Matt Prater Fantasy

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

Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (illness) is active for Week 17 against the Packers. With Detroit's offense playing out the string in a lost season and struggling to put up points with third-string quarterback David Blough at the helm, Prater must be avoided in all fantasy formats for the Week 17 regular season finale. He's made 24 of his 29 field-goal attempts this season, including six of seven from 50-plus yards, but Detroit's ugly offense has afforded him just three field-goal tries in the last three games. You can do much better to close out the year.

Dec. 29th • 11:19 AM