Should I Start Jake Bates?

Saturday, October 31, 6:22 AM

Across six games so far in 2026, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has converted all 10 of his field goal attempts and all 22 of his extra-point tries. While the Lions offense has been successful moving the ball this season, head coach Dan Campbell's fourth-down aggressiveness typically takes some field goal opportunities away from Bates. However, Detroit may have a tougher time being productive on the plus side of the field in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota's excellent defense has a chance to completely shut down the Lions' scoring attack, but they could also have more success keeping Detroit out of the end zone than keeping them from moving the ball at all. Bates also has the advantage of kicking inside the domed Ford Field, taking weather out of the equation. Bates profiles as a low-end top-12 kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 8.