Who Should I Start? Chig Okonkwo or Michael Mayer

Wednesday, November 12, 12:53 AM

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo has had a quiet season through nine games, catching 29 of 39 targets for 281 yards with no touchdowns. Okonkwo ranks as just the TE33 with 6.3 PPR points per game, as the Titans' offensive situation has been bleak for fantasy purposes. The 26-year-old is just barely averaging a career high in receiving yards per game (31.2) and tied for the highest receptions per game (3.2). Okonkwo has also been gradually losing snaps to rookie tight end Gunnar Helm over the course of the season. After running more than 70% of the team's routes in the first two weeks of the season, Okonkwo hasn't had a route share above 60% in a game since. Helm hasn't surpassed him in any game yet, but he's stayed involved and has some real ability as a receiver and could get more involved out of the bye week. Okonkwo will remain off fantasy radars for Week 11 against the Texans.

Thursday, November 6, 10:08 AM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer lost his starting role in Week 9 with the return of Brock Bowers, but he remained involved in the offense. Despite operating as the TE2, Mayer caught three of seven targets for 26 yards in the 30-29 loss to Jacksonville. Notably, he still played 83% of the snaps as Las Vegas used 12 personnel (two-tight-end sets) on 58.3% of their plays, which is their highest rate this season. With Jakobi Meyers now in Jacksonville, the Raiders are likely to continue leaning on heavier formations, which should keep Mayer on the field. However, the matchup is difficult this week. Denver has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends, but their strong pass rush could force Mayer into increased blocking duties rather than receiving work. Mayer should remain on fantasy benches in Week 10.