Who Should I Start? Jake Bates or Will Reichard

Friday, September 5, 5:44 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates had a breakout season as a rookie in 2024, nailing 26 of his 29 field goal attempts and converting a league-high 64 extra-point attempts. The 26-year-old will face a tough road environment in Week 1 at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. Last year, Bates made 13 field goals both at home and on the road, but he made 14 more extra points in the friendly confines of Detroit's domed Ford Field. The weather is not expected to be an issue in Green Bay on Sunday, but it's still an additional variable to consider. More importantly, the Lions averaged 30.8 points per game on the road last season, compared to 35.3 at home. The over/under for Week 1 is 47.5, so the betting markets are expecting a solid number of points to be scored between the two teams. Bates is a starting-caliber kicker in fantasy this week who should be expected to provide top-12 production.

Saturday, September 6, 3:37 PM

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard should be viewed as a low-end starting option during his team's Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears. The second-year kicker had an excellent start to his first season -- he made every kick in his first seven games -- but saw his year go sideways with a quadriceps injury that required an IR stint and affected his performance during the season half. Now healthy, he's still attached to a talented Vikings offense that rebuilt its offensive line, added running back Jordan Mason, and traded for receiver Adam Thielen. Chicago can be a treacherous place to kick, but Minnesota will make the journey early in the season with pleasant weather in the forecast.