Who Should I Start? Tyler Bass or Jake Bates

Friday, September 5, 4:34 PM

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass (groin) was placed on the injured reserve on Friday. Bass has been dealing with a lingering groin issue throughout training camp. He was only able to practice in a limited capacity once throughout the whole week leading up to Week 1. The Bills have decided to place Bass on the IR which means he'll miss the first four weeks of the regular season. That being said, Matt Prater will take over as the active roster for the Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills offense is strong enough to make Prater an attractive streaming option while Bass is out.

Friday, September 5, 5:44 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates had a breakout season as a rookie in 2024, nailing 26 of his 29 field goal attempts and converting a league-high 64 extra-point attempts. The 26-year-old will face a tough road environment in Week 1 at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. Last year, Bates made 13 field goals both at home and on the road, but he made 14 more extra points in the friendly confines of Detroit's domed Ford Field. The weather is not expected to be an issue in Green Bay on Sunday, but it's still an additional variable to consider. More importantly, the Lions averaged 30.8 points per game on the road last season, compared to 35.3 at home. The over/under for Week 1 is 47.5, so the betting markets are expecting a solid number of points to be scored between the two teams. Bates is a starting-caliber kicker in fantasy this week who should be expected to provide top-12 production.