Who Should I Start? Isaiah Likely or Michael Mayer

Tuesday, October 28, 11:49 AM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely has seen minimal usage so far in 2025, recording five catches for 26 yards on five targets across four games played. However, three out of Likely's four games played this season have come with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) sidelined. With Jackson expected to return in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins, Likely could see his role in Baltimore's offense expand. Across 16 games with the Ravens in 2024, Likely recorded 42 catches for 477 yards on 58 targets. Likely still figures to split playing time with Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, which limits the upside of both players. However, in deep fantasy leagues, Likely could be a stash candidate off the waiver wire now that Baltimore's offense has its quarterback back.

Tuesday, November 4, 12:38 PM

ESPN's Ryan McFadden writes that both Las Vegas Raiders tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer should see an increase in targets after the team traded receiver Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday. Mayer was targeted seven times and had three catches for 26 yards in Sunday's overtime loss to the Jaguars. The Raiders used 12 personnel (two tight ends) more than any game this season in Week 9. In addition to Bowers and Mayer seeing more targets going forward, Tre Tucker will be the team's unquestioned WR1, with rookies Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr., and veteran Tyler Lockett seeing the field more. Although Mayer was targeted a season-high-tying seven times on Sunday, Bowers still overshadowed him with a monster 12-127-3 line. As long as Bowers remains healthy, Mayer will be a touchdown-dependent TE2 in fantasy.