Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Will Reichard


Week 1 Projections

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Pts.
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Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
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Rec
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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jake Bates News

Lions Officially Re-Sign Jake Bates

Wednesday, March 25, 1:35 PM

The Detroit Lions officially announced on Wednesday that they re-signed kicker Jake Bates to an undisclosed deal. Bates was an exclusive-rights free agent. The 27-year-old will return for his third season with the Lions in 2026. The former undrafted free agent out of Arkansas has become one of the more reliable kickers in fantasy football over the last couple of seasons in a Lions offense that should remain formidable in 2026. Last year in 17 games, Bates made 27 of his 34 field-goal tries (4-for-9 from 50-plus yards) and a league-high 54 extra points on 56 tries. He has made 84.1% of his 63 field-goal attempts in his two years in the NFL while succeeding on 95.9% of his 123 extra-point attempts. Bates was the No. 6 fantasy kicker in 2025. It also helps that half of his games come indoors, mitigating his volatility.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Will Reichard News

Will Reichard's In Excellent Form For Week 17

Wednesday, December 24, 3:12 PM

Ironically, given the tortured history of the Minnesota Vikings, the most consistent thing about their 2025 season has been kicker Will Reichard, who can once again be considered a fantasy lineup option for a Christmas Day matchup against Detroit. The Alabama alum is a perfect 18-for-18 on field goals inside 50 yards this year, 28-for-28 on extra points, and 27-for-29 on field goal attempts overall. The Lions rank 27th against fantasy kickers, although Minnesota will be starting Max Brosmer at quarterback due to an injury to J.J. McCarthy (hand). Ranked as RotoBaller's No. 11 kicker this week, Reichard comes with the notable risk of an offense led by an undrafted rookie. But he's ultimately up against a bad defense, playing indoors, and in terrific form, giving him lineup potential.


Jake Bates vs. Will Reichard

Still trying to decide between Bates and Reichard? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jake Bates is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Will Reichard is projected to score 0.0 points.