Who Should I Start? Riley Patterson or Jake Bates

Sunday, December 15, 10:28 PM

Cleveland Browns kicker Riley Patterson made his lone extra-point attempt in a 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15. Patterson was elevated from the team's practice squad on Saturday and replaced Dustin Hopkins as the team's kicker for the game as the latter has made just 16 of his 25 field goals in 2024. Patterson didn't get a chance to do much in the loss and will likely revert back to the team's practice squad as head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters after the loss that Hopkins will be his kicker in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals as he just wanted to give the veteran the week off after his struggles this season.

Saturday, December 21, 9:25 AM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates can be started with confidence in Week 16 at the Chicago Bears. He is coming off a game against Buffalo in which he missed a 52-yard field goal but made all six of his extra points. The 52-yarder was his only attempt of the game so he will look to rebound a bit at Chicago this week. Tied to the Lions' high-powered offense, Bates is a trustworthy option for fantasy managers at the position. Look for more opportunities for field goals in this game and expect Bates to deliver this week.