Who Should I Start? Matt Prater or Tyler Bass

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.

Thursday, October 9, 12:55 PM

While Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott remained non-committal on whether kicker Tyler Bass (groin, hip) would be able to play this season, he did say that he is "heading in the right direction," according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Bass remains on Injured Reserve, and the Bills didn't feel comfortable opening his 21-day practice window this week, which means he will not be ready to return for Monday night's contest in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bills probably aren't in any rush to bring the 28-year-old Bass back, with veteran Matt Prater being a reliable fill-in through the first five weeks of 2025. Prater has gone 10-for-15 on his field-goal chances while making all 15 of his extra-point opportunities for the 4-1 Bills. When/if Bass is fully healthy and ready to resume kicking, he should take back over as Buffalo's starting placekicker.