Start Michael Mayer and Travis Kelce in your Week 1 lineup. Mayer gets a huge boost because Brock Bowers is out. Kelce remains a top choice with Patrick Mahomes healthy. These two offer the best chance for points right now.
The Case for Mayer and Kelce
Deciding on tight ends is like trying to smoke a brisket without a thermometer. You can guess, but you will likely mess it up. Michael Mayer is a smart play this week. The Las Vegas Raiders announced Wednesday that Brock Bowers had a meniscus trim, according to RotoBaller NFL. This means Bowers will likely miss the first or second games of 2026. Without the superstar ahead of him, Mayer moves into the TE1 role.
I like the numbers from his time without Bowers. During those four games in 2025, Mayer recorded 18 receptions, 196 yards, and one touchdown while facing 24 targets. He also has a good matchup against the Miami Dolphins. This season, the Raiders boast an improved structure featuring Kirk Cousins under center and Klint Kubiak directing the offense.
Travis Kelce is another name you should not ignore. According to reports, Kelce looks ready for a strong season. He is a high-floor option for your roster. Over 108 targets last year, he secured 76 catches, gained 851 yards, and scored five touchdowns. He has seen over 100 targets in 11 straight seasons. RotoBaller ranks him as the No. 11 TE. If Mahomes is ready for Week 1, the chemistry will be there.
Why You Should Think Twice About Others
Not every tight end is a winner. You have to look at the volume and the competition. Some players have the talent but lack the targets to make you rich in fantasy. You cannot just chase names; you have a job to do.
Look at the talent pool. You have names like Chig Okonkwo, T.J. Hockenson, and Kyle Pitts. While these players have upside, the stability of Mayer or the volume of Kelce is harder to find. You want players who will actually see the ball. Relying on a player to break out is a gamble that rarely pays off in the first week of the season.
The Importance of Volume and Health
In fantasy football, volume is the only thing that stays consistent. It is like heat in a smoker. If the temperature drops, the meat is ruined. You need players who get targets every single play.
The situation in Kansas City is a great example. The Chiefs are bringing back most of their same pass-catchers. This helps Kelce stay at the top of the target share. When a quarterback and receiver have a long history, you can trust the floor. You do not need a massive ceiling if the floor is high enough to keep you in the game.
On the other hand, players like Michael Mayer are stepping into a void. When a teammate like Bowers is sidelined, the targets have to go somewhere. Mayer is the natural choice for those targets. He has already proven he can produce when the primary option is not on the field. That is the kind of certainty I look for when setting a lineup.
Should I start Michael Mayer against Miami?
Yes. The Raiders announced Bowers will miss early games, and Mayer has a favorable matchup.
Is Travis Kelce still an elite option?
He is a high-floor option. He has had over 100 targets in 11 straight seasons.
