Jake Bates
Detroit Lions
Season Preview
As we head into the 2025 fantasy football season, Jake Bates is poised to continue his impressive form as the kicker for the Detroit Lions. Following a stellar rookie season where he led all kickers in extra points made and attempted, Bates has solidified his position as a reliable and high-scoring fantasy kicker. He finished his first NFL season with 64 successful extra points and made 25 of 28 field goal attempts, which placed him among the top kickers in fantasy points.
One of the key factors contributing to Bates' success is the potent offense of the Detroit Lions. The Lions were the number one team in points scored during his rookie season, and this high-powered offense consistently puts Bates in favorable positions to score. Despite Dan Campbell's tendency to go for it on fourth down, which slightly limits Bates' field goal attempts, the kicker has still managed to perform exceptionally well. In the upcoming season, Bates is expected to continue benefiting from the Lions' strong offense, making him a valuable asset for fantasy teams.
Bates does face some challenges in the 2025 season, particularly with the number of outdoor games he will have to play. Three of his six misses in his rookie season came in outdoor games, and he will have to kick outdoors seven times in the upcoming season, including Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. However, his overall accuracy and power suggest that he can adapt to these conditions effectively.
Given his performance and the favorable team context, Jake Bates is a strong pick for fantasy football teams in 2025. He is projected to be a low-end starting kicker but has the potential to outperform this expectation, especially in high-scoring games. With his accuracy, the support of a dominant Lions offense, and his experience from a successful rookie season, Bates is a confident choice for fantasy managers looking to secure a reliable kicker for their roster.