Dalton Kincaid vs Michael Mayer: Who Should You Start?
Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer are both viable fantasy tight ends heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Dalton Kincaid averaged 8.9 PPG across 12 games with the Buffalo Bills, while Michael Mayer posted 4.3 PPG in 13 appearances for the Las Vegas Raiders.
A 4.6-PPG gap gives Dalton Kincaid the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Dalton Kincaid had 39 catches for 571 yards; Michael Mayer posted 35 for 328. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Dalton Kincaid sits Week 12 while Michael Mayer is off Week 10. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
