Who Should I Start? Cole Kmet or Michael Mayer

Friday, November 7, 4:30 PM

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (concussion) and running back Roschon Johnson (back) have both been cleared from the injury report and are good to go for Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants. Kmet suffered the concussion during Chicago's Week 9 win at Cincinnati and won't miss any additional time after clearing the league's concussion protocol and practicing in full on Thursday and Friday. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland broke out for 118 yards and two touchdowns in his absence, and will likely eat into Kmet's snaps moving forward. Johnson, on the other hand, missed time at the beginning of the season with a foot injury and has been sidelined for the past two games with a back injury. The 24-year-old practiced in full on Friday and appears set to make his return as the Bears' RB3 behind D'Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai in Week 10.

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.