Who Should I Start? Chig Okonkwo or Michael Mayer

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
7.2 0.0 0.0 3.2 31.5 0.1

Chig Okonkwo News

Chig Okonkwo Questionable to Return Against Eagles in Week 1

Sunday, September 13, 3:17 PM

Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. He suffered the injury during the third quarter. At the time of his departure, he had caught just two of three targets for 16 yards. Okonkwo was signed during the offseason to be the Commanders' No. 1 tight end, and while there was decent upside behind the move, he also entered this season with a relatively low floor. After all, he never finished higher than TE21 in his three years with the Tennessee Titans. We're still optimistic that Okonkwo can have top-18 upside once he's cleared to return to action. In the meantime, John Bates will step up as the Commanders' top tight end.

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
7.4 0.0 0.0 3.3 31.6 0.2

Michael Mayer News

Michael Mayer a Worthy Start in Favorable Week 1 Matchup

Saturday, September 12, 1:00 PM

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.

Chig Okonkwo vs. Michael Mayer

Still trying to decide between Okonkwo and Mayer? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Chig Okonkwo is projected to score 7.2 points this week while Michael Mayer is projected to score 7.4 points.