Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Will Reichard

Saturday, November 1, 12:09 AM

Through seven games so far in 2025, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has made an uninspiring eight out of 11 field goal attempts. However, Bates leads the NFL in both extra-point attempts (27) and makes (27). The Lions are currently averaging over 30 points scored per game, which has given Bates a relatively safe fantasy floor. In Week 9, Detroit will host the Minnesota Vikings. Playing inside the domed Ford Field, Bates will not have to deal with any potential weather concerns. In 12 career games at Ford Field, Bates has scored an average of 8.67 points per contest. He profiles as a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 9 against Minnesota.

Friday, October 31, 4:31 PM

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard should be avoided in most formats when the Vikings travel to Detroit in Week 9. Not only have the Vikings struggled on offense, ranking 31st in the league in sack rate, but they'll be reintroducing quarterback J.J. McCarthy after he missed the past five games with an ankle injury. Detroit has one of the best run defenses in the league at the midway point of the season, and Minnesota is coming off an absolute dud in Week 8, during which they ran 47 plays and gained only 164 yards. Though Reichard has been mostly reliable when called upon, making 14-of-16 field goals and all 13 extra points, the volatility around him makes him tough to trust in a fantasy lineup.