Week 10 – Matt Prater vs. Miami Dolphins
In the comeback victory over Atlanta in London two weeks ago, Matt Prater booted three FGs, including the game-winner from 48 yards. Prater originally missed the last kick from 43, but a delay of game penalty gave him another chance. After missing two of his first three kicks with the Lions, Matt has made his last four. With Calvin Johnson back in the lineup, Detroit’s offense will be improved, leading to more scoring chances for Prater.
Week 8 – Matt Prater vs. Atlanta Falcons
In the win over the Saints last Sunday, Matt Prater made his only FG attempt – a 21-yarder that he bonked off the upright. Matt is 2-4 on FGs since joining Detroit and has hit the upright twice. Without Calvin Johnson, the Lions are sputtering a bit offensively, but they have a great matchup with the Falcons on Sunday in London.
Week 7 – Matt Prater vs. New Orleans Saints
What is it about kicking for the Lions this season? After missing only once all of ’13, Matt Prater - the third Detroit K of the young season - missed two of his three attempts last week in Minnesota. He was wide left from 50 and the second miss bounced off the left upright from 44 yards. Sandwiched in between the failures, Matt showed off his strong leg by connecting from 52. He’ll get his first chance to kick in front of the home crowd on Sunday in perfect conditions indoors. If Reggie Bush is active, that will help Detroit in moving the ball, giving Prater some scoring chances.
Week 6 – Matt Prater vs. Minnesota Vikings
After Alex Henery missed three FGs including the potential game-winner last Sunday, he was released. So, the Lions are on their third K of the season already, but this time it looks like they found a keeper. Matt Prater was surprisingly released by the Broncos a week ago after serving a four-game suspension due to the league’s alcohol policy. He has a very strong and accurate leg, connecting on 25-26 FG attempts last season, including an NFL record 64-yarder. Matt steps into a Lions team that has been struggling a bit on offense lately with Calvin Johnson battling an ankle injury. But if you need a kicker Prater is a great pickup, especially being able to kick at home, indoors for half of the season.
Fantasy Upside
As the Broncos were putting up record breaking points last season, Matt Prater benefited and booted a record 75 extra points. Matt not only got to kick through those easy one-pointers, but he also connected on 25 of 26 FG attempts, leading to an incredible 150 total points. He was successful on six kicks from beyond 50 yards, including an NFL record 64-yarder. Since Peyton Manning arrived in Denver, Prater has averaged 141 points.
Fantasy Downside
There wasn't much of a downside to Prater until his recent four-game suspension to start the regular season - which is huge. His lone regular season miss of the season was wide left from 52 yards and he also missed a 47-yarder in the playoffs. Matt only gets to play half of his games at mile high altitude, but will have to kick in a couple tricky stadiums this season, including at the Jets and at New England in November.
Bottom Line
While the Broncos will play a tougher schedule in ‘14 and have to face four solid defenses from the NFC West, the offense should still put up plenty of points. It may actually help Matt personally, as Denver might have to settle for a few more FGs. Prater is one of the best kickers in the NFL, but with him missing the first five weeks (four games as Denver has an early bye week), target him on the free agent market in early October.
