Who Should I Start? Grant Calcaterra or Michael Mayer

Friday, December 20, 11:19 PM

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra will look to contribute against the Washington Commanders in Week 16. Despite starting in place of the injured Dallas Goedert (knee), Calcaterra caught just one pass for 22 yards in the Eagles' 27-13 win over the Steelers. His involvement has been limited, with only two red-zone targets and one touchdown in five starts this season. The Commanders' defense has allowed the fifth-most receiving touchdowns per game to tight ends but ranks seventh in fewest receiving yards allowed to the position. This makes Calcaterra a touchdown-or-bust fantasy option heading into the matchup. Managers should consider more reliable options unless chasing upside in deeper leagues.

Sunday, December 8, 9:26 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer brought in 7-of-9 targets for 68 yards in Sunday's 28-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The second-year TE easily set all-new season highs with his performance on Sunday, while his reception total and yardage output were good enough to lead the Raiders' offense in the defeat. Mayer was second on the team in targets only to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. It's intriguing usage for the 23-year-old, as he out-produced rookie sensation Brock Bowers for the first time this season. Additionally, it's hard to predict this kind of usage moving forward, particularly with it looking like quarterback Desmond Ridder taking over after Aidan O'Connell (knee) was carted off in an air cast. For now, fantasy managers would be better off taking a wait-and-see approach with Mayer. He'll get the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday but likely won't be on the fantasy radar.