Matt Gay is the kicker for the Indianapolis Colts. Sadly, Gay is recovering from hernia surgery, which makes us question if his fantasy outlook will be null and void because he will miss the game. The Colts face the Houston Texans in a game where the Vegas minds are expecting a high-scoring event. Kickers in those matchups usually provide enough fantasy football points to prove their worth within our leagues.
However, we should be wary of a kicker who is recovering from a surgery like his in Week 1. If Gay is ruled out for Week 1, undrafted rookie Spencer Shrader will take over kicking duties.
Update: Mat Gay is inactive for Week 1
Will Matt Gay Be Active in Week 1?
We believe Gay will not suit up Sunday, and the rookie Shrader will take over the Colts’ kicking duties. There is no reason for the organization to risk the health of their veteran kicker with the more talented leg. They must play the long game, as the season is a marathon and not a sprint.
With Matt Gay questionable, the #Colts elevated K Spencer Shrader to the active roster for Sunday's opener vs. Houston, along with CB Chris Lammons.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 7, 2024
The fact that the Colts used an elevation on Schrader for Week 1 suggests Gay is closer to not playing than to suiting up. We will get a concrete answer at 11:30, but this move makes it seem highly unlikely.
Potential Fantasy Options if Gay Is Out
Honestly, even if Gay does suit up, you should look elsewhere for a healthy kicking option. Our rankings show there are a plethora of options above Gay that are better regardless of whether he suits up or misses the game.
One of our favorite options to consider is Younghoe Koo, who is on an offense that should be able to drive down the field but may need more time building chemistry to finish the job.
We also like Cameron Dicker for the Los Angeles Chargers, who will play in a game with two mediocre run-first offenses. Dicker will also be playing in a dome, so we have no worries about Mother Nature joining the party and ruining the fun.
Another option forgotten is former UFL kicker Jake Bates. Bates is the kicker for the Detroit Lions, who welcome the Los Angeles Rams to Ford Field. Bates will have the benefit of playing in the dome, saving us from the weather.
He also plays for the team with the highest implied total on the week, facing the team with the seventh-highest implied total. The Lions vs. Rams matchup could be a shootout, elevating the number of opportunities Bates will see within the game.
Don’t hang your hat and your fantasy’s future on a kicker recovering from surgery when there are more than enough options within your waiver wire. Our PFN Start/Sit Optimizer has all three options above Gay’s projections.
Later in the year, you’ll have an opportunity to add Gay back to your roster if you genuinely want him on your team, as the kicker position is the merry-go-round of the fantasy football community. Move on and stream the kicker position; you’ll be glad you did when Week 1 ends.