Who Should I Start? Riley Patterson or Jake Bates

Saturday, December 6, 6:24 AM

Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson has filled in well for Jason Sanders (hip) this season, as Sanders' IR stint has extended through the first 13 weeks of the season. Patterson has made 21 of his 23 field goal attempts overall this season and 24 of his 25 extra point attempts. He converted all four of his field goal chances last week against the Saints and also added an extra point. This week, he'll be in a good matchup against the Jets, but the weather in New York is expected to be very cold. Patterson has not made any field goals from 50+ yards this season, but has consistently converted shorter attempts. The elements will make it tough to make anything from long distance, but he can reliably deliver shorter kicks. He is the No. 14 kicker in RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, so he isn't a must-start in most leagues, but he isn't a terrible option either.

Wednesday, December 3, 10:24 PM

Across 12 games this season, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has connected on 16 of 20 field goal attempts and converted a league-leading 40 extra-point tries. The 26-year-old has also done some of his best work in recent weeks, knocking in all seven of his field goal attempts over his last four games. In Week 14, Bates and the Lions will host the Dallas Cowboys in a game that appears to have shootout potential. Through 13 weeks, both Detroit and Dallas rank in the top five in points per game among all NFL teams. If both offenses hold to form, there could be plenty of opportunities for Bates to put points on the board. The game will also be played indoors at Detroit's Ford Field, which removes any potential weather concerns. Bates profiles as a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 14.