Michael Mayer vs Pat Freiermuth: Who Should You Start?
Michael Mayer (4.3 PPG) and Pat Freiermuth (5.5 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two tight ends are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. Michael Mayer played 13 games for the Las Vegas Raiders; Pat Freiermuth suited up 17 times for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A 1.2-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.
Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Michael Mayer had 35 catches for 328 yards; Pat Freiermuth posted 41 for 486. 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: Michael Mayer sits Week 10 while Pat Freiermuth is off Week 9. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
