Who Should I Start? Parker Romo or Jake Bates

Saturday, October 25, 12:07 PM

Atlanta Falcons kicker Parker Romo is an option for fantasy managers in Week 8's matchup with the Dolphins on Sunday. The 28-year-old is just 4-for-7 over the last four games after a 5-for-5 performance against the Vikings in Week 2, although his three misses were from 49 yards, 55 yards, and one was blocked. Romo draws a favorable matchup in Week 8, as the Falcons are favored by more than a touchdown with an implied point total of 26. It is also a home game, so there will be no weather to contend with. Additionally, Miami has yielded the third-most fantasy points to opposing kickers and is allowing over 29 points per game this season, so chalk Romo up as a viable kicking option for Sunday's contest, although he ranks just outside the top 12.

Wednesday, December 24, 10:39 PM

Across 15 games this season, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has converted on 22 of 28 field goal attempts and 52 out of 54 extra-point tries. Bates has the benefit of being tied to the Detroit offense, which enters Week 17 ranked second in the NFL in points per game (30.1). However, Bates and the Lions will face one of the league's top scoring defenses in Week 17 when they travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. Over the last three weeks, Minnesota has allowed opponents to score an average of just 13 points per game. In the first matchup between the two NFC North division rivals this season in Week 9, the Lions were held to 24 points, their fourth-lowest mark in a game in 2025. If there's one benefit for Bates, the game will be played indoors, which eliminates any weather concerns for the kicking game. Bates remains a viable starting kicker for fantasy managers in Week 17, but he profiles as a low-end option rather than a must-start player at the position against Minnesota.