Who Should I Start? Ka'imi Fairbairn or Jake Bates

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
8.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Ka'imi Fairbairn News

Ka'imi Fairbairn Is a Top-10 Kicker in Week 1

Friday, September 11, 6:34 PM

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn was one of the best fantasy kickers in the NFL last season, taking advantage of his team's red-zone struggles to kick plenty of field goals. He made 44 of his 48 field-goal attempts over 15 games and went a perfect 28-for-28 on extra points. He was excellent from long range as well, going 9-for-13 from over 50 yards. This offseason, Houston locked up the 32-year-old from Hawaii with a two-year, $13 million extension. While the offense hopes to be more efficient in the red zone this season, especially after adding David Montgomery, Fairbairn remains a very strong option at the position. In Week 1's home matchup against the Bills, Fairbairn is the No. 10 kicker in RotoBaller's rankings, and he's a solid, reliable start in almost all formats.

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
8.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jake Bates News

Jake Bates a Must-Start Kicker in Week 1

Saturday, September 12, 6:32 AM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates put together a top-eight fantasy season in 2025, converting 27 out of his 34 field goal attempts and leading the NFL in both extra-point attempts (56) and makes (54). In their 2026 season opener, the Lions are set to host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans was a mid-pack defense in terms of scoring in 2025, ranking 14th in the NFL in points allowed per game (22.5). However, the Lions enter the year nearly fully healthy on offense. On paper, Detroit could field one of the most dangerous scoring attacks in the league. Bates also won't have to deal with any weather conditions on Sunday while kicking inside the domed Ford Field. All in all, Bates profiles as a must-start kicker option in Week 1.

Ka'imi Fairbairn vs. Jake Bates

Still trying to decide between Fairbairn and Bates? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Ka'imi Fairbairn is projected to score 8.8 points this week while Jake Bates is projected to score 8.6 points.