Darren Waller or Michael Mayer?
Who to start in Week 9, who is better for the rest of the season, and who carries more trade value — from the FantasyPros expert consensus and the LeagueLogs Market Index.
Week 9 · 2026 season · Consensus updated November 6 at 11:11 AM EST
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The lean
- This week: Michael Mayer
- Rest of season: Michael Mayer — 4 of 5 experts
- Trade value: close to even
At least one measure is close to even. Your scoring, lineup and matchup can help separate them.
| Darren Waller | Michael Mayer | |
|---|---|---|
| Rest of season 1 of 5 experts rank Darren Waller ahead · 4 rank Michael Mayer ahead | TE30#23–#37 | TE23#16–#27edge |
| Week 9 | TE26#22–#31 | TE20#16–#24edge |
| Week 9 projection (PPR) | 5.8 | 8.0edge |
| Market Index value (redraft PPR) | 5 #186 overall | 6 #147 overall |
| Last 30 days (Market Index) | -30 ranks · -89 val | +68 ranks · +185 val |
| Rostered | 10% | 13% |
| Bye | 5 | 13 |
| Status | No injury designation | No injury designation |
Expert consensus and ownership data via FantasyPros · Market Index values by LeagueLogs
Comparing a trade rather than a lineup choice? Check both sides of the offer with the AI Trade Analyzer, or review your Sleeper roster’s strengths and weaknesses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who should I start in Week 9, Darren Waller or Michael Mayer?
- Michael Mayer. This week's consensus has Darren Waller at TE26 (range #22–#31) and Michael Mayer at TE20 (range #16–#24). Projections: 5.8 vs 8.0 PPR points.
- Who is better for the rest of the season, Darren Waller or Michael Mayer?
- Michael Mayer. Rest-of-season consensus: Darren Waller TE30 (range #23–#37) vs Michael Mayer TE23 (range #16–#27). 4 of 5 FantasyPros experts who rank both have Michael Mayer ahead for the rest of the season.
- Should I trade Darren Waller for Michael Mayer?
- On the LeagueLogs Market Index (redraft PPR) Darren Waller is ranked #186 overall and Michael Mayer #147, so a one-for-one is close to even. Run the exact deal through the free AI Trade Analyzer for a verdict on your league's scoring.