Who Should I Start? Matt Prater or Jake Bates

Saturday, November 15, 2:24 PM

Buffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater did not attempt a field goal in his team's surprising 13-point performance in their Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Prater has now gone two consecutive weeks without a made field goal, as he missed both of his attempts in Buffalo's Week 9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Still, the 41-year-old has generally been solid this season, knocking in 12 of 14 field goal attempts and 26 of 27 extra-point tries across nine games. He should have some chances to get back on the board when the Bills host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11. Through 10 weeks, both Buffalo and Tampa Bay rank in the top 11 in the NFL in per-game scoring. One possible concern for Prater's fantasy outlook in Week 11 is the potential for windy weather in Buffalo, so managers should monitor the forecast on Sunday. Still, Prater profiles as a low-end starting kicker option in Week 11.

Saturday, November 15, 12:01 AM

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates recorded his first missed extra-point of the season in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, but he knocked in all three of his field goal attempts. Even with the blunder against Washington, Bates leads the NFL in extra-point makes (33) and attempts (34) through 10 weeks. The Lions have a difficult road matchup in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia ranks in the top ten in the NFL in per-game opponent scoring (21.3 points per game). Still, the Lions have one of the league's highest-scoring offenses so far this season and could provide Bates with some opportunities to put points on the board. It's not his most favorable matchup, but Bates still profiles as a solid starting kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 11.