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FantasyPros Articles fantasy football takes on Michael Mayer
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from FantasyPros Articles about Michael Mayer.
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All FantasyPros Articles insights about Michael Mayer
PositiveRoleSep 16, 2026
Mayer earned 7 official targets (23.3% share, 22.6% adjusted) with 81% snap share (team high among pass-catchers) and was the only pass-catcher with both an end-zone target and a red-zone target, making him the clearest goal-to-go weapon sans Bowers. His 4.1 aDOT led the team in targets. The source notes if he scores, he becomes a more viable streaming option.PositiveValueSep 16, 2026
Mayer earned 7 official targets (23.3% share, 22.6% adjusted) and was the only pass-catcher with both an end-zone target and a red-zone target, making him the clearest goal-to-go weapon sans Bowers. His low 4.1 aDOT reflects Cousins' short-passing approach, but his red-zone role is repeatable and valuable.PositiveMatchupSep 16, 2026
Michael Mayer is very streamable in a plus matchup against Los Angeles in Week 2. Brock Bowers is expected to miss the game again, opening up opportunity for Mayer. Although Mayer didn't smash in Week 1, there were positive signs: he ran the second-most routes on the team and ranked tied for 10th in targets per route run among all tight ends with at least three targets, with a 23.3% target share. The Chargers gave up the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends in Week 1. The source highlights the usage and route participation as positive signs pointing to Mayer being very streamable.NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026
The source advises against spending FAAB on Mayer, noting he is only valuable until Brock Bowers returns from injury, which could be as soon as Week 2.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Mayer led the Raiders in targets with 7 in Week 1, posting a 6-32-0 stat line on a Las Vegas win over Miami. He now faces a Week 2 matchup against the Chargers, who gave up 9-95-1 to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in Week 1, suggesting a favorable matchup for tight ends.NegativeInjurySep 15, 2026
Brock Bowers could return as early as Week 2 after meniscus surgery and missing Week 1, though the source notes this timetable seems far-fetched. The possibility of a hasty return should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Michael Mayer, as his elevated role is contingent on Bowers' continued absence.NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026
Michael Mayer is listed as a tight end option for the Raiders, though the source text appears to be cut off mid-sentence regarding reports about Brock Bowers.PositiveMatchupSep 15, 2026
Michael Mayer gets a Week 2 matchup against the Chargers, who gave up 9-95-1 to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in Week 1, indicating a favorable tight end matchup.NegativeValueSep 15, 2026
Michael Mayer is 26% rostered with true value of $1, desperate need of $2, and budget-minded value of $0. As the Raiders' top tight end in Bowers' absence, Mayer had 6-32-0 on seven targets in Week 1, leading the team in targets. However, the possibility of Brock Bowers returning as early as Week 2 should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Mayer.NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026
There are reports that Brock Bowers could be back as early as Week 2 after getting meniscus surgery, which should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Michael Mayer. Mayer had 6-32-0 on 7 targets in a Week 1 Las Vegas win over Miami as the Raiders' top tight end in Bowers' absence, but his role is likely temporary.NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026
Mayer was Raiders' top tight end in Brock Bowers' absence, recording 6-32-0 on seven targets in Week 1 win over Miami and leading the team in targets. However, reports indicate Bowers could return as early as Week 2 after meniscus surgery, which should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Mayer. He gets Week 2 matchup against Chargers, who gave up 9-95-1 to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in Week 1.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Michael Mayer had 6 receptions for 32 yards on 7 targets in a Week 1 Las Vegas win over Miami, leading the team in targets. However, there are reports that Brock Bowers could be back as early as Week 2 after getting meniscus surgery and missing Week 1, which should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Mayer.PositiveMatchupSep 14, 2026
Mayer gets a Week 2 matchup against the Chargers, who gave up 9-95-1 to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in Week 1, offering a favorable opportunity for the Raiders' top tight end in Bowers' absence.NegativeDepth ChartSep 14, 2026
There are reports that Brock Bowers could return as early as Week 2 after meniscus surgery, a timetable that seems far-fetched but should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Mayer. Mayer led the Raiders in targets with 6-32-0 on seven targets in Week 1, but his role is contingent on Bowers' continued absence.PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026
Mayer just signed a three-year, $45 million contract extension and is positioned as a key receiving weapon for the Raiders. Brock Bowers is projected to be out for at least the next couple of weeks, opening opportunity for Mayer. In Week 1, the Raiders led Miami for the entire game, yet Mayer still saw five targets, catching four passes for 26 yards through the first three quarters. In Week 2, the Raiders are 9.5-point underdogs to the Chargers (the second-largest spread in Week 2), meaning they are projected to play from behind. This negative game script should give Mayer, arguably the best receiving weapon outside of Ashton Jeanty in that offense, plenty of opportunities.PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026
Mayer is thrust into a larger role following Brock Bowers' knee injury; he faces Miami, which allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season—the matchup that was expected to be a smash-spot for Bowers; at a heavily discounted salary, Mayer will be a chalky play better suited for cash games but certainly viable in GPP contests as well due to his increased role and cost efficiency.NegativeInjurySep 13, 2026
Mayer at $4,600 on FanDuel faces uncertainty due to Brock Bowers' unexpected knee injury requiring a clean-up procedure days before the start of the NFL season. While not expected to be a long-term recovery, Bowers' absence creates uncertainty in the Raiders tight end situation heading into Week 1.PositiveSleeperSep 12, 2026
Mayer showed high target-earning ability when Bowers was out last season, particularly against the Giants. Frank Ammirante ranks him TE7 for Week 1 and emphasizes huge upside against the Dolphins; rostered in only 21% of Yahoo leagues, making him a priority waiver wire stash for those who lost Bowers.PositiveProjectionSep 12, 2026
Michael Mayer emerged as a streaming option after Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim and will miss a game or two (potentially more). Mayer is ranked TE14 in half-PPR formats per expert consensus rankings (ECR). In four games without Bowers last year, Mayer produced 78.4% route participation rate, 4.5 receptions per game, 49.0 receiving yards per game, 2.25 yards per route run, 1 receiving touchdown, 8.65 half-PPR points per game, and 7.55 expected half-PPR points per game.PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026
Michael Mayer is forced to take over as the No. 1 TE for the Raiders with Brock Bowers sidelined. Mayer is an underrated player who showed flashes of his talent last season, including a game in which he racked up nine receptions for 89 yards against the Giants. At such a cheap cost, Mayer is by far Malik Willis's favorite play for cash.NegativeValueSep 12, 2026
Mayer is identified as the popular punt play of the week at tight end, priced at $2,900 DraftKings/$4,600 FanDuel against Miami.PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026
With Brock Bowers out for a few games and sidelined for Week 1, Mayer will step into a bigger role. Last year, he was utilized sparingly with a 44.4% route share, but when on the field, he was productive. Among 54 qualifying tight ends, Mayer ranked tenth in target per route run rate (23%), 23rd in yards per route run (1.57), and 19th in first downs per route run (0.086). Mayer could easily flirt with TE1 production in Week 1 against a defense that allowed the ninth-most yards per target and fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends last season.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
Mayer is an outstanding waiver wire pickup for Week 1 and moving forward after Brock Bowers will miss multiple games following knee surgery. The former Notre Dame star played well at the end of last season when Las Vegas shut down Bowers, totaling 12 receptions on 15 targets for 136 receiving yards and 25.6 PPR fantasy points over the final two games. Mayer has an excellent opportunity to finish Week 1 as a top-five tight end. The Raiders lack a go-to proven wide receiver, and the Dolphins have arguably the worst defense on paper in the NFL. Miami surrendered the second-most receptions (108) and fourth-most fantasy points per game (16.7) to tight ends in 2025, allowing six or more receptions by opposing tight ends in over 70% of games, including over eight twice.PositiveValueSep 11, 2026
Listed as a core play in DFS lineups for Week 1 LV vs. MIA matchup; core plays are described as 'stellar across all game types' and 'most-rostered players,' indicating strong DFS value and usage recommendation.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
With Brock Bowers sidelined for Week 1, Michael Mayer steps into a bigger role. Last season, Mayer was utilized sparingly with a 44.4% route share but showed productivity when on the field, ranking tenth in target per route run rate (23%) among 54 qualifying tight ends, 23rd in yards per route run (1.57), and 19th in first downs per route run (0.086). Derek Brown projects Mayer could easily flirt with TE1 production in Week 1 against a defense that allowed the ninth-most yards per target and fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends last season.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
With Brock Bowers out with knee surgery to repair his meniscus, Mayer will see elevated usage. In four games without Bowers last year, Mayer logged a 78.4% route participation rate, 23.7% target share, 0.26 TPRR, 4.5 receptions per game, 49.0 receiving yards per game, 2.25 Y/RR, one receiving touchdown, 10.90 DraftKings points per game, 9.68 expected DraftKings points per game, 8.65 FanDuel points per game, and 7.55 expected FanDuel points per game. Mayer is a no-brainer punt at tight end in cash games at both DFS sites and a sweet pick in GPPs as well.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
With Brock Bowers sidelined by a meniscus trim and expected to miss a couple of games to open the season, Mayer will get a chance to shine as the starter. In four games without Bowers last year, Mayer averaged 10.9 fantasy points, 4.5 receptions and 49 receiving yards per game. His efficiency metrics were satisfactory: 14th in target separation (2.02), 17th in first downs per route run (0.081), and 21st in yards per route run (1.48). Mayer will be one of Kirk Cousins' main targets while Bowers is on the mend, making him a priority add for Bowers managers and a strong short-term option for early-season tight end production.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
With Brock Bowers out for a few games and sidelined for Week 1, Michael Mayer will step into a bigger role. Last year he was utilized sparingly with a 44.4% route share, but when on the field he was productive: among 54 qualifying tight ends, he ranked tenth in target per route run rate (23%), 23rd in yards per route run (1.57), and 19th in first downs per route run (0.086). Mayer could easily flirt with TE1 production in Week 1 against a defense that allowed the ninth-most yards per target and fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends.PositiveSleeperAug 21, 2026
Mayer proved he can function as a target hog when forced into action with Brock Bowers sidelined; if that scenario repeats, he'd immediately reach top-12 tight-end status, and Klint Kubiak's deployment of more 2-TE sets provides additional standalone value.PositiveSleeperAug 3, 2026
Mayer has struggled since being a late-first-round pick in 2023 dynasty rookie drafts, with his value plummeting after Las Vegas drafted Brock Bowers in 2024. However, the source identifies brighter days ahead: Mayer has stood out in training camp with the Raiders running heavy tight-end packages. New head coach Klint Kubiak (from Seattle) is expected to find creative ways to deploy his best players. Las Vegas was already in the top five in 12-personnel usage last year at 34%, and the source expects that to exceed 40% in 2026. With the Raiders' wide receiver corps being arguably the weakest in the NFL (Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker as top two), Kubiak will need to rely on both tight ends. The source recommends acquiring Mayer for a pair of fourth-round rookie picks or equivalent value, with willingness to pay more in TE-Premium leagues.PositiveValueJul 30, 2026
Mayer is available at a cheap price (ECR: TE38) as a buy-low candidate despite being overshadowed by Brock Bowers, the Raiders' generational tight end prospect. Mayer was widely projected as an early second-rounder ahead of Sam LaPorta before the draft. While overall numbers are modest, he showed flashes when Bowers missed time, including nine catches for 89 yards against the Giants. Under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, the Raiders are expected to use more two-tight-end sets, which should increase Mayer's opportunities. The source suggests he could become a productive starter elsewhere down the road.PositiveValueJul 30, 2026
Mayer was widely projected as an early second-rounder, ahead of Sam LaPorta, but has been overlooked due to the Raiders selecting Brock Bowers. While overall numbers are modest, Mayer showed flashes when Bowers missed time, including nine catches for 89 yards against the Giants. The Raiders are expected to use more 2-TE sets under Klint Kubiak, which should increase Mayer's opportunities. The source suggests buying low now before he potentially becomes a productive starter elsewhere.