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Yahoo Sports NFL fantasy football takes on Isaiah Likely
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Yahoo Sports NFL about Isaiah Likely.
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All Yahoo Sports NFL insights about Isaiah Likely
PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Isaiah Likely was one of Hayden Winks' top performers in Week 1, contributing to Winks' consistency-driven win where he got at least 8.6 fantasy points from every roster spot.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Likely caught all eight of his targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns in his Giants debut. He showcased deceptive route running and smooth, dangerous receiving ability, including a key third-and-4 conversion where Dart threw away from defensive leverage on a mesh concept, allowing Likely to nearly spin into the end zone. Likely was a critical offseason addition who immediately made an impact in the Giants' offensive scheme.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Isaiah Likely is identified as a passing game issue for the Rams' defense in Week 2. The Giants' tight end is expected to be a problem in the passing game for New York's offense against Los Angeles.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Likely was heavily featured in Dart's passing attack, particularly on third-down conversions and in the red zone. The source details multiple plays where Likely was Dart's target on crucial downs: a third-and-4 red-zone conversion where Dart placed the ball on Likely's inside shoulder away from safety Malik Hooker; a 19-yard throw on third-and-10 where Likely manipulated coverage and exploded outside for the first down; and a touchdown in the two-minute drill where Likely was 8.8 yards away from the nearest defender. Likely also ran hook routes and whip routes underneath, exploiting vulnerable flats.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Likely stole the show as the best tight end in the matchup, scoring two straight touchdowns; he was in the end zone for a wide open touchdown on the drive following Nabers' third-down catch, and scored again coming out of the locker room to start the second half on a drive where the Cowboys defense couldn't even get the Giants into a third-down look. Likely is a carryover from the Ravens that Harbaugh brought with him to New Jersey.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Likely of the New York Giants recorded the second-most receptions in the NFL after Week One with 8 receptions, one behind Trey McBride's league-leading 9.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Likely was quarterback Jaxson Dart's go-to receiver in his Giants debut, catching all eight targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns, including two third-down conversions on the game-ending drive. The chemistry with Dart throughout training camp carried over to the season, positioning Likely for a huge campaign despite never reaching 500 receiving yards in any of his four years with the Ravens. Coach John Harbaugh emphasized the investment: 'I mean, we paid him a lot. That's what we paid him for, and he did it.'PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Likely capitalized on the Cowboys' coverage breakdown in the Giants' 28-20 win, posting a game-high eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns while also keeping the methodical offense moving with four third-down catches for conversions. The source suggests that with New York's passing attack likely having to live in the short-to-intermediate game and middle of the field, Likely could be in for a substantially high volume of looks on a weekly basis after never topping 60 targets in a season with the Ravens.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Isaiah Likely scored two touchdowns in the Giants' 28–20 victory over Dallas. He caught a three-yard touchdown on a counter run in the first drive and a second TD on a jet-motion play-action roll-out in the second half. Likely was also featured as a lead blocker in heavy personnel packages, demonstrating dual-threat involvement in the Giants' offensive scheme.NegativeMatchupSep 15, 2026
Likely had a massive game against the Cowboys in Week 1 but will face a tougher test against the Rams in Week 2; Los Angeles allowed just four catches for 31 yards to the 49ers tight ends last week and allowed just 775 receiving yards to the position last year, tied for the eighth-fewest in the league, making him a much riskier play this week despite touchdown upside.PositiveMatchupSep 15, 2026
Likely was a frequent target for the Giants against the Cowboys' defense in New York's 28-20 upset win. The source notes that Dallas often blew coverages, especially against Likely, as the Giants outgained the Cowboys 394-244 and won the time of possession battle.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Likely led the Giants with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns in his debut with New York, making an immediate impact on the offense; if the Giants stay healthy, the addition of Likely could help make them a surprise playoff team.NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely fumbled in the season opener, one of four Giants fumbles in the game. Head coach Harbaugh expressed concern about the team's ball security issues, stating the fumble problem is 'not even close to being acceptable.'PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Likely led the receiving group with an 82.8 PFF grade, catching all 8 targets including 2 TDs and 2 contested catches; his only blemish was a fumble. He played 17 slot snaps and quickly established himself as Dart's go-to option, taking over the Wan'Dale Robinson slot receiver role to some extent.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Likely, a free agent who followed Harbaugh from Baltimore on a three-year, $40 million contract, was the primary target in Dart's passing game with 8 targets, 8 catches, 78 yards, and 2 TDs; the source identifies him as 'the most success part of New York's passing game' and credits him with enabling Dart's efficiency.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Likely earned TE honors on the Week 1 Fantasy All-Pro Team, reflecting an elite performance in Week 1.PositiveBreakoutSep 14, 2026
Likely, who spent years behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore before following John Harbaugh to New York, was Jaxson Dart's best receiver in Week 1, snagging all eight of his targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns and making several critical plays in the 28-20 win over Dallas on Sunday Night Football; he looked every bit the part of a true TE1 and belongs in the conversation with Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, and Tucker Kraft among the best tight ends not named Trey McBride or Brock Bowers; the source considers this assessment justified by what was observed on Sunday night.PositiveMatchupSep 14, 2026
Isaiah Likely will be a matchup problem for the Rams in Week 2; the Giants tight end impressed during his first few seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and proved more productive than incumbent starter Mark Andrews when given an extended run of play. In his debut with New York, he was ungardable, suggesting the Rams' defense will face challenges containing him.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Isaiah Likely caught 8 passes on 8 targets for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns in Week 1, with his contribution even more impressive than the numbers suggest. The source notes that all summer, quarterback Jaxson Dart leaned on Likely in critical situations, and that carried through on Sunday. Likely caught 4 passes for first downs and was the first option in the red zone, catching 2 short TD passes, including crucial third-down conversions (third-and-9 and third-and-3) late in the game to help close out the victory.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Likely had an impressive debut with the Giants, finishing with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns, including several key third-down catches. The source notes the Cowboys had no answer for him and he was the Giants' biggest offensive hero of the game.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely had become Dart's favorite target in 'gotta have it' situations heading into the season, and he validated that role on Sunday with eight catches including a pair of red-zone touchdowns and four plays that produced first downs.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Likely is the linchpin of the Giants' offense; caught 8 passes 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 game. He is central to the Giants' possession-based offensive strategy.NegativeMatchupSep 14, 2026
Likely scored twice on wide-open touchdowns seemingly enabled by coverage breakdowns in New York's 28-20 Week 1 win over Dallas, exemplifying the Cowboys' defensive communication and schematic issues that plagued the team throughout the evening.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Isaiah Likely is a difference-making tight end who converted two third downs in the first half for the Giants and took advantage of blown coverage in the red zone for his first Giants touchdown. He finished with eight catches for 78 yards with two touchdowns, flashing strong hands and reliability that helped earn John Harbaugh his first victory as the Giants' head coach.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Isaiah Likely made his Giants debut in Week 1 as part of a much deeper weapons assortment for Jaxson Dart, contributing to the Giants QB's efficient performance (23-of-29, 230 yards, 3 TDs) against Dallas.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely caught 8 passes on 8 targets for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns, with 4 of those catches converting third downs (third-and-9 and third-and-3 in clutch situations). In the red zone, Likely was the first option, catching both short TD passes. All summer, Dart leaned on Likely in 'gotta have it' situations, and that pattern carried through on Sunday night.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely was part of the trio that tortured Dallas all night; the Giants dominated the Cowboys in almost every way en route to a 28-20 victory, with Likely contributing to the offensive performance that controlled the game.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Likely had one blemish on his otherwise stellar debut when he fumbled inside Giants territory, getting the ball knocked from his hands. This is consistent with ball security issues Likely had during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the mistake, saying he was "not happy about" the fumble and that Likely would receive video review feedback, but expressed confidence in the tight end going forward: "He said, 'You can trust me, you can trust me'... and I do trust him." The fumble was recovered by fullback Pat Ricard, another former Raven, preventing a turnover.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely established himself as a safety blanket and primary read for new quarterback Jaxson Dart, particularly on third down. In the first half alone, Dart found Likely on third down twice—once for 13 yards to set up the Giants at the three-yard line on the opening scoring drive, and again for 19 yards to reach midfield. Late in the fourth quarter with the Giants protecting an eight-point lead, Likely was targeted on critical money downs: a 12-yard gain on third-and-nine on a crossing route, and a five-yard reception on third-and-three to secure another first down. Likely attributed the quick connection to extensive film study and practice: "When you spend hours of film watching, talking ball all the time on and off the field... We've been practicing day in, day out since training camp to getting out there and finally showing the world what we've been practicing."PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Giants tight end Isaiah Likely made an immediate impact in his debut after signing a three-year, $40 million free agent deal, leading the team with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-20 win over Dallas. Head coach John Harbaugh stated, "We paid him a lot; that's what we paid him for. And he did it," indicating Likely was brought in as a primary receiving target. Likely caught five passes for 59 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone, including a 15-yard corner-of-the-end-zone score, and added a second touchdown on a two-yard reception in the second half on a creative play design from offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely was heavily targeted in critical moments throughout the game. He was targeted on a second-quarter drive that ended in a touchdown, caught a pass on a 55-yard, six-play drive to end the first half with his first touchdown, and was targeted in the red zone on a 12-play drive for his second touchdown. Late in the fourth quarter when the Giants needed to extend a drive to keep Dallas from getting the ball back down by eight, Dart went to Likely on third-and-9 and then again on third-and-3, establishing him as the security blanket for Dart.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Likely caught all eight of his targets in Week 1 for 78 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He scored twice in the game—once on a perfectly placed out route in the second quarter and again in the red zone in the third quarter. Given his production in one game, the source suggests he is on pace to significantly exceed his 27 receptions from the prior season in Baltimore, where he had only one touchdown; he has already doubled that touchdown total in one game.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Likely signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the Giants and immediately established himself as a de facto wide receiver in the offense. In Week 1 against Dallas, he was Jaxson Dart's favorite target not named Malik Nabers, operating as a receiver despite his tight end designation. The Giants regularly used two-back and two-tight end sets that freed Likely to function as a receiver given his receiver's build and skill set, with Theo Johnson and Chris Manhertz handling blocking duties.NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026
Isaiah Likely caught 9 passes in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, demonstrating early-season target volume for the Giants tight end in the season-opening matchup at MetLife Stadium.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely finished with eight catches on eight targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns, establishing himself as a primary red-zone weapon; he was targeted on back-to-back plays in the two-minute drill before halftime, scoring on a 15-yard touchdown pass.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Isaiah Likely, tight end acquired from Baltimore by Harbaugh, was the Giants' leading receiver in the debut win over Dallas, catching all eight of his targets for 78 receiving yards and scoring twice. He scored on a 15-yard touchdown with 20 seconds left before halftime to give the Giants a 14-7 lead, then added another touchdown following an eight-minute third-quarter drive. On the key third-down conversion of the game (third-and-9 with four minutes remaining in a one-possession game), Likely was on the receiving end of a Jaxson Dart strike to move the chains. He already has more scores than he did in 2025 (1 in 14 games).PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Likely led the Giants with eight receptions and two touchdowns, establishing himself as a favorite target for Dart; the Giants dialed up creative ways to get him involved, including two clutch third-down conversions on the fourth-quarter drive that iced the win.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely was Dart's top target throughout the night, catching all eight of his targets for 78 yards with two touchdowns. He scored on a 15-yard TD catch in the second quarter and added a second TD to cap a 12-play, 74-yard drive that took 8:01 off the clock, pushing the Giants' lead to 21-7.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely caught two touchdowns from Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart through the first three quarters of the Week 1 game against Dallas, contributing to the Giants' efficient offensive performance in their 28-20 victory.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Likely made a nice move to shake free and pick up additional yards on the Giants' second drive, then caught a pass that put the Giants in scoring position for Cam Skattebo's touchdown; he also fumbled but the Giants recovered, showing early offensive involvement.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Isaiah Likely had immediate chemistry with Jaxson Dart in his Giants debut, catching 8 passes for 78 yards and 2 TDs. Observers noted the connection was built during summer practice, with Likely open 8.8 yards from the nearest defender on one TD reception. The quick-hitting play-action design by Matt Nagy featured Likely as a primary target on critical third downs.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely scored two touchdowns as a Giant—one late in the second quarter to give New York a 14-7 halftime lead, and another early in the third quarter on a 12-play, 74-yard drive that consumed 8:01 of game clock to extend the lead to 21-7.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Isaiah Likely caught his second touchdown pass in as many drives to give the Giants a 21-7 lead over Dallas early in the third quarter. The tight end has caught all six of his targets for 61 yards, with both of quarterback Dart's two touchdown passes going to Likely on the night.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely leads the Giants with five catches for 59 yards and one touchdown through the first half; caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Dart in the end zone on a play where he was wide open.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Likely caught a 12-yard pass from Jaxson Dart on third-and-3 to move the chains and put the Giants inside the 5-yard line on the opening drive, showing involvement in the red zone.PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026
If Malik Nabers cannot play in the Giants' season opener, the Giants will likely depend on TE Isaiah Likely to fill the void in the passing game.PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026
Isaiah Likely signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the Giants as a free-agent acquisition but has been overlooked in New York media coverage due to focus on Odell Beckham Jr.'s reunion and Malik Nabers' return. However, Likely has quietly emerged as Jaxson Dart's go-to pass catcher during camp, recording 44 catches in 11-on-11 team periods—making him Dart's favorite target. Likely figures to be a big piece of the Giants offense with or without Nabers' availability in Week 1.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
TE arrives for Giants; part of offensive talent alongside emerging stars in offensive backfield.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
Isaiah Likely is the new tight end for the Giants and could become the No. 2 option in a passing game with plenty of upside in the opener; he signed a three-year deal indicating organizational commitment; Malik Nabers has health concerns; reports indicate Likely and QB Jaxson Dart have created a solid bond throughout camp and preseason; at a 26.3% Kalshi price in a neutral, high-total game, this represents value for a No. 2 passing option.NegativeRoleSep 10, 2026
Likely is the Giants' tight end in the significantly revamped offense under new head coach John Harbaugh, in the season-opening Sunday Night Football game against the Cowboys.NegativeValueSep 10, 2026
Isaiah Likely is the fourth-highest-paid tight end in the league at $13.3 million per year, significantly below the emerging $18-20M market tier being reset by Tucker Kraft and Kyle Pitts.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
Isaiah Likely is identified as a weapon for the Giants to attack through the air; the Giants and Cowboys were a combined 26-8 to the first-half Over last season, with Dallas averaging 31.9 combined points before halftime, supporting the first-half Over trend in Week 1.NegativeValueSep 9, 2026
Ranked 13th among tight ends in rest-of-season trade value with a value of 79 in half-PPR scoring, placing him in the lower-mid tier of tight end assets.PositiveMatchupSep 8, 2026
Source is high on Likely (vs. DAL) in the Top-15 tight ends this week.PositiveRoleSep 8, 2026
Likely will be one of several pass-catching options lining up in the slot following Calvin Austin III's ACL injury. The Giants will employ more 21 (two back), 12 (two tight end), and 13 (three tight end) personnel sets, mirroring the Ravens' approach of using non-receiver options as pass catchers.PositiveRoleSep 7, 2026
Tight end Isaiah Likely flashed strong connection with Jaxson Dart throughout summer and will play major role in Giants passing attack; with Slayton's departure, Likely positioned for increased usage in Big Blue offense.PositiveRoleSep 6, 2026
Tight end who followed Harbaugh from Baltimore to New York; Likely noted that 10 practices in 11 days at Greenbrier during training camp felt normal to him given his four years under Harbaugh's system. He contrasted this with the Giants' past approach, saying the team embraced the rigorous schedule and adopted the mantra that "if we're in the building, it's all ball," indicating a cultural shift toward Harbaugh's demanding preparation style.NegativeRoleSep 4, 2026
Isaiah Likely joins the Giants as a flashy offseason acquisition for the 2026 season under new head coach John Harbaugh.NegativeRoleSep 4, 2026
Isaiah Likely joined the Giants as a newcomer and is integrating into the offense. He emphasized his goal of helping the offense function smoothly by taking pressure off Malik Nabers, the alpha receiver, to ease Nabers' workload.NegativeRoleSep 3, 2026
Likely is part of the Giants' limited pass-catching crew alongside an on-the-mend Malik Nabers, with the source noting this group won't pick up much slack in the passing game.PositiveBreakoutSep 3, 2026
ESPN's bold predictions identify Isaiah Likely as a breakout star candidate in New York; Giants coaches light up when discussing the free agent signee who came over from Baltimore with coach John Harbaugh, believing he'll be a real asset for Jaxson Dart as a receiver and 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.PositiveRoleSep 3, 2026
Isaiah Likely signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Giants in the offseason after four seasons with the Ravens. His role is to complement Malik Nabers by drawing defensive coverage away from the Giants' top target. Likely stated his intent: "Just being out there, trying to help Leek take as much, I want to say, double-bracket as much as he sees as possible to have him have his life be easy." This complementary role positions Likely as a secondary receiving option designed to reduce Nabers' defensive load.NegativeRoleSep 2, 2026
Likely is listed among Dart's available targets for the 2026 season alongside Darius Slayton and veteran Odell Beckham Jr., indicating he remains part of the Giants' receiving corps.PositiveRoleSep 1, 2026
Ben McAdoo expects Isaiah Likely will be heavily involved in the Giants passing game each week. Likely was Dart's safety blanket throughout training camp and there's no reason to believe that won't change in the regular season. With the Giants losing Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency, Likely seems to be the one who will claim most of his targets.NegativeDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
Isaiah Likely is listed on the Giants' initial 53-man roster at tight end for the 2026 season.PositiveRoleAug 30, 2026
Likely emerged as a favorite target for Dart during the summer, especially in high-leverage situations. The source emphasizes the Giants need Likely to be a major factor in their passing attack.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Tight end added as free agent to Giants roster in 2026 offseason; part of significant roster upgrades designed to improve from 4-13 record and compete for playoff contention.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Likely is projected to make the Giants 53-man roster as one of three tight ends. The source notes he developed into Jaxson Dart's go-to target during the summer and is expected to see the second-most targets this season behind Malik Nabers, assuming Nabers stays healthy.PositiveDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
Likely is projected to make the Giants' 53-man roster at tight end.PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026
Positioned as another legitimate pass-catching threat for the Giants offense alongside the top two wide receivers Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton.PositiveBreakoutAug 25, 2026
New York is hoping for a leap from tight end Isaiah Likely, a John Harbaugh transport from Baltimore who often thrived in limited action behind Mark Andrews. The expectation is that Likely will see increased opportunity with the Giants.NegativeUsageAug 24, 2026
Likely had a bad drop on a pass from Jaxson Dart during the Giants' no-huddle offense drill near the end of practice, a notable negative moment in his performance.NegativeProjectionAug 24, 2026
Likely is ranked 109th in the Yahoo Sports Team Offense rankings with a team offensive score of 22.1 for the Giants.NegativeProjectionAug 24, 2026
Ranked as the second WR/TE option in New York Giants' Team Offense with ADP of 109, providing mid-round value in the Giants' offense.PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026
Isaiah Likely has quickly forged a connection with quarterback Jaxson Dart during Giants training camp, positioning him as a key receiving option in the offense alongside other performers like Calvin Austin III and Malachi Fields.PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026
Likely was one of the primary downfield targets for Jaxson Dart during the joint practice, catching several completions on play-action throws. Harbaugh highlighted these downfield connections as 'good chunk plays' that work off the run game.NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026
Likely is receiving targets from starting quarterback Jaxson Dart in red-zone drills, including a pass to the front pylon of the end zone.NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026
Tight end Isaiah Likely was targeted on a pass at the goal line from Jaxson Dart in 7-on-7 drills during 11-on-11 red zone work, but the pass was swatted away by rookie linebacker Arvell Reese.PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
Likely is selected as a late-round TE and provides insurance on Nabers; in the event Nabers isn't ready for Week 1 or gets hurt again, Likely could be a top target for Giants QB Jaxson Dart this season. Boone highlights Likely as one of his breakout TE candidates for 2026.NegativeRoleAug 17, 2026
On a play where Dart pulled the ball down and was sacked, the source believes Dart had an opportunity to deliver the ball to Likely on time; had he done so, Likely might have taken a hit but likely would have converted a first down instead of the sack occurring.