Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or AJ Barner

Sunday, October 5, 11:35 AM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (concussion) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Indianapolis Colts. The 24-year-old, who was listed as questionable, has already been sidelined for nearly two full games and will miss at least one more contest. His absence comes at a tough time for the Raiders, who are also without star tight end Brock Bowers (knee). Vegas will turn to Ian Thomas as its primary tight end this week, but he's not a dependable fantasy option.

Tuesday, October 7, 10:29 AM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner had a career day on Sunday, and he continues to step up as a meaningful part of Sam Darnold's offense. The second-year tight end from Michigan hauled in a career-high seven catches for 53 yards and found the end zone twice in his team's narrow loss to the Bucs. Barner has caught 14 of the 16 targets sent his way this season and scored four touchdowns in the last four weeks. Darnold has made tight ends fantasy-relevant in his previous NFL stops, and Barner looks to be the latest beneficiary of his attention. The Seahawks are headed to Jacksonville to face the Jags on Sunday, after Jacksonville got a big win on Monday. Barner could be an emergency TE1 option if bye weeks have you in trouble this week, or he could be a solid depth add for later in the season.