Should I start Darren Waller or Michael Mayer this week? Week 7 Standard (2026)

THE RESEARCH PICK

Start Michael Mayer

Week 7 · Standard

Michael Mayer averaged 6.7 targets per game across the last 3 recorded games, compared with 5.3 for Darren Waller. More opportunities provide another route to fantasy points. Recent scoring favors Michael Mayer: 6.0 versus 1.8 FP per game.

Forecast updated Oct 25, 2026, 7:33 AM ET · Standard

THE ALTERNATIVE

Darren Waller

TE · CARStats & schedule

3.8FF projected

↑ +0.2 vs ESPN

vs TB

Sun 1:00 PM ET

RESEARCH PICK

Michael Mayer

TE · LVStats & schedule

4.2FF projected

↓ -0.4 vs ESPN

vs LAR

Sun 4:25 PM ET

Projection breakdown

Darren Waller

Fortified3.8

ESPN3.6

Sleeper4.9

FantasyPros—

Darren Waller faces TB in Week 7. Recent scoring average: 1.8 fantasy points.

Michael Mayer

Fortified4.2

ESPN4.5

Sleeper3.9

FantasyPros—

Michael Mayer faces LAR in Week 7. Recent scoring average: 6.0 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast down 8.75%.

Michael Mayer projects for 4.2 points in standard scoring, 0.4 more than Darren Waller. The gap is small; late injury news or your league’s scoring can change the choice.

Updated Oct 25, 2026, 7:33 AM ET. Projections can change before kickoff.

Actuals, projections & playoff outlook

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Scoring & lineup notes

PPR awards one point per reception; half-PPR awards 0.5; standard awards none. Custom league rules can change the result. Confirm active status, kickoff and lineup locks. Projections are estimates; completed-week scores are actuals.