After his special teams efforts helped Detroit (6-2) to a 19-9 win over the Miami Dolphins (1-7) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., last week, Lions kicker Jake Bates was named the Week 9 NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
As the Lions' offense struggled against a pesky Dolphins pass rush that limited quarterback Jared Goff's time and space, Bates' four field goals and one PAT were the difference-makers in a tightly contested battle against Miami.
In addition to his successful PAT attempt, Bates connected on field goals from 28, 40, 33, and 43 yards out, becoming the first player in franchise history to produce seven-or-more points in each of the first eight games of a season.
We see you, Jake! 💰 pic.twitter.com/v3RHJGbUxK
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 11, 2026
This is Bates'
third career NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor, after he previously won the award for his Week 7 and Week 10 performances in 2024. Bates is also the third Lions kicker to earn three NFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards, joining Jason Hanson and Matt Prater.
Bates also becomes the third straight Lions star to capture NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, joining EDGE DJ Wonnum in Week 7 and punter Jack Fox in Week 8.
Bates and the Lions will look to keep their momentum going when they travel to Munich, Germany, to face the New England Patriots (5-4) at FC Bayern Munich Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 15.
Kickoff between the Lions and Patriots is set for 9:30 a.m. ET, with play-by-play voice Joe Davis, color analyst Greg Olsen, and sideline reporter Pam Oliver delivering the call on FOX.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Jake Bates completes Lions NFC Special Teams Player of the Week 3-peat
