Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Tanner Conner

Friday, December 19, 11:58 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer remains off the fantasy radar ahead of Week 16 against the Houston Texans. Mayer was productive during his short stint as the team's starting tight end earlier this season, but he fell off the fantasy radar when superstar tight end Brock Bowers returned to the mix mid-year. Mayer has dealt with his own injury problems, too, as the 24-year-old was sidelined for Weeks 13 and 14. In his return to action last week, he played just 19% of the offensive snaps and wasn't targeted in Vegas' Kenny Pickett-led offense. Geno Smith will return as the Raiders' starting quarterback this upcoming Sunday, but that shouldn't change Mayer's fantasy outlook much. He is averaging just 2.0 catches, 15.3 yards, and zero touchdowns in games where Bowers is active.

Thursday, October 30, 10:23 AM

In the TE3 range for Week 9, Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner should not be considered a starting option when Miami takes on the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. The fourth-year tight end is playing more with Darren Waller (pectoral) on injured reserve, but isn't earning nearly enough work in the passing game to be relied upon in a fantasy lineup. Despite Waller missing significant chunks of the season, Conner has played more than half of Miami's snaps only once in eight weeks and has yet to catch more than two passes in a game this season. As Miami leans on receiver Jaylen Waddle, running back De'Von Achane, and receiver Malik Washington for the majority of its targets, there isn't enough receiving opportunity for Conner to be a fantasy option.