Michael Mayer
Tight End #87
Michael Mayer News
Michael Mayer's Targets Slide Ahead of Raiders' Quarterback Change
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer had a three-yard touchdown catch wiped out by his own offensive pass interference penalty in Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He finished with three catches for 37 yards and lost a fumble at the San Francisco one-yard line after a 24-yard reception. Mayer drew 20 targets in Weeks 4 through 6 and 12 in Weeks 7 through 9, with just three looks in two of those later games. He caught eight passes for 82 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs and seven for 95 against the Buffalo Bills during the earlier stretch. Brock Bowers caught 20 of 26 targets for 276 yards and three touchdowns over the last three games. Bench Mayer in 12-team PPR leagues for Sunday's home game against the Seattle Seahawks. Fernando Mendoza will make his first NFL start after the Raiders dealt Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings. All eight of Mendoza's regular-season pass attempts came on one fourth-quarter drive with Las Vegas trailing the New England Patriots by 28 points.
Nov 12, 2026 6:42 AM EST
Michael Mayer a Streaming Option in Week 9 Matchup vs. 49ers
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer continues to have some fantasy weight, but it will be limited against a stingy San Francisco 49ers defense in Week 9. Mayer has proven to be a flex option in the Brock Bowers-led offense, totaling 36 catches for 351 yards and one touchdown through eight games. He has also been very efficient, catching 84% of his targets this season. That includes five catches on six targets for 53 yards in a win against a solid New York Jets defense. That being said, the 49ers have been tough against tight ends in 2026, allowing just 1.8 receptions for 12.7 yards per game on average. San Francisco will be fresh off a bye week and have an even sturdier defensive front with the addition of DeForest Buckner and the return of Nick Bosa (calf). The pressure on Kirk Cousins will impact the passing game, so Mayer's target share could take a hit. Still, his efficiency makes him a solid streaming option despite the difficult matchup.
Nov 6, 2026 2:16 PM EST
Michael Mayer Maintains Dynasty League Appeal in Week 8
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer still has fantasy value to offer as his team prepares for a tough road matchup against the New York Jets. Mayer is coming off a quiet Week 7, recording three catches for 32 yards. Klint Kubiak continues to use both Mayer and Brock Bowers in games, and it isn't readily clear how much the target share will change if Jack Bech (forearm) returns from IR or if Dont'e Thornton Jr. makes his season debut. All that being said, Mayer is very consistent, catching 31 of 37 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown through seven games. Plus, the Raiders will face a Jets defense that has allowed 328 yards to tight ends this season, and 200-plus passing yards overall in each of their last two games. Mayer doesn't produce enough to be a weekly starter in redraft leagues, but does enough things right to be a stash candidate in dynasty formats.
Oct 30, 2026 1:16 PM EST
Michael Mayer Still Worth Stashing Despite Quiet Week 7
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has recorded 31 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown through seven games. Mayer surpassed 80 receiving yards against Kansas City in Week 4 and Buffalo in Week 6 before cooling off with three catches for 32 yards against the Rams on Sunday. He played 82% of the offensive snaps in Week 7, as Las Vegas continues using both Mayer and Brock Bowers in multiple-tight-end formations. Mayer has enough opportunity to warrant a roster spot even with Bowers healthy, but his inconsistent targets make him a risky Week 8 starter against the Jets.
Oct 27, 2026 6:29 AM EST
Michael Mayer a Streaming Option in Week 7
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer keeps proving he has fantasy value as his team prepares to face a tough Los Angeles Rams defense. Mayer had seven catches for 95 yards in Week 6, topping Brock Bowers' production for the day. The Rams defense ranks second overall against the air game, allowing just 167 passing yards per game and eight passing TDs across six games. Bowers should shoulder the workload, but Mayer should see his fair share of targets since the Raiders' receiving corps is so unpredictable. Vegas' TE2 is a viable streaming option for Week 7.
Oct 23, 2026 3:33 PM EST
Michael Mayer Emerging as a Viable Waiver-Wire Target
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer bounced back from a disappointing outing in Week 5 with a strong game in Week 6, recording seven catches for 95 yards on nine targets against the Buffalo Bills. Mayer has now logged at least seven catches and 80 receiving yards in two of his last three games, and he's racked up 28 catches for 266 yards and a touchdown on 34 targets across six games this season. While Mayer is the TE2 on his own team behind Brock Bowers, Las Vegas' tendency to deploy two tight end formations allows both players to be productive. The Raiders are also lacking high-end production from their wide receiver corps, which should allow for Mayer to keep seeing an elevated target share. In leagues where Mayer is available on the waiver wire, he could be a worthy waiver wire target for fantasy managers.
Oct 19, 2026 5:19 PM EST
Michael Mayer Outproduces All-Pro Teammate in Week 6
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer stepped up big time for this offense during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Mayer posted a dud last week, but came alive once again this weekend. He hauled in seven of his nine targets for 95 yards in the loss to the Bills. Brock Bowers struggled to find success early in the game, but luckily, Mayer stepped up and made some big plays for this offense. The 95 receiving yards were a season-high for Mayer. He is becoming a more trustworthy fantasy option and is someone worth looking at for next week's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Oct 18, 2026 6:27 PM EST
Michael Mayer Offers Streaming Upside vs. Bills
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has probably hit the waiver wire in your league, but he still has some fantasy value as the Silver and Black gear up to host the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. Mayer's target share and production have taken an expected dip since Brock Bowers returned to the gridiron, and the TE2 had just one catch for two yards in a 45-17 Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots. However, the former second-round pick from Notre Dame also ranks in the top 20 in targets and receiving yards among tight ends. The Bills are allowing 280.4 passing yards per game, so Kirk Cousins could vary his targets in Week 6. Mayer is a streaming option in deep leagues.
Oct 16, 2026 1:26 PM EST
Michael Mayer Remains in the Streaming Conversation Despite a Lackluster Showing in a Difficult Matchup
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer caught only one pass for two yards in the team's Week 5 blowout loss to the Patriots, and he could hit waiver wires in Week 6 as a reactionary drop. While by no means an every-week starter, Mayer remains fantasy viable while still holding rare insurance value at the position. The Patriots came into the week as one of the most difficult fantasy matchups for tight ends and were able to limit Mayer more than All-Pro Brock Bowers, who has been used more as a large wide receiver through his three healthy games. That said, Mayer is still in the top 20 in targets and receiving yards among tight ends and will remain a streaming option against more favorable opponents. He is RotoBaller's TE23 ahead of a Week 6 matchup with the Bills.
Oct 13, 2026 10:02 AM EST
Michael Mayer Should Get Involved in Week 5 vs. Patriots
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer still has some flex appeal in Week 5 as his team readies to play the Patriots in New England. Even with Brock Bowers healthy and dominating the target share, Mayer has 20 receptions for 160 yards and one touchdown as Vegas' TE2. That includes a season-high eight receptions for 82 yards in a 30-27 loss to the Chiefs in Week 4. The Patriots rank 4th in the league against the pass with just 189.8 yards allowed per game, which could force Kirk Cousins to find more targets in Week 5 outside of Bowers. Plus, Vegas' receiving corps will be missing Jalen Nailor (concussion) and Jack Bech (forearm) on Sunday, while Tre Tucker remains inconsistent from week to week. Mayer is a good waiver-wire target in deep leagues given his continued production.
Oct 9, 2026 2:04 PM EST
Michael Mayer A Key Waiver Target Despite Brock Bowers' Return
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer caught eight passes for 82 yards on 10 targets in a close Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. That's more involvement than we've ever seen the third-year tight end have in a game where he shared the field with TE Brock Bowers. The concussion injury to Raiders WR Jalen Nailor (head) likely played a part in this, but Mayer's performance was impressive nonetheless. Las Vegas' head coach, Klint Kubiak, indicated that he'd like to get both his tight ends involved in the passing game. Mayer has excellent value for a tight end that's just seven percent rostered in Yahoo leagues, as he caught three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown last week. We could be in the midst of his breakout, in which case it would be exceedingly difficult to pick him up in a few weeks. Finding weekly productive players at the TE position is rare, especially when they were largely undrafted in fantasy leagues, so Mayer should be added in all leagues with 12 or more teams ahead of Week 5.
Oct 6, 2026 5:33 PM EST
Michael Mayer Unlikely to Move the Needle in Week 4
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is still getting targeted by Kirk Cousins, but Brock Bowers' return will cap his production against a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense in Week 4. Mayer was still on the field for over 70% of passing plays in Week 3 and caught a touchdown, but had just three receptions for 32 yards. Even with wide receiver Jack Bech (forearm) out for at least four games, Klint Kubiak's air attack will run through Bowers against a Chiefs passing defense that is allowing just 178.3 yards per game. Unless Bowers is sidelined again, Mayer doesn't produce enough week to week to move the needle in redraft fantasy leagues.
Oct 2, 2026 12:58 PM EST
Michael Mayer's Fantasy Value Hinges on Teammate Returning
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is coming off a quiet Week 2 performance, and his impact in Week 3 greatly hinges on whether Brock Bowers (knee) makes his season debut. Mayer was a solid fill-in for Bowers in Week 1 when he caught six of seven targets for 32 yards against the Miami Dolphins, then saw less action in Week 2 and tallied just three receptions on four targets for 23 yards. It isn't readily clear who new quarterback Kirk Cousins' preferred targets are, though receivers like Tre Tucker and Jack Bech will likely get more looks if Bowers stays out another week. Mayers' status as a streaming option is strongly tied to whether Bowers plays, which fantasy managers need to keep an eye on ahead of Sunday's road battle against the New Orleans Saints.
Sep 25, 2026 2:43 PM EST
Michael Mayer Is Only a Short-Term Streaming Option
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has filled in for Brock Bowers (knee) without doing much to force his way into fantasy lineups. Mayer caught six passes for 32 yards in Week 1, then followed with three receptions for 23 yards against the Chargers, giving him nine catches for 55 yards through two games. The bigger issue is Bowers' return. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Monday that Bowers will practice this week after missing the first two games, and he had already returned to a limited practice last Friday. If Bowers sits again, Mayer can still be used as a short-term streamer against New Orleans. If Bowers is cleared, Mayer becomes much harder to hold outside deeper formats. RotoBaller's Week 3 tight end waiver article still lists Mayer among the options to add, but its cut list also has him as a drop in most leagues. That split makes sense. Mayer's value right now depends almost entirely on whether Bowers needs another week.
Sep 22, 2026 11:13 AM EST
Michael Mayer a Strong Streaming Option on Sunday vs. Chargers
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has big shoes to fill yet again in Week 2 against the host Los Angeles Chargers. With Brock Bowers (knee) doubtful to play on Sunday, Mayer inherits the TE1 role against a Bolts pass rush that allowed just 179.9 passing yards per game in 2025. Mayer was efficient in Week 1, catching six of seven targets and converting three first downs against the Miami Dolphins, though he logged just 32 yards and no touchdowns. Injuries have peppered the Notre Dame product's NFL career, and he has yet to play a full season since entering the league in 2023. However, his chemistry with new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins could lead to even more targets in Week 2. This is Mayer's opportunity to boost his production in Bower's absence, making him a viable streaming option.
Sep 18, 2026 3:15 PM EST
Michael Mayer a Top Week 2 Streamer if Starting Again
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer took advantage of the starting job in Sunday's 27-13 win over Miami, catching six passes for 32 yards with Brock Bowers sidelined following a meniscus procedure. The yardage wasn't much, but six catches are enough to get attention at tight end. Mayer has done this before when the Raiders needed more from him. In the four games he played without Bowers last season, he totaled 18 receptions for 196 yards, accounting for more than half of his season production in both categories. Las Vegas also signed Mayer to a multi-year extension just before the opener. His Week 2 appeal now comes down largely to Bowers' availability. Bowers was initially expected to miss a game or two, so another start against the Chargers remains possible. If Bowers sits again, Mayer belongs near the top of the tight end streaming options on the waiver wire. His short-term fantasy value drops quickly once Bowers returns.
Sep 14, 2026 11:45 AM EST
Michael Mayer a Worthy Start in Favorable Week 1 Matchup
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer played a limited role as a receiver in 2025, recording 35 catches for 328 yards and one touchdown on 50 targets across 13 games. However, with Raiders TE1 Brock Bowers (knee) sidelined, Mayer could step into an elevated target share in the Raiders' 2026 season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Across four games with Bowers inactive in 2025, Mayer recorded 18 catches for 196 yards and a touchdown on 24 targets. While his numbers may not leap off the page, Las Vegas should field an improved passing game with new head coach Klint Kubiak calling plays in 2026. The Dolphins also profile as a favorable matchup on paper for Mayer, as Miami allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends last season. All in all, Mayer projects as a low-end top-12 tight end option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Sep 12, 2026 1:00 PM EST
Michael Mayer Cashes In On Contract Extensison
The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a 3-year contract extension with tight end Michael Mayer that is reportedly worth $45 million with $30 million guaranteed according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The $15 million per year ranks fourth among current tight ends according to Rapoport. Mayer will slide into the starting lineup after Brock Bowers is set to miss 1-2 weeks this season. Mayer played in 13 games last season and caught 35 passes on 50 targets for 328 yards and one touchdown. Mayer makes for a good play in week 1 as the Raiders take on the Miami Dolphins in a home matchup. The Notre Dame product will look to maximize his value after receiving a lucrative deal and show that he is worthy of being paid as the No. 4 tight end on an annual basis.
Sep 12, 2026 7:10 AM EST
Michael Mayer a Top Tight End Streamer Following Injury to Superstar Teammate
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer's pass-catching production has been limited over the past two seasons thanks to the presence of superstar Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee). However, the Raiders announced on Wednesday that Bowers recently had a meniscus trim and is now expected to miss the first one or two games of 2026. As a result, Mayer should operate as the Raiders' TE1 to begin the year. Across the four games he played in 2025 when Bowers was sidelined by injury, Mayer recorded 18 catches for 196 yards and a touchdown on 24 targets. The Raiders should have a more stable offensive environment in 2026 with Kirk Cousins at quarterback and Klint Kubiak calling plays. Ahead of a relatively favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, Mayer could be a worthy tight end streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Sep 9, 2026 12:19 PM EST
Michael Mayer Has Path to Fair Share of Targets with Raiders
While all of the buzz is on Brock Bowers in Las Vegas -- and rightfully so -- don't count out Michael Mayer as a relevant deep-league fantasy tight end for the Raiders this season quite yet. Mayer is entering the final year of his contract in 2026 and has a lot to prove. Mayer is listed as the second tight end on the Raiders' depth chart, behind Bowers. While Bowers is likely to lead the team in targets, he will also get a lot of defensive attention. Las Vegas' wide receiver corps of Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and Jack Bech, among others, is largely underwhelming on paper, which should allow Mayer to have opportunities in the passing game with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins at the helm. Despite this, Mayer is not necessarily somebody to roster just yet in standard redraft leagues. In fact, he is only rostered in 1% of Yahoo leagues right now. He is somebody to monitor on the waiver wire as he currently ranks as RotoBaller's No. 33 tight end in PPR/half-PPR leagues. If the WR room struggles early on, Mayer could carve out a role on a weekly basis.
Sep 5, 2026 11:45 AM EST
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