Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Michael Mayer

Friday, November 21, 8:41 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith failed to catch a single pass in Week 11, marking his first game without a reception since Week 4 of last season. Though the matchup against the Chicago Bears is favorable, there is little reason to expect Smith to bounce back to fantasy relevance in Week 12. The Steelers remain unpredictable in how they deploy their tight ends, with Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington all playing significant snaps. It is clear, however, that Smith's fantasy value is entirely touchdown-dependent, as he has topped 20 receiving yards just four times this year. As the TE29 in RotoBaller's Week 12 rankings, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a streaming option.

Sunday, November 23, 5:54 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Cleveland Browns. He exited during the first half and was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out. He finishes the game with one catch for 14 yards. Mayer impressed earlier this season while filling in for the injured Brock Bowers, but ever since Bowers returned, Mayer has not been a fantasy scoring threat. Ian Thomas will step up as Vegas' No. 2 tight end behind Bowers.