Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Michael Mayer

Saturday, September 13, 12:04 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth saw three targets last week and will look to build on his chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle was middle-of-the-road against opposing tight ends last season, but surrendered plenty of fantasy points to the position in its season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately for Freiermuth, new addition Jonnu Smith appears to have a more significant role in Pittsburgh's offense. Smith led the Steelers' tight end room in snaps, targets, and receptions in Week 1. Freiermuth has proven to be a productive player over his five-year career, so while he is sure to have some big games this season, it will be difficult to predict them so long as the team's weapons stay healthy. He should be rostered in dynasty formats, but Freiermuth can remain on waiver wires in most redraft leagues.

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.