Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Tyler Loop

Friday, September 26, 11:08 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has made just four out of six field goal tries so far this season, but one of his misses was from 67 yards out. Perhaps most importantly for his fantasy outlook, Bates is currently leading the NFL in extra-point attempts and makes (13) for the second-straight season. Detroit faces a difficult matchup in the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, who have been one of the NFL's best defenses so far in 2025. That could lead to more field goal opportunities for Bates if the Lions have some success moving the ball, but the Browns can hold them out of the end zone. Bates also gets the advantage this week of playing an indoor home game at Ford Field. Heading into Week 4, Bates profiles as a high-end starting fantasy kicker.

Saturday, September 27, 12:17 PM

Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop finished outside of K1 territory for the first time in Week 3. The biggest reason is that the Ravens weren't settling for field goals as they tried to claw out a comeback win in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions. Still, Loop made a 41-yarder and all three of his extra point attempts. The offense should still be able to move the ball downfield in their Week 4 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, and they'll especially need more points if the defense continues to give up the most points in the league. That means Loop should see plenty of opportunities, which keeps him in K1 territory heading into this matchup.