Kyle Pitts Sr. or Michael Mayer: Who Should You Start?
2026 Week 1 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.
Pitts' volume offsets Mayer's better scoring environment
Pitts brings the stronger fantasy role: Atlanta lists him among its starting tight ends, supporting the every-down usage that gives him a dependable target path (Yahoo Sports 2026-09-10). Mayer has the better scoring environment, but his complementary role makes that advantage less stable; he needs the Raiders' extra opportunities to overcome lighter involvement. The call stays even because Pitts offers the safer volume while Mayer owns the more favorable script, with Pitts' lower team total the key risk.
What flips it: A pregame change that reduces Pitts' every-down role.
Sources: Yahoo Sports · Sep 10, 2026
AI editor
Kyle Pitts Sr.
5.68.010.4 Projected Points
Michael Mayer
5.47.39.3 Projected Points
Why Kyle Pitts Sr.
Start· mediumTE1 and vertical seam threat. Rare size-speed mismatch profile with high-volume target share in the passing game.
TE7 consensus with a locked-in 88% snap share and 23% target share — that usage plays in 12-team PPR even with a modest 19.8 implied total.
- Atlanta's starting-lineup confirmation reinforces Pitts' role security.
- His vertical seam ability creates splash-play upside beyond routine tight-end volume.
The call
- A 23% target share is elite-tier for the position and pairs with an 88% snap share, so Pitts is on the field and getting fed regardless of how the game flows.
- Consensus has him TE7 at 10.4 projected points — that is a clear starter over replacement-level tight ends in a 12-team PPR league.
- Atlanta's Week 1 lineup lists him as a starting tight end and he carries no injury designation, so the role is not in question.
- The cap on upside is the offense: a 19.8 implied total and a 3-point spread mean a low-volume, tight game, which trims his ceiling more than his floor.
Latest on Pitts
Atlanta's Week 1 starting lineup lists Kyle Pitts and Charlie Woerner as the team's starting tight ends.
Yahoo Sports · Sep 10, 2026TreVeyon Henderson won't suit up on Wednesday, leaving most of the backfield work for Rhamondre Stevenson.
Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.
Why Michael Mayer
Toss-Up· mediumTE2 in complementary role. Physical in-line blocker with reliable short-to-intermediate hands behind the starter.
9.3 projected points is fringe TE1 territory, but a 62% snap share and 13% target share make him a volume gamble, not a plug-in play.
- Mayer's short-area reliability can turn a favorable script into steady PPR production.
- His blocking-heavy role protects his floor but limits route-driven upside.
The call
- Role is real but not locked down: 62% of snaps over 13 games with a 13% target share means he's a secondary option, so his floor depends on red-zone looks rather than steady volume.
- The 9.3 PPR projection clears typical replacement-level TE production, which is why the ESPN buzz (Sept 10) about adding him has traction — it's playable, not exciting.
- Game script is neutral-to-mildly-positive: a 22.3 implied total as a 3-point favorite suggests a balanced attack rather than the pass-heavy chase mode that lifts low-target tight ends.
- Tip it to start if you're streaming from the TE waiver pile or need touchdown equity; sit him if you have a TE with a 20%-plus target share available.
Latest on Mayer
Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.
Head-to-head stats
| Metric | Kyle Pitts Sr. | Michael Mayer |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 5.68.010.4 | 5.47.39.3 |
| Consensus rank | TE7 | — |
| Opponent vs position | PITno ranking yet | MIAno ranking yet |
| Target share | 23%(2025) | 13%(2025) |
| Reception share | 27%(2025) | 14%(2025) |
| Implied total · spread | 19.8+3.0 | 22.3-3.0 |
| Depth chart | TE1 | TE2 |
| Snap share | 88%(2025) | 62%(2025) |
| Start/Sit record | — | 0–0+1 toss-up |
Signal breakdown
- 10.4 vs 9.3 projected PPR pointsKyle Pitts Sr. +
- Consensus position rankeven
- Matchup (DvP composite)even
- Implied 19.8 vs 22.3 team pointsMichael Mayer +
- No injury designationseven
- 88% vs 62% snap shareKyle Pitts Sr. +
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