Michael Mayer vs T.J. Hockenson: Who Should You Start?
If you are choosing between Michael Mayer and T.J. Hockenson for your lineup, you are not alone. Michael Mayer finished the 2025 season at 4.3 PPG for the Las Vegas Raiders (13 games), and T.J. Hockenson averaged 5.8 for the Minnesota Vikings (15 games).
That 1.5-point weekly advantage for T.J. Hockenson is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
T.J. Hockenson is the volume tight end in this matchup with 51 receptions for 438 yards, while Michael Mayer profiles as a more touchdown-dependent spike play (1 scores on 35 catches). In weeks where Michael Mayer finds the end zone he out-scores T.J. Hockenson, but the floor gap is real.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Michael Mayer sits Week 10 while T.J. Hockenson is off Week 6. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
