Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Jack Stoll

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.

Wednesday, November 13, 5:17 PM

The Miami Dolphins claimed tight end Jack Stoll off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday and waived linebacker David Long Jr. in a corresponding move. Stoll became expendable for the Eagles when Dallas Goedert returned from a hamstring injury in the Week 10 win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys after missing the previous three games. Stoll operated behind Grant Calcaterra with Goedert sidelined and wasn't really involved in the offense (only 17 snaps and no targets). In Miami, he'll serve as TE depth behind starter Jonnu Smith, Julian Hill and Durham Smythe. The former Nebraska Husker has just 22 receptions on 30 targets for 193 yards and no touchdowns in his three-plus NFL seasons in 57 games (28 starts).