Who Should I Start? Matt Gay or Jake Bates

Wednesday, September 10, 5:43 PM

Washington Commanders kicker Matt Gay did not attempt a field goal in their 21-6 Week 1 against the Giants, but converted all three extra points. Gay likely would have had a field goal opportunity at the end of the first half, but Washington was called for an intentional grounding penalty with a handful of seconds left and no timeouts left, leaving the clock to run out. The offense had other sloppy moments that ended potential scoring drives early, but still moved the ball at will. In a projected shootout on Thursday night in Green Bay, Gay should be fired up as one of the top kicker options in Week 2.

Friday, October 10, 6:22 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has made six of his eight field goal attempts so far this season and has not yet missed an extra-point try. Playing for a Lions team that has averaged 34.8 points per game, Bates currently leads the NFL in extra-point attempts for the second straight season. The 26-year-old will face the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 6. Kansas City is allowing an average of 21.4 points per contest, so this could be a more difficult game for Detroit to put up points. Still, Bates profiles as a low-end starting kicker option in Week 6.