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Big Blue View fantasy football takes on Isaiah Likely
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Big Blue View about Isaiah Likely.
46
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38
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All Big Blue View insights about Isaiah Likely
PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Likely caught all eight of his targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. He was a key weapon in the Giants' offensive scheme, including a crucial third-and-4 conversion where Dart threw away from defensive leverage to find him. Likely showcased smooth and deceptive route running, particularly on a route against cornerback Shavon Revel that highlighted his dangerous skill set as a weapon.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Likely was a key target in Dart's game plan, recording multiple third-down conversions and touchdown receptions. On a red-zone third-and-4, Likely ran the MOSH (man over) concept and Dart placed the ball toward his inside shoulder away from safety Malik Hooker for a conversion. Likely extended a drive with a 19-yard corner route in Cover-1 man coverage, manipulating cornerback Shavon Revel in space. He finished the two-minute drill wide open in the back of the end zone after the Cowboys had a blown coverage, with 8.8 yards of separation when the ball arrived.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
TE Isaiah Likely made an immediate impact in his Giants debut, catching all 8 targets for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was Jaxson Dart's go-to receiver, including two critical third-down conversions on the game-ending drive. The source notes the chemistry between Likely and Dart from training camp carried over to the season, and despite never reaching 500 receiving yards in four years with the Ravens, he is positioned to have a huge campaign with the Giants.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Likely scored two touchdowns in the Giants' victory: one on a play-action roll-out in the second half and another on a blown Dallas coverage in the end-of-half drive; he was a key receiving target in the Giants' heavy personnel packages and play-action offense, demonstrating his value in the red zone and as a pass-catching threat.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Likely led the receiving group with an 82.8 PFF grade, catching all 8 balls thrown his way for 2 TDs and two contested catches. He quickly established himself as Dart's go-to guy, taking over the Wan'Dale Robinson slot receiver role to some extent with 17 slot snaps. His only blemish was a fumble.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Confirmed as Dart's favorite target in critical situations; eight catches on Sunday included a pair of red zone touchdowns and four plays that produced first downs, validating the source's summer assessment of Likely's role in high-leverage moments.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Isaiah Likely is the linchpin of the Giants' offense; he caught 8 receptions on 8 targets for 78 yards and a touchdown, including a beautiful catch with toes down in the back of the end zone that was a key play in the Giants' 28-20 victory over Dallas. His 15-yard TD pass was Jaxson Dart's longest completion of the night.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Likely is described as a difference-making tight end who converted two third downs in the first half and took advantage of blown coverage in the red zone for his first Giants touchdown. He finished with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns, flashing strong hands and reliability. The source grades his performance as A+.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Likely was the Giants' first option in the red zone and clutch situations, catching 8 of 8 targets for 78 yards and 2 TDs. He converted four passes into first downs on critical third-down situations (third-and-9, third-and-3) late in the game to close out the victory, and caught two short TD passes in the red zone, validating the connection Dart developed with him throughout training camp.PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026
Tight end positioned to see increased usage if Nabers cannot play in Giants season opener. Source indicates Giants will likely depend on Likely to fill receiving void left by Nabers' potential absence.PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026
Isaiah Likely signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the Giants as a free-agent acquisition and has quietly become quarterback Jaxson Dart's go-to pass catcher during training camp. Despite the New York media's focus on Odell Beckham Jr.'s reunion and Malik Nabers' return from injury, Likely was Dart's favorite target this summer with 44 catches in 11-on-11 team periods during camp. The source projects that 'Likely figures to be a big piece of this offense' with or without Nabers' availability in Week 1.PositiveUsageSep 10, 2026
Giants tight end was Jaxson Dart's most common target in training camp and will be heavily involved as a pass catcher in the Giants' heavy-set offense. Likely will also serve as a secondary blocker against Dallas' lighter-side linebackers in the run game, leveraging his size advantage.PositiveValueSep 8, 2026
Ranked in the Top-15 this week, Likely is a 'ride' as the source is high on him this week.PositiveRoleSep 8, 2026
Likely will line up or motion into the slot as part of the Giants' pass-catching rotation, which will include Malik Nabers, Odell Beckham Jr., Darnell Mooney, and Tyrone Tracy. The Giants will employ far more 21 (two back), 12 (two tight end), and 13 (three tight end) personnel sets than in recent years, mirroring the Ravens' approach of using non-receiver options as pass catchers.PositiveRoleSep 6, 2026
Likely transitioned from Baltimore to New York with Harbaugh and has embraced the coach's intensive training camp approach. After four years in Baltimore, Likely noted that the Giants' 11-day Greenbrier camp with 10 practices felt normal to him, contrasting sharply with the Giants' historically lighter summer preparation. Likely stated: "if I wake up, I'm putting on cleats. That's just the mantra I have," and observed that Giants players have adopted this same intensity-focused approach, with the team now operating under the philosophy that "if we're in the building, it's all ball." This suggests Likely is well-positioned to thrive under Harbaugh's demanding system and may benefit from the organizational culture shift.PositiveBreakoutSep 3, 2026
Likely is positioned as a bold breakout candidate for the Giants in 2026. Giants coaches light up when discussing the free agent signee who came over from Baltimore with John Harbaugh; they believe he'll be a real asset for Jaxson Dart as a receiver and think he can win in both man and zone coverage. Likely is a regular visitor to the quarterbacks room and has formed a strong connection with Dart on and off the field. He is a strong candidate to be the team's second-leading receiver this season and could be even more than that if Malik Nabers needs time to get up to speed coming off his injury.NegativeProjectionSep 1, 2026
Ranked 15th overall in Tier IV – The Upside Guys in the source's final 2026 tight end rankings for Half-point PPR scoring.PositiveRoleAug 30, 2026
Likely emerged as a favorite target for Dart during the summer, especially in critical situations. The Giants need Likely to be a major factor in their passing attack.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
TE signed as free agent by Giants for 2026; part of Harbaugh's competitive roster that avoids a full rebuild; offensive weapon supporting Dart's second-year development and the team's playoff contention outlook.NegativeDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
Isaiah Likely was not in uniform during pregame warmups for the preseason Week 3 finale, indicating he was held out of the game and likely secured a roster spot.PositiveBreakoutAug 25, 2026
New York is hoping for a leap from TE Isaiah Likely, a John Harbaugh transport from Baltimore who often thrived in limited action behind Mark Andrews. The expectation is that Likely will have increased opportunity with the Giants.NegativeDepth ChartAug 24, 2026
Likely is projected as a lock to make the Giants' 53-man roster at tight end.PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026
Jaxson Dart has quickly forged a connection with Isaiah Likely, positioning the tight end as a receiving option in the Giants' offense during Nabers' recovery period.PositiveValueAug 21, 2026
ADP 104, source rank 108; the source lists Likely as a good upside play that won't cost much; he was more bullish when Likely's ADP was a round later but still likes the opportunity for him to finally deliver as a TE1 on a team with dusty receivers after Malik Nabers, whose health is uncertain.PositiveBreakoutAug 18, 2026
Likely is a prime breakout candidate despite not yet putting together a big season; at 26 years old and 6'4", 240 lbs, he functions as an oversized slot receiver rather than a traditional tight end, making him a tough cover for linebackers and safeties. He has a history of stepping up when first-string TE Mark Andrews missed games. Given the Giants' WR depth chart, the source believes the opportunity for a big role on the offense is there and projects him to finish as a Top-10 TE this season, though acknowledges he may be slightly overhyped. The source slightly prefers Likely to Andrews, Dallas Goedert, Jake Ferguson, and Dalton Kincaid given the upside case, despite his ECR of 118 (TE12).PositiveBreakoutAug 18, 2026
Isaiah Likely is a prime breakout candidate for the Giants. Though he isn't really a traditional tight end (more of an oversized slot receiver at 6'4", 240), he can be a tough cover for linebackers and safeties. While he has yet to put together a big season, he's still only 26 and usually stepped up when first-string TE Mark Andrews missed games. Given the Giants' WR depth chart, Likely is positioned for a big role on the offense. The source thinks the opportunity for a big role is there and he'll finish as a Top-10 TE this season. His ECR of 118 (TE12) has him going alongside very good and more proven players (Andrews, Dallas Goedert, Jake Ferguson, Dalton Kincaid), and the source slightly prefers Likely to each of those guys given the upside case.PositiveUsageAug 17, 2026
On a play where Jaxson Dart pulled the ball down and was sacked, the source believes Dart had an opportunity to deliver the ball to Isaiah Likely on time; throwing the ball would have likely resulted in a first down instead of a sack, suggesting Likely was open and available as a safety valve.PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026
Giants' new tight end has been forming a good relationship with Jaxson Dart during training camp. Had two catches for 11 yards in brief preseason action, with both being third-down grabs that created first downs, demonstrating his role in the offense.PositiveUsageAug 15, 2026
Likely only played briefly in the preseason game but caught 2 passes for 11 yards; the source suggests that an offense with Likely, Fields, a healthy Malik Nabers, and Odell Beckham Jr. could turn out to be a pretty dangerous passing offense.PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026
Likely was a focal point of the offense on the Giants' first drive. Both third downs were designed to Likely, with the third-and-ten being a backside slant that was jumped by Brian Flores' safety. Likely did convert on the fast four third-and-3, where Nagy employed a quick spot route to Likely as the No. 2 with the No. 3 pushing vertical. Likely will have a major role even when Malik Nabers returns from injury.PositiveDepth ChartAug 14, 2026
Locked as a core tight end on the 53-man roster.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
Offseason acquisition has emerged as Giants' No. 1 receiver during training camp with Malik Nabers sidelined from team drills; leading all first-team receivers in catches by a wide margin. Smoothly gets in and out of breaks in a way that looks different from incumbent starter Theo Johnson. Has best handle on new offense given familiarity with coach John Harbaugh and senior offensive assistant Greg Roman from Baltimore. Given Dart's preference to throw to tight ends and chemistry already developed, Likely is positioned for a breakout season.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
The new tight end is forming an excellent connection with second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. Likely caught several passes from Dart on Wednesday. In the end-of-game situation Harbaugh set up to complete practice, it was clear Dart was looking for Likely whenever possible, establishing him as a primary target in critical situations.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Isaiah Likely has been Jaxson Dart's top target in preseason, positioning him as a focal point of the Giants' receiving corps deployment alongside Theo Johnson.PositiveDepth ChartAug 9, 2026
Locked as a tight end on the 53-man roster.PositiveUsageAug 8, 2026
Tight end had a busy day in the passing offense during practice, indicating strong involvement in the passing attack during a session where the offense was 'in good rhythm all afternoon.'PositiveRoleAug 5, 2026
Likely's offensive context is uniquely favorable: Greg Roman (who coordinated Likely's rookie season in 2022 when Ravens ranked second in rushing yardage, yards per game, and yards per attempt, plus fourth in rushing EPA) is now a senior offensive assistant designing the Giants' run game. The Giants offense blends input from four former offensive coordinators (Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator, Tim Kelly as tight ends coach, Brian Callahan as quarterbacks coach, and Roman) with a philosophy of "Elegant Simplicity"—making every play look identical to confuse defenses while putting best players in winning situations.PositiveRoleAug 5, 2026
Giants signed Likely as one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL despite his limited production history (never eclipsing 45 receptions or 480 yards in a season with Ravens). Harbaugh brought him to New York specifically to be a featured weapon in the offense. Likely credits Mark Andrews' mentorship for developing his understanding of zones and confidence as a star-caliber tight end. He has prior experience with athletic, freelancing quarterbacks (Lamar Jackson) and expects similar chemistry with Jaxson Dart, who likewise embraces chaos and off-script plays.PositiveRoleAug 3, 2026
Free agent tight end Isaiah Likely has been on the receiving end of highlight plays from quarterback Jaxson Dart during Giants training camp, indicating early offensive involvement and chemistry.PositiveDepth ChartAug 3, 2026
Locked as a tight end on the 53-man roster.NegativeInjuryAug 1, 2026
Despite head coach John Harbaugh's reminders to keep players on their feet, tight end Isaiah Likely was slammed to the ground after catching a pass during a 'must-score' situation late in practice; he got up slowly, and his status will need to be monitored when the Giants return to practice on Monday.PositiveUsageJul 31, 2026
Tight end Isaiah Likely is receiving notable targets on play-action throws from under center during Giants training camp. On Thursday, Likely caught a crossing route of roughly 15 yards that was floated nicely over linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, a play that stood out as an example of Dart's improving under-center mechanics and the Giants' emphasis on play-action passing from that alignment.NegativeRoleJul 28, 2026
New tight end acquisition for the Giants offense under the new scheme created by Matt Nagy, Brian Callahan, and Greg Roman. Likely is part of a bevy of new receivers and offensive weapons being integrated into the revamped Giants offense.NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026
Tight end Isaiah Likely, who spent the past four years with John Harbaugh at Baltimore, describes himself as "institutionalized" to Harbaugh's coaching style and practice intensity. Likely states: "With Coach Harbs, this is all I ever know. Whatever he's doing at practice, I've been doing it for the last four years in a row. So, whatever you all see out there is what you're going to get every time." This provides context on what Giants players can expect from Harbaugh's more physical, less coddling approach to training camp.NegativeInjuryJul 23, 2026
Following an impressive four seasons as the Ravens' No. 2 tight end behind Mark Andrews, Likely joined the Giants for his first real chance at being a starter. However, 2025 was rough: he missed three games due to a broken foot and registered a career-low 56.4 PFF grade. In 2024, he had placed seventh among all tight ends with 10 forced missed tackles and a 75.6 PFF grade (sixth).NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
TE Isaiah Likely is 26 years old and is part of the Giants' extended young talent pool; the source notes that Likely, along with other 26-year-olds, represents the broader young core beyond the primary under-25 ranking.