Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Tanner Conner

Tuesday, September 16, 12:45 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer was a savvy waiver-wire pickup heading into Week 2 because star tight end Brock Bowers was questionable to play on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a knee injury he picked up in the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots. However, Bowers was inactive in Monday's 20-9 loss and caught five of his eight targets for 38 yards. Meanwhile, Mayer once again took a back seat to Bowers in a Raiders offense that failed to find the end zone all night. The 24-year-old hauled in both of his targets for just nine yards against a stingy and stick Chargers D. The Raiders will continue to use Mayer alongside Bowers, but he's a distant No. 2 in Chip Kelly's offense and should only be rostered in TE-premium leagues. Mayer will not be a realistic fantasy starter going into Week 3 against the Washington Commanders.

Wednesday, September 17, 7:05 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner has been splitting time almost evenly with starter Julian Hill, as the duo works to replace Darren Waller (hip), who will miss his third straight game when the Dolphins take on the Bills on Thursday Night Football. While Hill is still without a target, Conner had four targets in Week 1, making two catches for 20 yards. He did not have a catch or a target in Week 2, though, as the Dolphins offense continues to not utilize either tight end in a pass-catching role. Conner is the TE43 in the RotoBaller rankings for this week, so you can probably do better than playing him in all formats.