Darnell Washington 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
Michael Mayer- Experts agree: consensus rank 299 vs 316
- More points per game: 9.5 vs 7.1
- More opportunity: 81% snap share, 2 red-zone touches
Darnell Washington and Michael Mayer are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Michael Mayer holds the edge in expert consensus (TE36 to TE41). The 2026 projections are nearly even: Darnell Washington at 85 PPR points (5.0 per game) versus Michael Mayer at 81.
Last season Michael Mayer carried the heavier workload (81% snap share, 37 touches to Darnell Washington's 23), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Michael Mayer is the clear pick on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. Darnell Washington carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | Washington | Mayer |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 85 | 81 |
| Points / game | 7.1 | 9.5 |
| Games played | 7 | 7 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #316 | #299 |
| Scoring rank (season) | TE24 | TE12 |
| Snap share | 66% | 81% |
| Red-zone touches | 5 | 2 |
| Age | 25 | 25 |
| Bye week | 9 | 13 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2026 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Darnell Washington or Michael Mayer.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Darnell Washington or Michael Mayer in 2026?
Michael Mayer is a clear call over Darnell Washington for 2026, on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. Darnell Washington carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, Darnell Washington or Michael Mayer?
Darnell Washington carries the higher 2026 projection at 85 PPR points (5.0 per game), compared with 81 for Michael Mayer.
Who is ranked higher, Darnell Washington or Michael Mayer?
Expert consensus ranks Michael Mayer (TE36) ahead of Darnell Washington (TE41) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.