Gunnar Helm · Michael Mayer · 2026 week 5

Gunnar Helm or Michael Mayer?

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

Start Michael MayerMichael Mayer projects 1.6 PPR points clear of Gunnar Helm in week 5, drawing NE — the 32nd-ranked matchup for TEs. The numbers behind the call are below; overrule them with your eyes open.

Player	Wk 5	Proj (PPR)	Matchup	Form L3	Trade value	Status
Gunnar Helm	vs HOU	5.2	24th	3.4	–	healthy
Michael Mayer START	@ NE	6.8	32nd · tough	11.2	–	healthy

TEs vs HOU recently: Erick All 0.5 pts (W2) · Tyler Warren 5.7 pts (W3) · Jake Ferguson 1.1 pts (W4).

TEs vs NE recently: Pat Freiermuth 3.4 pts (W2) · Brenton Strange 3.2 pts (W3) · Dawson Knox 1.3 pts (W4).

🎓 The coach's read

Michael Mayer projects 1.6 points higher in PPR.
Gunnar Helm faces HOU, 24th most generous to TEs.
Michael Mayer faces NE, 32nd most generous to TEs.

Who wins a straight-up trade?

Their trade values are effectively even — a one-for-one is a fair swap on the numbers.

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

More TE decisions

Gunnar Helm or Colby Parkinson?Gunnar Helm or Terrance Ferguson?Michael Mayer or Evan Engram?Michael Mayer or Noah Fant?Michael Mayer or Colby Parkinson?

All numbers are the 2026 season, refreshed nightly.