Who Should I Start? Matt Gay or Jake Bates

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Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
7.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Matt Gay News

Matt Gay in the Lead in Kicker Competition in Vegas

Friday, July 31, 11:38 AM

The Athletic's Sam Warren reported that kicker Matt Gay is in the lead for the Las Vegas Raiders' kicking competition. Additionally, Gay was perfect during practice today, while undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa doinked one off the right upright from 40 yards away but made everything else. The two are competing to replace long-time Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson. Gay enters camp as the favorite to win the competition because of his NFL experience. However, Matsuzawa has an opportunity to win the kicking competition if he can perform consistently on deep kicks. Over the last few seasons, Gay has struggled on 50-plus-yard kicks with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders.

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Week 4 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
8.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jake Bates News

Jake Bates a Low-End Starting Kicker Option in Week 3

Friday, September 25, 6:52 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been perfect to open 2026, making both of his field goal attempts and converting all eight of his extra-point tries through two games. In Week 3, Bates and the Lions will host the New York Jets. The Jets defense has been stingy early in the year, allowing just 15 points per game across their first two contests. While the Lions have put up points on offense so far this year, their efficiency in the red zone has actually hurt Bates in that he hasn't had many chances to kick field goals yet. Still, the strong Jets defense could slow Detroit down and keep them out of the end zone. Bates also has the advantage of kicking indoors at Ford Field, taking any potential weather concerns out of play. In Week 3, Bates profiles as a low-end starting kicker option for fantasy managers.

Matt Gay vs. Jake Bates

Still trying to decide between Gay and Bates? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Matt Gay is projected to score 7.1 points this week while Jake Bates is projected to score 8.0 points.