Source + player page
Fantasy Football with Ian Hartitz fantasy football takes on Michael Mayer
Every source-backed video insight STACKED has extracted from Fantasy Football with Ian Hartitz about Michael Mayer.
12
Insights
7
Positive
2
Negative
Insight ledger
All Fantasy Football with Ian Hartitz insights about Michael Mayer
NegativeRoleOct 7, 2026
Could have more targets than Trey Tucker in any given week as the Raiders' offense leans more heavily on passing with Kirk Cousins.PositiveRoleSep 25, 2026
Mayer is positioned as the primary backup option behind Bowers if the questionable tight end is ruled out; listed as one of the best replacement options.NegativeProjectionSep 17, 2026
Mayer is ranked at tight end 17 for Week 2 against the Chargers. Ian Hartitz expresses skepticism about Mayer's ability to match Trey McBride's production, stating "I just don't think that Michael Mayer is as good as Trey McBride." Hartitz also notes concern about the Chargers' passing game overall, with Kirk Cousins looking bad and his arm appearing "washed" for multiple years, which limits Mayer's ceiling.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
All-time Notre Dame leader in receiving yards and touchdowns. Last year played 90–94% of snaps in Weeks 6–7 and 9 with mixed results: 55 yards and TD, 10 scoreless yards, 26 scoreless yards; in two late-season games over 90% snaps: 9 catches, 89 yards (10 targets vs. Giants), 3 catches, 47 yards (vs. Chiefs). Catching passes from Kurt Cousins in an offense expected to score among the fewest points most weeks. Ian Hartitz ranks Mayer as TE11 overall, higher in PPR and lower in standard/half-PPR formats; characterized as touchdown-dependent in Las Vegas where touchdowns are harder to come by. However, with Brock Bowers sidelined, Mayer is positioned to step into a significant role as a low-end TE1 or better. Hartitz expresses confidence: 'we're pretty confident will be this lowend title one. Maybe even better.' Mayer is described as 'a really good player' and 'Great prospect coming out of Notre Dame.' Strategy is to hold both Mayer and Bowers, with Mayer providing immediate production while Bowers recovers. Hartitz prefers Mayer over Mark Andrews and George Kittle (TE16), wanting to see if 32-year-old Kittle can still perform after an Achilles tear in January.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
Ian Hartitz identifies Michael Mayer as a bench stash, specifically noting his role as insurance for Brock Bowers and the Raiders' tendency to use two-tight-end formations.PositiveSleeperSep 3, 2026
Liam Murphy drafts Michael Mayer as part of a tier of tight end alternatives to Charlie Kolar, grouping him with Elijah Royo, Eric All, and Eli Raridan. Murphy prefers these lower-priced options over paying up for Kolar.PositiveBreakoutJul 24, 2026
Ian Hartitz projects Mayer could emerge as nearly a full-time player in the Raiders' offense, making him an exciting round-18 pick or dynasty league target. Hartitz notes this is one of very few situations around the league where he would recommend handcuffing a tight end, indicating strong confidence in Mayer's upside as a backup to Brock Bowers.NegativeRoleNo date
Mayer scored a touchdown immediately after being benched, illustrating the unpredictable nature of fantasy football and the risk of sitting players prematurely based on role concerns.PositiveValueNo date
Michael Mayer gains appeal as a tight end option ahead of Kyle Pitts due to a consolidated offense facing a defense that has struggled against tight ends over the past 12 months; Hartitz suggests Mayer as potential insurance for Brock Bowers, making him a viable late-round target in week 2.PositiveRoleNo date
Ian Hartitz believes Michael Mayer could have a borderline full-time role as a secondary tight end in an offense lacking wide receiver depth, potentially finishing third on the team in receiving yards, making him a viable target in round 18 or later for managers in formats that reward receptions.NegativeRoleNo date
Michael Mayer has contingent value in a 2023 Isaiah Likely-type situation where he could potentially get traded, though Davis Mattek is uncertain about his role. Ian Hartitz notes the Raiders play a ton of 12 personnel with no wide receivers, giving Mayer opportunity despite the uncertainty.PositiveRoleNo date
JJ Zachariason states he 'freaking loves' Michael Mayer in Dynasty and acknowledges he is arguably bigger target competition than Trey Tucker, Jaylen Naylor, and Jack BH for Brock Bowers. However, Zachariason does not view Mayer as relevant target competition for Bowers given Bowers' elite status as arguably the single best tight end in the league.