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.

Saturday, October 18, 11:02 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has benefited from his team's high-powered offense through the first six weeks of the season, as Bates has both attempted and made the most extra-point tries (24) in the NFL. The 26-year-old has also knocked in seven of nine field goal attempts. The Lions will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 in what looks on paper like a high-scoring affair. The two teams are currently averaging a combined 59.3 points per contest. Bates will also have the advantage in Week 7 of kicking at home inside the domed Ford Field, so weather will not play a factor in the kicking game. Bates profiles as a must-start kicker in Week 7 against Tampa Bay.