Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Will Reichard

Saturday, December 20, 12:08 AM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been a bit shaky in recent weeks, as he's recorded a missed field goal in each of Detroit's last two games. He's now missed six field goal attempts across 14 games this season after missing just three attempts across 17 games as a rookie in 2024. Still, Bates leads the NFL in both extra-point makes (49) and attempts (51). He remains attached to the Lions offense, which enters Week 16 averaging a league-leading 30.6 points per contest. In Week 16, Detroit will host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh currently ranks just 18th in points allowed per game (23.3), so Detroit could have opportunities to get Bates on the field in point-scoring situations. Additionally, the game will be held indoors at Detroit's Ford Field, so the weather will not be a factor. Bates profiles as a solid starting kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 16.

Friday, December 19, 4:07 PM

As the Minnesota Vikings appear to have turned a corner offensively by scoring 30-plus points in back-to-back weeks, kicker Will Reichard can be viewed as a fringe fantasy starter for a Week 16 matchup with the New York Giants. Though Minnesota has struggled immensely on offense at times this year, Reichard has been among the most consistent kickers in the league. The second-year man from Alabama is the No. 7 overall fantasy kicker on the strength of 24 makes from 26 attempts, including nine field goals from beyond 50 yards. The Giants rank among the bottom five against fantasy kickers, and in an upset for this time of the season, the weather on Sunday is projected to be borderline pleasant at MetLife Stadium. Given the host of green lights, Reichard is worthy of lineup consideration in Week 16.