Matt Prater Fantasy Football News 2020

ESPN's Ed Werder reports that former Broncos K Matt Prater is expected to sign with the Lions after trying out for the team Tuesday.  Denver cut Prater after he returned from a season-opening suspension.  But there was certainly nothing wrong with his kicking last year, when Prater hit 25 of 26 FG attempts.  Detroit opened this season with Nate Freese and then Alex Henery, who combined to go 0 for 6 in the 40-49 yard range over the 1st 5 games.  It's a good situation for Prater's fantasy value: a solid offense and an indoor home field.

The Broncos are releasing K Matt Prater, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.  Prater was set to come off his 4-game suspension next week.  K Brandon McManus has been solid in his place, though, connecting on all 3 of his FGs and 8 XPs.  And Denver saves some money by going with the youngster.  McManus will be a solid fantasy option the rest of the way.  Prater could get signed by another team (Kansas City?) this year.

The Broncos have traded a 7th-round pick to the Giants in exchange for K Brandon McManus.  Denver needs a kicker for the first 4 games with Matt Prater suspended.  It looks like McManus is their guy.  The rookie nailed his only 2 preseason FG attempts, 46-and 47-yarders, and has a booming leg.  He drilled a 75-yarder in practice, according to the New York Times' Bill Pennington.  McManus will be an intriguing fantasy spot starter kicker for Denver's high-powered offense.  The Giants, meanwhile are sticking with K Josh Brown.

The Denver Post reports that Broncos K Matt Prater has been suspended for the season's 1st 4 games under the league substance-abuse policy.  The 4-game suspension for an alcohol-related offense comes as part of a deal worked out between Prater's lawyer and the league, which allegedly threatened a full-year ban.  Prater had been part of the substance-abuse program since his 2011 DUI.  Because of the brokered deal, no appeal is expected.  You should obviously avoid Prater as your fantasy kicker now, unless you're in the kind of super-deep league that drafts 2 per team.  This situation joins preseason injuries to build a strong argument in favor of including a pre-Week 1 waiver run in all lineup-setting fantasy formats.  Denver's current backup is rookie Mitch Ewald.

Broncos K Matt Prater (calf) is active for today's game against the Cowboys.  He tweaked the calf on Thursday but put in a full practice on Friday.  He's safe to get into fantasy lineups.

Broncos K Matt Prater tweaked his calf on Thursday but put in a full practice on Friday.  He’s listed as probable for this weekend’s game against the Cowboys and is safe to get into fantasy lineups.

Broncos K Matt Prater was added to Thursday's injury report with a calf problem.  He was limited in practice.  It's unclear if he's in danger of missing this weekend's game against the Cowboys.  Check back tomorrow for an update.

The Broncos have placed K Matt Prater (groin) on IR, ending his 2010 season.  Steven Hauschka will handle kicking duties for Denver for the last 2 games.

Broncos K Matt Prater (groin) will miss his 2nd straight game this Sunday.  K Steven Hauschka will handle kicking duties against the Raiders but isn't a recommended fantasy play.

The Broncos have signed K Steven Hauschka.  He'll handle kicking duties against the Cardinals on Sunday with K Matt Prater dealing with a groin injury.

Falcons K Jason Elam was asked about his replacement in Denver, Matt Prater. Prater has hit 16 of 19 kicks, including a sizzling 5 of 5 from 50+ yards. Elam said Prater can hit from 70 yards out and has one of the strongest legs he's ever seen.  “I would say he’s probably in the top 5 as far as leg strength goes that I’ve ever seen," said elam. "I would put John Kasay there, Janikowski, Brad Daluiso. I can’t even think of anybody else, so it would be probably top four. I know that Janikowski and Matt have the ability to hit from that distance [70 yards], no question. It’s just getting the right opoprutnity and then getting the good snap and hold, and hitting a really flush ball."

The Broncos have two guys, Matt Prater and Garrett Hartley, competing at kicker. Prater is from Central Florida and originally signed with Detroit as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Hartley, out of Oklahoma, also went undrafted this past April.  Hartley was a finalist for the Lou Groza award last year.

The Falcons contacted free-agent K Billy Cundiff on Monday after Matt Prater missed two field goals vs. the Jaguars. They just cut Cundiff three weeks ago.

The Atlanta Falcons cut K Billy Cundiff. Their kicker for the time being is Matt Prater, though we wonder if they still have Morten Andersen on speed dial.