Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Tucker Kraft

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.

Friday, January 3, 4:46 PM

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (non-injury related) put in a full practice after two limited sessions this week and he looks to end his regular season on a high note as the Packers host the Chicago Bears in Week 18. While Kraft was second on the team in receiving yards (53) in Week 17, he only caught 2-of-3 passes. Kraft has been a top-12 tight end in just two of the last seven weeks with just one game where he amassed over five targets. With the Packers utilizing the run much more than the pass since Green Bay's Week 10 bye, it's hampered the Packers' passing game and the pass-catchers' fantasy value with the lack of consistent passing volume. In Week 18 against the Bears, Kraft is a low-end TE1 but with a much lower floor than a typical TE1.