Bills Turn to Michael Badgley as Kicking Carousel Continues Ahead of Week 16
The Buffalo Bills are heading into a pivotal Week 16 matchup with their third kicker of the 2025 season-and this time, it’s Michael Badgley stepping into the spotlight.
With Tyler Bass sidelined all year due to lingering hip and groin injuries suffered in the preseason, the Bills turned to veteran Matt Prater, who delivered steady production. Prater connected on 18 of 20 field goal attempts and nailed 43 of 46 extra points. But now, he’s week-to-week with a quadriceps injury, forcing Buffalo to make another move.
Enter the “Money Badger.”
On Tuesday, the Bills signed Badgley to their practice squad, and all signs point to the veteran handling kicking duties when Buffalo travels to Cleveland for a must-win game against the Browns. It’s a familiar situation for Badgley, who’s made a career out of answering the call when teams need a steady foot late in the season.
Who is Michael Badgley?
Badgley’s NFL journey began in 2018 as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami. He broke in with the Colts that summer but made his mark with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he played from 2018 to 2020.
As a rookie, Badgley quickly earned the trust of both fans and coaches, going 15-for-16 on field goals and 27-for-28 on extra points. His clutch performances earned him the nickname “Money Badger,” which he liked enough to trademark the following year.
In his three seasons with the Chargers, Badgley was 52-for-65 on field goal attempts (80%) and hit 95.3% of his extra points (82 of 86). While those numbers don’t scream elite, he proved reliable and showed he could handle pressure.
Since then, Badgley has been the definition of a journeyman kicker-suiting up for the Titans, Colts (twice), Bears, and Lions. His most recent stint came earlier this season with Indianapolis, where he converted 10 of 11 field goals (91%) and made 18 of 21 extra points (85.7%) before being waived on December 2.
For his career, Badgley has hit 103 of 130 field goals-an 83% success rate-with a long of 59 yards, a bomb he drilled during his rookie season. On extra points, he’s been even more consistent, converting 186 of 196 attempts (94.8%).
What This Means for Buffalo
Kicking may not grab headlines like Josh Allen’s arm or Stefon Diggs’ route-running, but special teams have a way of deciding games in December. With playoff implications on the line and weather becoming a factor, having a dependable leg is crucial. Badgley may not be flashy, but he’s experienced, battle-tested, and has shown he can step in on short notice and deliver.
The Bills are hoping that continues this week in Cleveland.
Around the Bills: Playoff Push, MVP Talk, and More
While the kicking situation is front and center, there’s plenty more happening in Buffalo as the team eyes a seventh straight playoff berth. Here’s what else is making waves:
- Josh Allen’s MVP Case: NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky believes Allen is very much in the MVP conversation. Given his recent performances and the Bills’ late-season surge, he might just be peaking at the right time.
- Dalton Kincaid’s Role: There’s growing chatter about the need to get tight end Dalton Kincaid more involved. The rookie has flashed big-play potential, and with defenses keying in on Diggs and Davis, Kincaid could be a difference-maker down the stretch.
- Pro Bowl Recognition: Seven Bills players finished in the top 10 of Pro Bowl voting at their respective positions, a testament to the talent and depth on this roster-even in a rollercoaster season.
- Playoff Picture: With three games left, the Bills are right in the thick of the AFC playoff race. Multiple scenarios could see them clinch a spot this weekend, and they’re still in the hunt to overtake the Patriots for the division crown.
- Replay Assist Controversy: There’s been renewed scrutiny on the NFL’s replay assist system, with concerns about consistency and transparency. It’s an issue that could impact postseason outcomes if not addressed.
The Bills are no strangers to adversity, and 2025 has delivered its fair share. But with Allen playing at a high level, the defense rounding into form, and now Badgley stepping in to handle the kicking duties, Buffalo is once again positioned to make noise in January.
The road to the playoffs continues in Cleveland-and the “Money Badger” could have a big say in how that journey unfolds.