Who Should I Start? Matt Prater or Tyler Bass

Saturday, November 29, 12:51 PM

Buffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater has been a reliable player through 11 games this season, connecting on 15 of 17 field goal attempts and 32 out of 34 extra-point tries. The 41-year-old may have limited range at this point in his career, as he's attempted just two field goals from 50-plus yards out on the season, making one and missing one. In Week 13, the Bills will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. Through 12 weeks, Pittsburgh ranks 19th in the NFL in points per game allowed (23.9). While that points to the Bills being able to move the ball on Sunday, the weather in Pittsburgh may play a factor in the kicking game. The current forecast calls for precipitation and colder weather in western Pennsylvania. Prater profiles as a borderline starting kicker option in Week 13, but fantasy managers should be mindful of potential weather issues and check the forecast before lineups lock on Sunday.

Monday, December 1, 4:39 PM

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass (groin, hip) underwent surgery on his groin/hip and will not kick again this season, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Bass will end up missing the entire 2025 season and will close out the year on Injured Reserve. Veteran Matt Prater has been filling in for Bass all year in Buffalo and has made 17 of his 19 field-goal attempts (89.5%) and 34 of his 37 extra-point tries in 12 games played. In fantasy football, Prater has been the No. 14 kicker in terms of overall points, and he'll definitely be in play for the upcoming Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and their generous defense. Bass signed a four-year contract extension with Buffalo in 2023, so he should be back with the team next year if he's recovered from his injuries.