Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Michael Mayer vs Noah GrayWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Michael Mayer is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 4.7 PPG to Noah Gray's 4.6 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Michael Mayer is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Michael Mayer edges Noah Gray by 0.1 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Michael Mayer goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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TELas Vegas Raiders#37PPG LEADER

Michael Mayer

PPG

4.7

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

328

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 13

TEKansas City Chiefs#99

Noah Gray

PPG

4.6

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

385

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 6

The Edge Chart

Michael Mayer

Noah Gray

Head to Head

4.7 PPG4.6 PPG

12 GP17 GP

Bye: Week 13Bye: Week 6

Fantasy Tiers

Michael Mayer: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #37 at the position). Noah Gray: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 30 tight ends this season, Michael Mayer is producing at 21% of elite pace and Noah Gray at 21%. That ranking gap means Michael Mayer carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Michael Mayer vs Noah Gray: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Michael Mayer finished the 2025 season at 4.7 PPG over 12 games with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Noah Gray clocked in at 4.6 across 17 appearances for the Kansas City Chiefs. A 0.1-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Michael Mayer had 35 catches for 328 yards; Noah Gray posted 38 for 385. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.

One scheduling note: Michael Mayer is off Week 13 and Noah Gray Week 6. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in tight end for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Michael Mayer (age 24) has years of prime production ahead. Buy-and-hold dynasty asset. Noah Gray (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value.

Did You Know?

•Michael Mayer outscored Noah Gray by a projected 2 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Noah Gray played 17 games in 2025 compared to Michael Mayer's 12. That durability gap means Noah Gray contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Noah Gray scored 2 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.1 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at tight end.
•Noah Gray saw 50 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the tight end position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Michael Mayer vs Noah Gray: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Michael Mayer	Noah Gray
PPG (Half-PPR)	4.7	4.6
Games Played	12	17
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	56	78
Receptions	35	38
Rec/Game	2.9	2.2
Receiving Yards	328	385
Rec Yds/Game	27.3	22.6
Receiving TDs	1	2
Targets	50	50
Target Share/Game	4.2	2.9
Age	24	-
Experience	2 yrs	-
Bye Week	Week 13	Week 6

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Michael Mayer holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 4.7 points per game. Noah Gray averaged 4.6 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Michael Mayer or Noah Gray in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Michael Mayer has the edge at 4.7 PPG compared to Noah Gray's 4.6 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Michael Mayer and Noah Gray average in 2025?▾

Michael Mayer averaged 4.7 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 12 games in 2025. Noah Gray averaged 4.6 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 0.1 points per game.

When are Michael Mayer and Noah Gray's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Michael Mayer (LV) has a bye in Week 13, and Noah Gray (KC) has a bye in Week 6. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Michael Mayer or Noah Gray a better fantasy tight end in 2026?▾

Michael Mayer outscored Noah Gray by 0.1 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.