Player news tracker

Michael Mayer fantasy football news and podcast insights

Source-backed player signal from monitored fantasy football podcasts, shows, videos, articles, and social posts.

TELV40 insightsLatest Sep 15, 2026

22

Positive signals

7

Negative signals

12

Sources

Sep 15, 2026

Latest update

PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Raiders No. 2 TE Michael Mayer is a locked-in TE1 for as long as Brock Bowers remains sidelined with a meniscus injury.

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PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026NBC Sports Rotoworld

Raiders No. 2 TE Michael Mayer is a locked-in TE1 for as long as Brock Bowers remains sidelined with his meniscus injury.

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PositiveValueSep 15, 2026BDGE Fantasy Football

Michael Mayer is a recommended fill-in tight end while Brock Bowers is out, offering a high floor and potential for 15-point games if he finds the end zone; he is a volume-driven play in PPR leagues.

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PositiveValueSep 15, 2026Ron Stewart

Tight end six in expected points per game with ninth-highest route share and really good usage. Qualifies as a top-12 tight end in any game that Brock Bowers misses, making him a valuable fill-in option for Bowers-dependent rosters. Likely already picked up off waivers.

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PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026Mattek Fantasy Football

Michael Mayer is a top-12 tight end when Brock Bowers is sidelined. He recorded a 24% target share on 77% of routes against the Dolphins and should be owned in all 10-team leagues.

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NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026Big Blue View

Michael Mayer should be an OK but unspectacular fill-in for Brock Bowers if he misses more time due to injury.

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NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026FantasyPros Articles

The source advises against spending FAAB on Mayer, noting he is only valuable until Brock Bowers returns from injury, which could be as soon as Week 2.

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NegativeValueSep 15, 2026FFin60

Michael Mayer (LV) led the Raiders in targets with six in Week 1, but cap the bid since Brock Bowers will be back soon. FAAB bid: 1-2%.

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PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Mayer led the Raiders in targets with 7 in Week 1, posting a 6-32-0 stat line on a Las Vegas win over Miami. He now faces a Week 2 matchup against the Chargers, who gave up 9-95-1 to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in Week 1, suggesting a favorable matchup for tight ends.

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NegativeInjurySep 15, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Brock Bowers could return as early as Week 2 after meniscus surgery and missing Week 1, though the source notes this timetable seems far-fetched. The possibility of a hasty return should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Michael Mayer, as his elevated role is contingent on Bowers' continued absence.

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NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Michael Mayer is listed as a tight end option for the Raiders, though the source text appears to be cut off mid-sentence regarding reports about Brock Bowers.

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PositiveMatchupSep 15, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Michael Mayer gets a Week 2 matchup against the Chargers, who gave up 9-95-1 to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in Week 1, indicating a favorable tight end matchup.

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NegativeValueSep 15, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Michael Mayer is 26% rostered with true value of $1, desperate need of $2, and budget-minded value of $0. As the Raiders' top tight end in Bowers' absence, Mayer had 6-32-0 on seven targets in Week 1, leading the team in targets. However, the possibility of Brock Bowers returning as early as Week 2 should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Mayer.

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NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026FantasyPros Articles

There are reports that Brock Bowers could be back as early as Week 2 after getting meniscus surgery, which should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Michael Mayer. Mayer had 6-32-0 on 7 targets in a Week 1 Las Vegas win over Miami as the Raiders' top tight end in Bowers' absence, but his role is likely temporary.

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NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Mayer was Raiders' top tight end in Brock Bowers' absence, recording 6-32-0 on seven targets in Week 1 win over Miami and leading the team in targets. However, reports indicate Bowers could return as early as Week 2 after meniscus surgery, which should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Mayer. He gets Week 2 matchup against Chargers, who gave up 9-95-1 to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in Week 1.

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PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026Yahoo Fantasy Football - Josh & Hayden

Michael Mayer is a strong waiver wire target while Brock Bowers is out, currently rostered in only 26% of Yahoo leagues. He is the primary tight end for the Raiders, evidenced by an 81% snap share and running 25 of 32 routes in his debut. The source views him as a top-12 tight end option for the immediate future.

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NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026RotoWire NFL Articles

With Brock Bowers out following meniscus-trimming surgery and expected to miss at least another two weeks, Mayer led the Raiders in targets in Bowers' absence. He should serve as a reliable checkdown option for Kirk Cousins while the two are paired together. However, the source cautions against breaking the FAAB bank for Mayer, suggesting a measured approach to post-Bowers roster construction.

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NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026ESPN Fantasy Football

Mayer caught six passes in the opener after being the most-added player in ESPN fantasy for the week. Few doubt his skills or ability to matter statistically if starter Brock Bowers misses significant time, but Bowers (knee) might play in Week 2.

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NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Raiders tight end Michael Mayer recorded six receptions for 32 yards in Week 1, ranking second on the team in receiving behind Ashton Jeanty. With Brock Bowers sidelined or limited by a knee procedure, Mayer could see increased target volume.

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PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026RotoWire NFL Articles

Played 81% of snaps and 74% of routes with 6 receptions for 32 yards and 7 targets. His 24.1% target share and 30% air yard share indicate he is the Raiders' primary tight end and a key receiving weapon in the passing game.

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NegativeValueSep 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Risky streaming option at tight end traveling to Los Angeles to face the Chargers in Week 2; 26% rostered; relevant if a starter is out.

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PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026Mattek Fantasy Football

Mayer showed solid involvement in the Raiders' offense, earning seven targets on 29 aimed throws and running a route on 24 of 31 dropbacks.

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PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Mayer had six catches on seven targets for 32 yards in Week 1 as Bowers' backup. If Bowers remains out, Mayer will maintain streaming value as a good floor play.

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NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026NBC Sports Rotoworld

Mayer started in place of injured Brock Bowers in Week 1, running 77 percent of routes and posting a 24 percent target share with a check-down-heavy 4.7 aDOT. Bowers is eyeing a Week 2 return, though the meniscus trim timeline is uncertain; Mayer will be a mid-range TE2 until Bowers returns.

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NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Michael Mayer had 6 receptions for 32 yards on 7 targets in a Week 1 Las Vegas win over Miami, leading the team in targets. However, there are reports that Brock Bowers could be back as early as Week 2 after getting meniscus surgery and missing Week 1, which should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Mayer.

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PositiveMatchupSep 14, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Mayer gets a Week 2 matchup against the Chargers, who gave up 9-95-1 to Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in Week 1, offering a favorable opportunity for the Raiders' top tight end in Bowers' absence.

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NegativeDepth ChartSep 14, 2026FantasyPros Articles

There are reports that Brock Bowers could return as early as Week 2 after meniscus surgery, a timetable that seems far-fetched but should restrict the size of any FAAB bid on Mayer. Mayer led the Raiders in targets with 6-32-0 on seven targets in Week 1, but his role is contingent on Bowers' continued absence.

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PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026FFin60

Mayer was one of Kirk Cousins' primary targets in Week 1 under the Klint Kubiak offense, establishing early chemistry with the new QB.

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NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026Silver And Black Pride

Fresh off a three-year, $45 million contract extension, tight end Michael Mayer had six catches for 32 yards starting for the injured Brock Bowers. The source describes it as a solid but not great day, suggesting his performance did not match the investment and expectations tied to his new deal.

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NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Fresh off a three-year, $45 million contract extension, tight end Michael Mayer had six catches for 32 yards in Week 1, starting for the injured Brock Bowers. The source describes it as a solid but not great day, indicating Mayer is in line for increased opportunities while Bowers recovers but has not yet justified his contract extension with dominant production.

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PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026Davis Mattek

Michael Mayer was a mandatory 'free piece' for DFS cash games in Week 1, and failing to roster him was considered a significant mistake. He saw significant ownership (78%) and is a target for future DFS lineups after running the second-most routes (23) on the Raiders in Week 1. Davis Mattek notes he has better targets per route run when Brock Bowers is off the field.

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PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Mayer just signed a three-year, $45 million contract extension and is positioned as a key receiving weapon for the Raiders. Brock Bowers is projected to be out for at least the next couple of weeks, opening opportunity for Mayer. In Week 1, the Raiders led Miami for the entire game, yet Mayer still saw five targets, catching four passes for 26 yards through the first three quarters. In Week 2, the Raiders are 9.5-point underdogs to the Chargers (the second-largest spread in Week 2), meaning they are projected to play from behind. This negative game script should give Mayer, arguably the best receiving weapon outside of Ashton Jeanty in that offense, plenty of opportunities.

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PositiveNewsSep 13, 2026Hayden Winks

Hayden Winkson X

Here is the advanced stats in games without Brock Bowers last year. Michael Mayer was involved underneath, Tre Tucker slight uptick, and Ashton Jeanty's receiving work stayed the same.

Here is the advanced stats in games without Brock Bowers last year. Michael Mayer was involved underneath, Tre Tucker slight uptick, and Ashton Jeanty's receiving work stayed the same.

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PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026Fantasy Life Articles

Michael Mayer is firmly on the menu as a fringe Top 12 TE play in Week 1 with Brock Bowers out. The source describes him as a plug-and-play TE option.

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PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Mayer is thrust into a larger role following Brock Bowers' knee injury; he faces Miami, which allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season—the matchup that was expected to be a smash-spot for Bowers; at a heavily discounted salary, Mayer will be a chalky play better suited for cash games but certainly viable in GPP contests as well due to his increased role and cost efficiency.

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NegativeInjurySep 13, 2026FantasyPros Articles

Mayer at $4,600 on FanDuel faces uncertainty due to Brock Bowers' unexpected knee injury requiring a clean-up procedure days before the start of the NFL season. While not expected to be a long-term recovery, Bowers' absence creates uncertainty in the Raiders tight end situation heading into Week 1.

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PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Michael Mayer is stepping in for an injured Brock Bowers to start the regular season for the Las Vegas Raiders and has received a multiyear extension from the team, signaling confidence in his role as the primary tight end to open the 2026 season.

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PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026The Phinsider

Raiders TE Michael Mayer is stepping in for an injured Brock Bowers to start the regular season and has received a multiyear extension from the Las Vegas Raiders, signaling the team's confidence in him as the primary tight end for Week 1 and beyond.

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PositiveNewsSep 13, 2026Yahoo Fantasy Sports

Yahoo Fantasy Sportson X

Will you be starting Michael Mayer this week with Brock Bowers out? 👀

Will you be starting Michael Mayer this week with Brock Bowers out? 👀

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PositiveNewsSep 13, 2026Yahoo Fantasy Sports

Yahoo Fantasy Sportson X

Will you be starting Michael Mayer this week with Brock Bowers out? 👀

Will you be starting Michael Mayer this week with Brock Bowers out? 👀

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