3. Michael Mayer
Handcuffing your starter works better for running backs than tight ends, but Michael Mayer will carry some fantasy football value if Brock Bowers cannot play. The Notre Dame product was an early second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and while he never quite lived up to that promise, he played well in his first game under head coach Pete Carroll.
Playing in 63% of the snaps, Mayer hauled in all four of his targets for 38 yards. This stat line on its own isn’t too impressive, but he should receive more work if Bowers cannot suit up in Week 2. He won’t singlehandedly win you a week, but he can give you a few points from the tight end position.
