Matt Prater Fantasy

The Arizona Cardinals signed former Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater to a two-year deal that includes a $7 million base salary with incentives, according to a source. Prater, 36, spent the last seven seasons with the Lions. The two-time Pro Bowler had a disappointing season last year in Detroit, converting on just 21 of his 28 field-goal chances while also making 38 of his 41 extra-point attempts. Although Prater is coming off a less-than stellar campaign, he should be an upgrade over Zane Gonzalez and Mike Nugent from last season. For his career, Prater is an 83.2 percent field-goal kicker and is the most accurate kicker on field goals from at least 50 yards in NFL history at nearly 75 percent. In a Cardinals offense that could be even better in 2021, Prater should at least be on the radar as a low-end starting option at his position.

Mar. 19th • 1:20 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (rib, thumb) and kicker Matt Prater (back) have both been given the green light to suit up for Saturday's game against the Buccaneers by virtue of their absence from the inactive list. Stafford has continued to play through myriad injuries, which makes him something of an unknown from a fantasy perspective. He has thrown at least 31 passes in every game this season, the only question becomes how effective those pass attempts will be. As for Prater, a back injury is never ideal for a kicker, especially one who has missed an extra point in two of his past three games. While the massive leg and field-goal frequency of Detroit's kicker gives him fantasy appeal, he'll carry risk in Week 16.

Dec. 26th • 11:50 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (rib, thumb), kicker Matt Prater (back) and center Frank Ragnow (throat) are all questionable for Week 16 against the Buccaneers on Saturday. All three players were limited in practice on Friday. Stafford was limited all week and should continue to play through the pain. He hasn't missed a single start this year, but his toughness doesn't translate to consistent fantasy success. The Buccaneers Defense has been friendly to the quarterback position in terms of fantasy points this year, and they'll likely be without cornerback Carlton Davis (groin). Tampa will bring the pressure, but Stafford has been good against pressure in 2020. While Stafford could surprise and put up numbers this weekend, he remains a risky midrange QB2 who could get knocked out of the game at any moment. Prater has a big leg but can't be trusted for fantasy with quarterback Matthew Stafford battling through a painful rib ailment.

Dec. 24th • 4:29 PM