Who Should I Start? David Njoku or Michael Mayer

Sunday, January 4, 8:44 PM

Following Sunday's Week 18 win, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku said that he wants to re-sign with the team during the upcoming offseason. However, he acknowledges that it's not entirely his decision. When asked if he wanted to return to Cleveland, Njoku said, "I do, but it's not up to me." The 29-year-old missed the final four games of the regular season due to a knee injury, bringing his final 2025 stat line to just 33 catches, 293 yards, and four touchdowns. Statistically, it was his worst season since 2020, but he still made an impact as a blocker and receiver as the Browns' offense endured quarterback turmoil. For the first time in several years, Njoku also experienced major competition at the tight end position. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as one of Cleveland's top playmakers, and he figures to remain the Browns' top tight end for 2026. Therefore, if Njoku does re-sign with Cleveland, he'll likely take a pay cut to operate as the backup behind Fannin. He should have a competitive market in free agency with plenty of teams in need of tight end additions.

Sunday, January 4, 7:54 AM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer should continue to operate in a high-volume role during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders recently placed Brock Bowers (knee) on injured reserve, ending his season and putting Mayer into the starting role for the final two games of the year. Last weekend, he exploded as the top target in Geno Smith's offense, catching nine of 10 targets for 89 yards. In total, throughout the three games that Bowers has missed and Mayer has played this year, the latter tight end has 15 catches, 149 yards, and one touchdown. A quarterback change is expected in Week 18, though, as Kenny Pickett steps in for the injured Smith (ankle). Pickett struggled to the tune of 64 yards and one turnover in his lone start this year, but he should still be able to support a fantasy-relevant role for Mayer on Sunday. At worst, Mayer will operate as a security blanket in case Pickett struggles to throw the ball deep or needs to get the ball out quickly. As it stands, he ranks as the overall TE8 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 18.