Who Should I Start? Matt Prater or Justin Tucker

Tuesday, October 15, 7:55 PM

The Arizona Cardinals placed kicker Matt Prater (knee) and defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (neck) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, meaning both players will have to miss at least the next four games. Nichols will miss the rest of the season. To replace Prater on the active 53-man roster, the Cardinals elevated Chad Ryland from the practice squad. In the last two games with Prater out, Ryland has gone 5-for-6 on field goals and made both of his extra points. Prater made all six of his field goals and went 10-for-10 on extra points in his four games, surpassing the career 1,800-point plateau. The earliest Prater will be eligible to return from IR will be after the team's Week 11 bye for a Week 12 contest against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Ryland will be a poor streaming option for fantasy managers in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.

Saturday, November 23, 9:33 PM

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is in the midst of the least efficient season of his career. He's made just 72.7% of his field goal attempts and has gone 3-for-7 from 50 yards or further. In Week 11, he missed two of his three attempts which ended up being the difference between a win and a loss. Now, he sets his sights on the matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12. The Bolts allow the second-fewest fantasy points per contest to kickers at 5.6. That, combined with Tucker's struggles, means there are better options this week.