Colby Parkinson vs Michael Mayer
Two tight ends fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Strong edge · 95% confident
Colby Parkinson- Experts agree: consensus rank 263 vs 300
- More points per game: 8.7 vs 5.7
- More opportunity: 59% snap share, 20 red-zone touches
Michael Mayer carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Colby Parkinson and Michael Mayer are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Colby Parkinson holds the edge in expert consensus (TE32 to TE36). The 2026 projections are nearly even: Michael Mayer at 81 PPR points (4.8 per game) versus Colby Parkinson at 76.
Last season Colby Parkinson carried the heavier workload (59% snap share, 56 touches to Michael Mayer's 50), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Colby Parkinson is the clear pick on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. Michael Mayer carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | Parkinson | Mayer |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 76 | 81 |
| Points / game | 8.7 | 5.7 |
| Games played | 15 | 13 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #263 | #300 |
| ADP | 251 | - |
| Positional rank | TE17 | TE37 |
| Snap share | 59% | 57% |
| Red-zone touches | 20 | 6 |
| Age | 27 | 25 |
| Bye week | 11 | 13 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Colby Parkinson or Michael Mayer.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Colby Parkinson or Michael Mayer in 2026?
Colby Parkinson is a clear call over Michael Mayer for 2026, on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. Michael Mayer carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, Colby Parkinson or Michael Mayer?
Michael Mayer carries the higher 2026 projection at 81 PPR points (4.8 per game), compared with 76 for Colby Parkinson.
Who is ranked higher, Colby Parkinson or Michael Mayer?
Expert consensus ranks Colby Parkinson (TE32) ahead of Michael Mayer (TE36) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.