Week 1 vs. San Diego
The Lions offense should be able to move the ball at San Diego on Sunday, giving Matt Prater some good scoring chances. He is our No. 13 kicker for Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
After a slow start with the Lions (missing two of his first three attempts), Matt Prater was successful on 21 of 26 FGs (81 percent) in 11 games. Matt has a booming leg and in his career is 24-of-32 from beyond 50 yards. He is one of only four kickers to finish in the top 12 in points per game during the past three years. Prater has the luxury of kicking indoors for 10 contests the season.
Fantasy Downside
After serving a four-game suspension and being released by the Broncos in ‘14, Prater no longer gets to kick with the advantage of altitude.
Bottom Line
As long as Calvin Johnson remains healthy, Detroit’s offense can be one of the best in the NFL. Prater actually averaged 0.74 more FG attempts per game for the Lions last year than he did with Denver in ’13. The Lions kickers attempted 35 extra points and 38 field goals last season, so another 120+ point season would not be a surprise.
Wild Card – Matt Prater vs. Dallas Cowboys
Jim Caldwell and the Lions passed on a couple long FG attempts last week in Green Bay, as Matt Prater was called upon for just two extra points. Since joining Detroit in Week 6, Prater was 21-of-26 on FGs, booting multiple field goals in eight of his 11 games. He has a strong leg and should be kicking in great conditions at Dallas on Sunday, but Detroit will be the underdog in however many games they're able to play in the postseason.
Week 17 – Matt Prater vs. Green Bay Packers
In the win over the Bears last Sunday, Matt Prater was two-of-three on FG attempts, having a 37 yard attempt blocked. He is 21-of-26 (81 percent) since joining the Lions in Week 6. Prater was not on the Lions roster when they beat the Packers earlier this season, but should have some good opportunities for points in the rematch in what could be a high-scoring affair.
Week 16 – Matt Prater vs. Chicago Bears
In the win over Minnesota last week, Matt Prater kicked three FGs, including the game-winner with just over three minutes to play. In the past five games, he is 12-of-13 on field goals and is averaging over eight points per contest since joining the Lions. Detroit’s offense totaled over 450 yards versus the Bears at home on Thanksgiving, so look for Prater to have some more scoring chances on Sunday. Start him if you've got him.
Week 15 – Matt Prater vs. Minnesota Vikings
In the win over the Bucs last Sunday, Matt Prater kicked FGs of 46 and 23 yards. After a shaky start when he first joined the Lions, Matt has made nine of his last 10 attempts. The first meeting with the Vikings was a low-scoring battle, but look for the Detroit offense to be able to move the ball in the rematch, making Prater a good option.
Week 14 – Matt Prater vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In the win over the Bears on Thanksgiving, Matt Prater was 2-for-2, kicking FGs from 46 and 40 yards. The Lions should be able to move the ball on the Buccaneers on Sunday, making Prater a decent kicking option.
Week 13 – Matt Prater vs. Chicago Bears
Last week at New England we saw another missed FG from a Lions kicker. While Matt Prater booted three FGs, including a 48 and 49 yarder, he missed from 53. However, for the second straight week, Matt accounted for all of the Detroit points and has made 12 of 16 attempts in his six games this season. Expect the offense to be better at home versus a bad Chicago defense, leading to a good day for Prater. Go ahead and start him.
Week 12 – Matt Prater vs. New England Patriots
In the defeat to the Cardinals last Sunday, Matt Prater made his only two FG attempts to account for all six of Detroit’s points. He banked in a 50 yarder off the upright and also connected on a 28 yarder. Prater has made eight of his last nine attempts, but is a middle-of-the-pack kicker when the Lions are on the road.
Week 11 – Matt Prater vs. Arizona Cardinals
Matt Prater was 2-of-3 on FGs in the triumph over the Dolphins last Sunday. He was true from 26 and 50, but had a 42 yard attempt blocked. In his four games with the Lions, Matt is 7-of-10 on FGs after missing only twice the entire season with the Broncos in ’13. Arizona allows a lot of yards through the air, so look for Prater to have at least a couple scoring opportunities this week.
