Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Michael Mayer

Friday, November 7, 5:59 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson should be considered a low-end TE2 option with his team taking on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10. The veteran burned his former team, the Detroit Lions, with a touchdown catch last week, but Minnesota completed only 14 passes for 143 yards behind first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, albeit in a big victory. The Ravens currently rank 10th against half-PPR tight ends, and Baltimore has held its past three opponents to an average of 13 points. In McCarthy's three starts this year, Hockenson has a total of 10 targets, and there could be more bumps in the road with what is effectively a rookie quarterback learning on the fly. Hockenson is still a distant third in the Vikings' passing game pecking order behind receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, so relying upon the tight end is a tough sell this week.

Thursday, November 6, 10:08 AM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer lost his starting role in Week 9 with the return of Brock Bowers, but he remained involved in the offense. Despite operating as the TE2, Mayer caught three of seven targets for 26 yards in the 30-29 loss to Jacksonville. Notably, he still played 83% of the snaps as Las Vegas used 12 personnel (two-tight-end sets) on 58.3% of their plays, which is their highest rate this season. With Jakobi Meyers now in Jacksonville, the Raiders are likely to continue leaning on heavier formations, which should keep Mayer on the field. However, the matchup is difficult this week. Denver has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends, but their strong pass rush could force Mayer into increased blocking duties rather than receiving work. Mayer should remain on fantasy benches in Week 10.