Who Should I Start? Matt Prater or Tyler Bass

Saturday, December 21, 9:04 AM

Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (knee) has been ruled out for Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers. The veteran kicker had his 21-day practice window opened earlier this week, but the Cardinals have determined he's not quite ready to return from injured reserve yet. In the meantime, Chad Ryland will continue to handle kicking duties for Arizona. Through 10 games this year, he has gone 18-for-18 on extra points and 22-for-26 on field goals.

Saturday, December 21, 9:42 AM

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass is worth starting in most fantasy football leagues ahead of his matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 16. The 27-year-old ranks ninth in fantasy points among kickers this year, going 50-for-54 on extra points and 21-for-26 on field goals. Even amidst some accuracy concerns on field goals, Bass has been able to rack up the scoring with an excessively high number of extra points. He has drilled 17 extra points over his last three games as the Bills continue to find the end zone at a rapid pace. That should continue this week against the New England Patriots. While New England ranks near the middle of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to kickers this year, they have surrendered an average of 2.7 touchdowns per game (eighth-most in the NFL), which means that scoring opportunities won't be too hard to come by for Bass. He should be deployed as a top-10 kicker in Week 16.