Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season will continue on this afternoon with a “Tank Bowl” as the New York Giants visit the Las Vegas Raiders at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS. Both teams enter this matchup tied for the league’s worst record at 2-13 and the loser will have the inside track for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Michael Mayer start or sit: Week 17 fantasy football advice
We break down the fantasy football outlook of Michael Mayer ahead of the Raiders’ Week 17 matchup vs. the Giants.
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The Raiders showed some fight against the Texans last Sunday, but couldn’t get the job done in a 23-21 loss. The franchise is apparently aware that the No. 1 overall pick is within reach as All-Pro’s like Brock Bowers and Maxx Crosby have been shut down for the season. That means tight end Michael Mayer will step in as the starter and we’ll see how he performs in these final two weeks.
Below, we’ll go over Mayers’ outlook in fantasy football for Week 17.
Fantasy Football analysis: Raiders TE Michael Mayer
Mayer caught just one of three targets for 10 receiving yards last Sunday’s loss to the Texans, marking his first reception since their loss to the Browns in Week 12. The third-year tight end has mostly been just a bit player in the Raiders offense with Bowers commanding most of the targets, but he had shown flashes of productivity when the All-Pro has been absent. If you remember, he did have a 50-yard, one-touchdown effort against the Titans way back in Week 6, so it remains to be seen if he can put up similar numbers this afternoon.
Start or sit in Week 17?
Sit. You’re most likely here because you’re scrambling for options with the announcement of Bowers being shut down for the year. Well, I have some bad news. Mayer isn’t going to be the replacement option that saves your championship hopes. Matter of fact, you’re better off looking across the field and scooping Giants TE Theo Johnson off the waiver wire as a last-minute option.
