The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings face off on Sunday night in a closely contested game that will determine the No. 1 seed in the conference. Therefore, every single point is crucial. Kicker Jake Bates managed to help Detroit’s cause just before halftime and extended the Lions’ lead.

Bates was money all season long. Entering Week 18, the Lions kicker had completed 25 of 28 attempts, including 6 of 8 from 50 yards or more.

With just seconds left in the second quarter Sunday night, Bates’ number was called for a 48-yard field goal and he managed to give the Lions a 10-6 lead before halftime.

Bates makes it 4⃣8⃣ through to end the first half#MINvsDET | 📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/kqFPBSUvb5

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 6, 2025

With the successful attempt, Bates is now at 26 of 29 this season.

The Lions initially signed Bates in the offseason to compete with veteran kicker Michael Badgley, who suffered a season-ending injury. That led to Bates winning the job uncontested, as the Lions showed their confidence in him by not producing competition.

Bates rose to fame in the United Football League, where he was a star with the Michigan Panthers. Bates made headlines almost weekly thanks to numerous monster field goals, including ones from over 60 meters away.

It’s safe to say that Bates has been everything the Lions hoped he would be, and he has more than repaid Detroit’s faith in him.

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