RADIO
Jake Bates a Solid Top-12 Kicker Option in Week 9
Across seven games in 2026, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has converted 12 of his 13 field goal attempts and all 23 of his extra-point tries. While Bates is coming off his first missed kick of the season in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings, he's largely been very reliable for Detroit this season. In Week 9, Bates and the Lions will travel to Miami to take on a Dolphins team that has allowed 25.9 points per game so far in 2026. The Lions are currently averaging 29.0 points per game on offense, so Detroit could be well-positioned to give Bates opportunities to put points on the board on Sunday. Bates profiles as a solid top-12 kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bates a Low-End Starting Kicker Option in Week 8
Across six games so far in 2026, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has converted all 10 of his field goal attempts and all 22 of his extra-point tries. While the Lions offense has been successful moving the ball this season, head coach Dan Campbell's fourth-down aggressiveness typically takes some field goal opportunities away from Bates. However, Detroit may have a tougher time being productive on the plus side of the field in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota's excellent defense has a chance to completely shut down the Lions' scoring attack, but they could also have more success keeping Detroit out of the end zone than keeping them from moving the ball at all. Bates also has the advantage of kicking inside the domed Ford Field, taking weather out of the equation. Bates profiles as a low-end top-12 kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bates a Strong Kicker Option in Week 7
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been perfect to start the 2026 season, connecting on all eight of his field goal attempts and all 20 of his extra point tries across five games so far. In Week 7, Bates and the Lions will host the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay's defense has played well of late, allowing just 34 points over its last three games. Still, the game features two high-powered offenses and could easily turn into a high-scoring affair. With the matchup taking place inside the domed Ford Field, Bates will also not have to deal with any potential effects of weather. All in all, Bates profiles as a solid starting kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bates a Solid Starting Kicker Option in Week 5
Across four games in 2026, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has connected on all seven of his field goal attempts and all 14 of his extra point tries. Bates had his best game of the young season in Week 4, converting four field goal attempts in Detroit's loss to the Carolina Panthers. In Week 5, Bates and the Lions will take on the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona has struggled to keep its opponents off the scoreboard in recent weeks, allowing at least 31 points in each of its last three games. Detroit has also been one of the NFL's highest-scoring offenses so far, averaging 29.8 points per game. In a potentially high-scoring Week 5 affair against the Cardinals, Bates profiles as a steady top-12 kicker for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bates a Risky Kicker Option in Week 4
Three games into his 2026 season, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has connected on all three of his field goal attempts and converted all 12 of his extra point tries. While the 27-year-old has been effective so far and Detroit is averaging 31 points per game, Bates' fantasy production has been held down by the Lions' touchdown-scoring efficiency so far in 2026. In Week 4, Detroit will travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers. While the matchup profiles as a potentially high-scoring affair on paper, the weather forecast in Charlotte on Sunday currently calls for rain and some wind. If the elements are indeed a factor, fantasy managers should try to avoid Bates in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bates a Low-End Starting Kicker Option in Week 3
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been perfect to open 2026, making both of his field goal attempts and converting all eight of his extra-point tries through two games. In Week 3, Bates and the Lions will host the New York Jets. The Jets defense has been stingy early in the year, allowing just 15 points per game across their first two contests. While the Lions have put up points on offense so far this year, their efficiency in the red zone has actually hurt Bates in that he hasn't had many chances to kick field goals yet. Still, the strong Jets defense could slow Detroit down and keep them out of the end zone. Bates also has the advantage of kicking indoors at Ford Field, taking any potential weather concerns out of play. In Week 3, Bates profiles as a low-end starting kicker option for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bates a Risky Start for Fantasy Managers in Week 2
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates was perfect in his team's Week 1 win over the New Orleans Saints, converting his lone field goal attempt and all four extra-point tries. The Lions put up 31 points against the Saints, and Detroit could be in need of another high-scoring effort when it faces the high-powered Buffalo Bills in Week 2 on Thursday Night Football. However, the weather forecast in Buffalo on Thursday calls for the potential of some rain and wind, which could make kicking difficult. Lions head coach Dan Campbell also has a tendency to chase touchdowns rather than settling for field goals, which could only be amplified if Detroit gets behind early against the Bills. All in all, Bates projects to finish outside the top-12 kickers for fantasy managers in Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bates a Must-Start Kicker in Week 1
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates put together a top-eight fantasy season in 2025, converting 27 out of his 34 field goal attempts and leading the NFL in both extra-point attempts (56) and makes (54). In their 2026 season opener, the Lions are set to host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans was a mid-pack defense in terms of scoring in 2025, ranking 14th in the NFL in points allowed per game (22.5). However, the Lions enter the year nearly fully healthy on offense. On paper, Detroit could field one of the most dangerous scoring attacks in the league. Bates also won't have to deal with any weather conditions on Sunday while kicking inside the domed Ford Field. All in all, Bates profiles as a must-start kicker option in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
