempts and 14 out of 15 extra-point tries through the first four games of his NFL career. The Ravens' overall point-scoring outlook will take a hit in Week 5, as Baltimore will be without quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, Baltimore faces a difficult matchup against the Houston Texans. Through four weeks, Houston opponents are averaging just 12.8 points per game. Loop does not profile as a strict avoid for fantasy managers in Week 5, but he's a low-end starting kicker option at best.