Who Should I Start? Matt Prater or Kaimi Fairbairn

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.

Friday, October 18, 1:12 PM

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn has been one of the best fantasy kickers in the NFL this season, and he remains a clear starter with Houston at Green Bay in Week 7. Fantasy managers who selected the Houston kicker have seen consistent production so far. The UCLA product is 13-for-15 on field goals, an impressive eight-for-nine on attempts from 50 or more yards, and the third-ranked fantasy kicker through six weeks. Attached to a capable Houston offense, Fairbairn should stay in starting lineups in Week 7.