Darren Waller · Michael Mayer · 2026 week 3

Darren Waller or Michael Mayer?

Wondering who you should start this week — Darren Waller or Michael Mayer? The start/sit call and the numbers behind it are below, plus who wins a straight-up trade. Rebuilt nightly.

Start Darren WallerDarren Waller projects 3.3 PPR points clear of Michael Mayer in week 3, drawing CLE — the 21st-ranked matchup for TEs. The numbers behind the call are below; overrule them with your eyes open.
PlayerWk 3Proj (PPR)MatchupForm L3Trade valueStatus
Darren Waller START @ CLE 7.8 21st 11.6 24 healthy
Michael Mayer @ NO 4.5 26th · tough 7.3 1 healthy

TEs vs CLE recently: Brenton Strange 8.3 pts (W1) · Cade Otton 3.8 pts (W2).

TEs vs NO recently: Sam LaPorta 4.8 pts (W1) · Mark Andrews 4.9 pts (W2).

Who wins a straight-up trade?

Darren Waller carries the higher trade value — 24 against 1 (a 96% gap). In a one-for-one, the side receiving Darren Waller gets the most. Momentum: Darren Waller +4 and Michael Mayer +1 over the last 30 days.

Open in Start/Sit (any scoring) Open in the Trade Analyzer

More TE decisions

All numbers are the 2026 season, refreshed nightly.