Who Should I Start? Matt Prater or Jake Bates

Wednesday, September 17, 1:42 PM

The Buffalo Bills' Matt Prater has been among the NFL's most effective kickers through the first two weeks of the season. The 41-year-old journeyman, who signed with the Bills on Sept. 4 to replace the injured Tyler Bass (groin), has nailed all six of his field-goal attempts while going 5-for-5 on extra points. Prater ranks fifth among kickers in fantasy scoring two weeks into the season, and he should have plenty of opportunities to add to his total on Thursday against the Miami Dolphins. While the Dolphins have given up a whopping 66 points in two games, the Bills' high-powered offense has put 71 on the board. All signs are pointing to another busy night for Prater, which gives him plenty of upside heading into Week 3.

Friday, September 12, 1:49 PM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates held up his end of the bargain in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, nailing both of his field goal attempts and an extra-point try in his team's 27-13 loss. Bates will not have to worry about any potential weather issues in Week 2, as the Lions return home to the domed Ford Field to take on the Chicago Bears. Bates has more career points scored (21) against Chicago than any other NFL team. The Lions should also have an easier time moving the football and generating scoring opportunities against the Bears than they did against the Packers. Bates profiles as a low-end top-12 fantasy kicker in Week 2 against Chicago.