Who Should I Start? Dalton Schultz or Michael Mayer

Wednesday, June 4, 12:31 PM

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (leg) is back practicing at voluntary organized team activities this week after missing the first few sessions with an apparent leg injury, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander. In his second year working with quarterback C.J. Stroud, Schultz disappointed in 2024 with 53 catches on 85 targets for 532 yards and only two touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (13 starts), especially when considering the season-ending injuries to receivers Stefon Diggs (knee) and Tank Dell (knee). Diggs is gone and Dell probably won't play at all in 2025, but the Texans added Christian Kirk via trade and Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the draft. The 28-year-old is the team's clear-cut top pass-catching tight end, but Schultz could once again struggle for consistent targets on a week-to-week basis for his fantasy managers.

Thursday, August 7, 3:53 PM

ESPN's Ryan McFadden reports that Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has been a standout in training camp. The Notre Dame product flashed during his rookie campaign, but the addition of Brock Bowers in 2024 was a detriment to Mayer's playing time. While Bowers and new quarterback Geno Smith have quickly gotten on the same page, Mayer has had an excellent camp of his own. The 24-year-old has been an offensive standout since OTAs, per McFadden, who also notes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has "big plans" for him in 2025. There are undoubtedly targets up for grabs in the Raiders' offense, and Mayer may play a nice role for them. However, that translating to fantasy isn't a guarantee. Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers are worth rostering for now, but Mayer will have to impress in preseason action before he's worthy of fantasy managers' attention in drafts.