Michael Mayer vs Noah Fant
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Michael Mayer by 0.2 projected points (8.4 vs 8.2), close enough that either call is defensible.
Michael Mayer faces NE, the 19th-friendliest matchup a TE can draw this week. Noah Fant faces MIN, the 18th-friendliest matchup a TE can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
This one is a coin flip. The model leans Michael Mayer by 4.2 points of value over replacement (-47.1 vs -51.3), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market hasn't priced this matchup yet, so treat it as a pure model call.
Health note: Noah Fant carries an injury flag of Questionable (Abdomen), which is already reflected in his projection.
| Michael MayerLVR | Noah FantNOR | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | NE | MIN | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 8.4 | 8.2 | Mayer +0.2 pts |
| Matchup rank (TE vs defense, of 30) | #19 | #18 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 144.9 | 140.7 | Mayer +4.2 pts |
| Points per game | 8.5 | 8.3 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -47.1 | -51.3 | Mayer +4.2 |
| Overall rank | #126 | #132 | Mayer by 6 |
| Position rank | TE20 | TE22 | |
| Market ADP | - | - | |
| Typical round (12-team) | - | - | |
| Bye week | 13 | 8 | |
| Injury flag | None | Questionable |
Should I start Michael Mayer or Noah Fant in Week 5?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Michael Mayer by 0.2 projected points (8.4 vs 8.2), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Michael Mayer or Noah Fant in 2026 fantasy football?
Michael Mayer. He projects 144.9 fantasy points with -47.1 value over replacement, vs 140.7 points and -51.3 for Noah Fant (TE, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.