Michael Mayer vs Oronde Gadsden: Who Should You Start?
Michael Mayer and Oronde Gadsden are both viable fantasy tight ends heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Michael Mayer averaged 4.3 PPG across 13 games with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Oronde Gadsden posted 7.1 PPG in 15 appearances for the Los Angeles Chargers.
A 2.8-PPG gap gives Oronde Gadsden 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. Michael Mayer had 35 catches for 328 yards; Oronde Gadsden posted 49 for 664. 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 10 and Oronde Gadsden Week 5. 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.
