Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Terrance Ferguson

Sunday, November 23, 5:54 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Cleveland Browns. He exited during the first half and was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out. He finishes the game with one catch for 14 yards. Mayer impressed earlier this season while filling in for the injured Brock Bowers, but ever since Bowers returned, Mayer has not been a fantasy scoring threat. Ian Thomas will step up as Vegas' No. 2 tight end behind Bowers.

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.