Who Should I Start? Travis Kelce or Michael Mayer

Tuesday, November 11, 9:53 PM

Through his first nine games of 2025, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has recorded 41 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns on 53 targets. While the 36-year-old is not the player he once was at his peak, he remains a key piece of his team's passing attack. Kelce has recorded at least five targets in seven of nine outings this season and at least 54 yards in six out of nine contests. If there's one cause for concern with Kelce's fantasy profile, it might be his target outlook now that Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice is back from suspension and fully re-integrated into the offense. Kelce has averaged 5.3 targets per game this season with Rice in the lineup, compared to 6.2 targets per game when he's been sidelined. Still, Kelce has remained productive in recent weeks with Rice on the field and profiles as a solid tight end option in Week 11 against the Denver Broncos.

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.