Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Terrance Ferguson

Saturday, November 29, 8:12 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (ankle) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mayer was unable to participate for the entire week due to an ankle injury he had sustained early in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns. The 24-year-old was quickly ruled out last week after injuring his ankle in the first half of the game. Mayers has shown flashes during a lost season for the Raiders and had seen 15 targets in his previous three games before this ankle injury. In Week 13, the Raiders' offense will continue to rely on Brock Bowers, Tre Tucker, and recently acquired Tyler Lockett to lead the passing attack. It is worth noting that this will be the first game this season in which Greg Olson takes over play-calling duties for the Raiders. Ian Thomas should see an increase in snaps and will serve as the Raiders' backup tight end to Bowers with Mayer sidelined.

Saturday, November 22, 4:46 PM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson has an opportunity to ascend into a larger role during Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ferguson has struggled to carve out a significant snap share this season, but he could make that leap this week after Tyler Higbee (ankle) was placed on injured reserve. The rookie will likely operate as the Rams' No. 2 tight end behind Colby Parkinson, primarily serving as a big-yardage threat downfield. He has five catches on 11 targets this season, and he's averaging a whopping 27.6 yards per reception. The 22-year-old hasn't produced these big catches consistently enough to warrant starting him in fantasy football, but he's inching closer to a fantasy-relevant role with Higbee now sidelined. In the short term, Ferguson ranks as the overall TE34 in RotoBaller's Week 12 fantasy rankings.