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Footballguys fantasy football takes on Isaiah Likely
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Footballguys about Isaiah Likely.
72
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59
Positive
7
Negative
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All Footballguys insights about Isaiah Likely
PositiveUsageOct 24, 2026
Likely has 24 targets with Theo Johnson doubtful, making him one of the Giants' two main pass catchers worth a look in a game they should be trailing. Houston has allowed the second-most fantasy points to receivers.PositiveUsageOct 24, 2026
Likely has 24 targets over the last two games with Theo Johnson doubtful, and is worth a look in a game the Giants should be trailing. Houston has allowed the second-most fantasy points to receivers.PositiveProjectionOct 24, 2026
Isaiah Likely put up 23.9 DraftKings points in Week 6 at $4,800, demonstrating strong tight end production in a winning cash game lineup.PositiveBreakoutOct 23, 2026
Likely has been one of the season's elite performers through Week 7; the source notes that managers who drafted the New York Giants tight end have been 'in heaven' with his consistent production, describing his lineup as 'set it and forget it' caliber.PositiveProjectionOct 22, 2026
Likely caught 6 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown last week, a reminder that elite pass-catching talent can produce even with uncertainty at quarterback. With J.J. McCarthy bringing more mobility and a greater willingness to push the ball downfield, Likely will remain a focal point of the Giants' passing game. He's positioned to take advantage of Houston's secondary struggles.PositiveProjectionOct 22, 2026
Likely has averaged 8 receptions, 86.33 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown over the last three weeks (26% target share, 11 of 43 team targets); combined with Nabers' production, the Giants' passing attack is on a 17-game pace of 300 receptions, 3,723 yards, and 42.5 touchdowns; J.J. McCarthy took over at QB late in Week 6 and showed he could sustain this production.PositiveProjectionOct 22, 2026
Ranked in the HIGH FLOOR TE1 tier for Week 7 matchup at HOU; positioned as a reliable starting option with consistent floor.PositiveRoleOct 20, 2026
Likely is a focal point of the Giants' offense through Week 6, representing a significant adjustment from preseason expectations and warranting consideration as a key fantasy asset.PositiveRoleOct 19, 2026
Likely was supported late in the Giants' comeback by J.J. McCarthy, who came off the bench after the offense stalled. McCarthy's arrival and subsequent performance supporting Likely is noted as his most important job for fantasy purposes.PositiveValueOct 18, 2026
Selected as the primary cash game tight end at $5,500 salary for Week 6 on FanDuel.PositiveValueOct 17, 2026
Tied with Trey McBride for the lead among tight ends with a 29% team target share; has only 24 fewer receiving yards than McBride and has scored one more touchdown. At $4,800, creates a significant value compared to McBride at $7,200, making him a play the crowd won't pass up whether flexed in Bowers lineups or used as the tight end in London lineups.PositiveRoleOct 17, 2026
With Theo Johnson out, Likely should funnel even more targets; has drawn 25 targets over the last two games, positioning him as a key play in the Giants offense.PositiveValueOct 17, 2026
Knotts features Isaiah Likely as a top cash game tight end play at $4,800 for Week 6 DraftKings contests, suggesting value at that price point.PositiveRoleOct 16, 2026
Jameis Winston's high-volume passing approach has increased the fantasy value of tight end Isiah Likely, who benefits from Winston's aggressive throwing style and the Saints' favorable pass defense.NegativeRoleOct 15, 2026
Isaiah Likely is one of only two pass-catchers in the Giants offense alongside Malik Nabers, making him a secondary option in the passing game.PositiveMatchupOct 15, 2026
Isaiah Likely is placed in the HIGH CEILING TE1 tier for Week 6 against New Orleans, indicating the source views him as having significant upside potential in this matchup.PositiveProjectionOct 13, 2026
Likely joined Nabers in the 11-catch club with two catches going for scores against Washington, owning the middle of the field like a power forward in the low post in a replay of Week 1; he did limp off the field in overtime, so practice reports warrant monitoring before Week 6.PositiveMatchupOct 10, 2026
Isaiah Likely at $4,300 could end up surprisingly popular in a plus matchup against Washington in GPP tournaments this week, potentially serving as a value tight end option when salary gets tight.PositiveMatchupOct 9, 2026
Isaiah Likely is listed as a TE with potential for an explosive scoring week. The source categorizes him among players likely to exceed fantasy expectations and projections.PositiveUsageOct 8, 2026
Likely bounced back in Week 4 after seeing heavy volume without production in previous weeks, recording 12 targets (41% share) and 7 receptions for 66 yards. He leads the Giants in target share. The source notes that Likely needs to be in lineups heading into Week 5, with Washington's defense opening another opportunity to air out the offense.PositiveMatchupOct 6, 2026
Isaiah Likely deserves an upgrade in Week 5 against Washington because of the matchup, not because of the Giants' offense in isolation; Washington has been among the league's most favorable opponents for tight ends with the fifth-most fantasy points allowed.NegativeProjectionOct 3, 2026
Likely was projected for TE8 with 12.2 fantasy points in Week 3, and the source predicted he would fall outside the top 10 at the position. Likely crashed to TE42 with 3.3 points, confirming the fade.NegativeProjectionSep 29, 2026
Is going to be a drop if he can't do anything of note against the tight end-challenged Arizona defense next week.NegativeProjectionSep 26, 2026
Likely is listed as an 'Out' pick for Week 3, indicating the source views him as not positioned to meet expectations this week.PositiveSleeperSep 26, 2026
Likely is the contrarian play in the weather game, landing in 5 percent of optimal lineups against 2.8 percent rostered. In a nor'easter, Jerome Ford expects the Giants' passing game to lean on shorter throws to the tight end rather than downfield shots. Likely caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas in the opener, and Ford projects him at more than six targets.PositiveProjectionSep 23, 2026
Isaiah Likely is ranked as TE3 through the first two weeks of the fantasy season, indicating solid tight end production and target involvement early in 2026.PositiveRoleSep 18, 2026
Likely is assuming the role that Mark Andrews had in John Harbaugh's scheme. Despite not running routes as consistently, he will be targeted regularly when he does run them, making him a reliable option despite lower route participation.PositiveUsageSep 18, 2026
Isaiah Likely recorded 29% target share in Week 1 with the Giants, but his 68% route participation is notably lower than other high-volume tight ends, suggesting potential volatility in his usage.PositiveProjectionSep 18, 2026
The source identifies Likely as one of the Giants' offensive weapons whose production against the Browns' elite defense in Week 2 would confirm whether the Giants' offensive explosion in Week 1 was real or a mirage.PositiveRoleSep 17, 2026
Likely is joining the Giants roster alongside returning Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo, and under new head coach John Harbaugh. This combination is expected to provide Jaxson Dart with the ideal environment to play at his best.PositiveBreakoutSep 17, 2026
Likely stole the show with 8 targets (28% share) and 8-78-2 line in Week 1; he was only the second Giants tight end since Bob Tucker in Week 11 of 1972 to post an 8+ receptions, 70+ yards, 2+ touchdown line (Tucker went 8-100-2 in a 62-10 win over the Eagles).NegativeMatchupSep 17, 2026
Classified in HIGH FLOOR TE1 tier for Week 2 road matchup at LAR; positioned as a reliable tight end with consistent floor.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Likely (TE, NYG) posted a 30.8% target share in his Giants debut, immediately becoming Jaxson Dart's top safety valve. He had 8 targets, catching all 8 for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns, taking over the middle of the field while Malik Nabers drew bracket coverage. The source notes the Giants may exploit this dynamic all season as long as Nabers is active.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
The source projects Isaiah Likely to end up a top-three tight end this season under new Giants coach John Harbaugh, who has a history of involving tight ends heavily in his offensive scheme. Likely had 78 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 and was second on the team in targets behind only Malik Nabers. The source notes that Harbaugh specifically brought Likely to the Giants along with the coaching staff, and the familiarity paid off immediately.PositiveValueSep 14, 2026
Likely was landing in the backup tight end range of drafts but finished in the Top 7 of Week 1 scoring. The source suggests that waiting on tight end and selecting players just behind the early-round picks like Likely would have been a better draft strategy than investing in early tight end capital.PositiveValueSep 10, 2026
Maurile Tremblay regrets passing on Isaiah Likely as a late-round tight end option. Likely had a terrific training camp with the Giants, and Matt Nagy's offense is built around two-tight-end sets, offering late-round upside at the position.PositiveProjectionSep 10, 2026
Included in HIGH FLOOR TE1 tier for Week 1 matchup versus Dallas, indicating strong floor and reliable starting recommendation.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
The Giants added Isaiah Likely as a new target to make sure Dart has help regardless of Malik Nabers' snap count in Week 1.PositiveSleeperSep 7, 2026
Likely, New York Giants, received 1 vote in the industry expert poll for 2026 waiver-wire wonder; voter is Andy Holloway.NegativeBustSep 6, 2026
Isaiah Likely received 2 votes as the most overrated tight end in the industry expert poll, with voters including Nic Bodiford and Scott Pianowski.NegativeProjectionSep 5, 2026
Ranked TE8 with 189.9 projected fantasy points and 11.9 FPs/$ ratio; ROI rank of 28 among tight ends in contest strategy analysis.PositiveValueSep 5, 2026
Likely ranks TE8 with 189.9 projected fantasy points, 11.9 FPs per dollar, and ROI rank of 28, qualifying for top-35 value at tight end.PositiveValueSep 5, 2026
Likely received 3 votes from industry experts in a poll on the most underrated tight end heading into the 2026 season. Voters included Dustin Royer, Tom Strachan, and Luke Sawhook.PositiveValueSep 4, 2026
Isaiah Likely rose 3 positional ranks from TE15 to TE12 between April and August, with ADP declining from 136.7 to 126.5 (10.2-point drop), indicating the source's improved conviction relative to market pricing.NegativeRoleSep 1, 2026
Listed as a late-round tight end option; the source notes these players are much riskier than the recommended tier of tight ends, but still represent quality options if the recommended tier was missed.PositiveProjectionAug 18, 2026
The New York Giants tight end has been targeted six or more times in nine games in his career; in eight of those games, he scored at least 12.5 PPR points. Averaging that over an entire season projects to a top-five tight end, making him a star value pick despite the source fading tight ends in more drafts than not in 2026.NegativeProjectionAug 14, 2026
JJ Zachariason expresses concern about Isaiah Likely at pick 108 (TE), noting that while many view him as proven due to highlights and quality games, he has not put together a strong full season. Additionally, Theo Johnson is an obstacle in Likely's path to fantasy TE1 value, limiting his upside.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Isaiah Likely was newly signed to the Giants and will be part of Jaxson Dart's supporting cast in 2026, alongside Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo. The source identifies this supporting cast as a positive factor for the Giants' offensive outlook.NegativeDepth ChartAug 2, 2026
TE Isaiah Likely left Baltimore in free agency to sign with the Giants, removing a pass-catching option from the Ravens offense.NegativeRoleAug 2, 2026
Isaiah Likely left Baltimore in free agency to sign with the Giants, removing a key tight end from the Ravens offense.PositiveValueJul 31, 2026
Likely is being targeted regularly by his new Giants quarterback in early training camp, especially with Malik Nabers still on the shelf. Per Jake Ciely of The Athletic, Likely could join the group of tight ends who lead their teams in targets. Despite limited usage in Baltimore, Likely has an attractive 11.6 yards per reception (seventh best, min. 100 targets) and 5.5 yards after catch per reception, ahead of Dalton Kincaid, Sam LaPorta, Brock Bowers, and many others. While there are no guarantees with Likely, he offers significant upside as a tight end taken outside the top-10 at the position.PositiveValueJul 31, 2026
Likely is being targeted regularly by his new Giants quarterback in early training camp, especially with Malik Nabers still on the shelf. Per Jake Ciely of The Athletic, Likely could join the group of tight ends who lead their teams in targets, particularly if Nabers misses the start of the season. Despite limited usage in Baltimore, Likely has an attractive 11.6 yards per reception (seventh-best, min. 100 targets) and 5.5 yards after catch per reception, ahead of Dalton Kincaid, Sam LaPorta, and Brock Bowers. While there are no guarantees, Likely offers significant upside for a tight end taken outside the top-10 at the position.PositiveValueJul 31, 2026
Likely is being targeted regularly by his new Giants quarterback in early training camp, especially with Malik Nabers still on the shelf. Per Jake Ciely of The Athletic, Likely could join the group of tight ends who lead their teams in targets, particularly if Nabers misses the start of the season. Despite limited usage in Baltimore, Likely has an attractive 11.6 yards per reception (seventh best, min. 100 targets) and 5.5 yards after catch per reception, ahead of Dalton Kincaid, Sam LaPorta, Brock Bowers, and many others. While there are no guarantees with Likely on the Giants, he offers significant upside for a tight end taken outside the top-10 at the position.PositiveValueJul 31, 2026
Likely is already being targeted regularly by his new Giants quarterback in early training camp, especially with Malik Nabers still on the shelf. He could join the group of tight ends who lead their teams in targets. Despite limited usage in Baltimore, Likely has an attractive 11.6 yards per reception (seventh-best among tight ends with min. 100 targets) and 5.5 yards after catch per reception, ahead of Dalton Kincaid, Sam LaPorta, Brock Bowers, and many others. He offers significant upside for a tight end taken outside the top-10 at the position.PositiveValueJul 31, 2026
Likely is already being targeted regularly by his new Giants quarterback in early training camp, especially with Malik Nabers still on the shelf. Jake Ciely notes Likely could join the group of tight ends who lead their teams in targets, particularly if Nabers misses the start of the season. Despite limited usage in Baltimore, Likely has an attractive 11.6 yards per reception (seventh-best, min. 100 targets) and 5.5 yards after catch per reception, ahead of Dalton Kincaid, Sam LaPorta, and Brock Bowers. He offers significant upside for a tight end taken outside the top-10 at the position.PositiveBreakoutJul 30, 2026
Likely finally has the opportunity to break out after years behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore. Despite limited targets, in games with at least 4 targets over the last three seasons, he averaged 10.9 fantasy points per game (TE1-level numbers). Now reunited with John Harbaugh at the Giants, he can be Jaxson Dart's second aerial option. The departure of Wan'Dale Robinson opens short and intermediate route opportunities. Theo Johnson's presence limits upside, but in casual leagues he should be available around Round 13 and is worth speculating on as a late-round TE.PositiveBreakoutJul 30, 2026
Likely finally has the opportunity to break out with the Giants at ADP TE13, though the source notes few seem aware. After multiple seasons requesting a trade from Baltimore, his departure was finally granted. Being behind Mark Andrews did not reflect a lack of ability. In the last three seasons, in games where he played 16 snaps, he had at least 4 targets and averaged 10.9 fantasy points per game (low TE1 numbers). The source expresses enthusiasm about the elements supporting his breakout.PositiveBreakoutJul 30, 2026
Likely finally has the opportunity to break out after years behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore. Despite limited targets, in games with at least 4 targets over the last three seasons, he averaged 10.9 fantasy points per game—TE1-level production. The source is enthusiastic about his late-round value because he reunites with John Harbaugh, can be the second aerial option for Jaxson Dart, and the Giants offense could make a significant leap. Wan'Dale Robinson's departure opens short and intermediate route opportunities. Theo Johnson's presence limits upside, but in casual leagues he should be available around Round 13 and is worth speculating on.PositiveBreakoutJul 30, 2026
Likely could finally break out after being traded from the Ravens to the Giants. His time behind Mark Andrews did not reflect a lack of ability. In the last three seasons, in games where he played 16 snaps, he had at least 4 targets and averaged 10.9 fantasy points per game (low-end TE1 numbers). The source expresses enthusiasm about his potential with the Giants, suggesting his opportunity has finally arrived after years of requesting a departure from Baltimore.PositiveBreakoutJul 30, 2026
Likely finally has the opportunity to break out after years behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore. Despite limited targets, in games with at least 4 targets over the last three seasons, he averaged 10.9 fantasy points per game (TE1-caliber numbers). Now reunited with John Harbaugh in New York, he can be the second aerial option to Jaxson Dart; the Giants' offense could make a significant leap with Wan'Dale Robinson's departure opening short and intermediate route opportunities. Theo Johnson's presence limits upside, but in casual leagues he's findable around Round 13 and worth speculating on.PositiveBreakoutJul 30, 2026
Likely is a Giants TE at ADP TE13 who could finally break out after years with the Ravens. The source notes his time behind Mark Andrews did not reflect a lack of ability. In the last three seasons, in games where he played 16 snaps, he had at least 4 targets and averaged 10.9 fantasy points per game (low TE1 numbers). The source expresses enthusiasm about his potential with the Giants, suggesting he has been undervalued and could finally get the opportunity to produce at a TE1 level.NegativeProjectionJul 27, 2026
Isaiah Likely finished as TE21 in 2023 (30 receptions, 411 yards, 5 TDs, 5.1 PPG) at age 23 in his second year. His performance represents the historical baseline for TE21 ADP performance over the last five seasons.PositiveRoleJul 26, 2026
The Giants made their biggest free-agent investment in Likely, and he's expected to be a featured piece of the offense. The team essentially swapped Likely in for Robinson, signaling a shift in their offensive approach. OC Matt Nagy plans to use Likely as a receiving tight end in the slot, creating logistical mismatches for opposing defenses. Likely should see more volume in New York than he did in Baltimore, though Zach Charbonnet. That wants to see evidence of a substantial role and developing chemistry with Jaxson Dart in training camp before investing at his TE12 ADP.PositiveRoleJul 26, 2026
Likely was signed by the Giants as their biggest free-agent investment and is expected to be a featured piece of the offense. The Giants essentially swapped Likely in for Wan'Dale Robinson, signaling a shift in their offensive approach. Coaches feel that Likely can become a weapon as OC Matt Nagy's 'U,' or receiving tight end, setting up shop in the slot and creating logistical mismatches for opposing defenses. He should see more volume in New York than he did in Baltimore, where he never moved ahead of Andrews on the depth chart and recorded just 27 receptions for 307 yards over 14 games last season.NegativeValueJul 26, 2026
Likely is currently at TE12 ADP. Zach Charbonnet. That is optimistic about his role in New York but wants to see evidence in training camp before investing at that price—specifically local observers reporting a substantial role in the passing offense and developing chemistry with Jaxson Dart. The argument hinges on volume, but opportunity has to be earned first; first-team reps, target hierarchy, and deployment will signal when Likely deserves to move up the draft board.PositiveRoleJul 26, 2026
The Giants made their biggest free-agent investment in Likely, and he's expected to be a featured piece of the offense. The team essentially swapped Likely in for Robinson, signaling a shift in their offensive approach. OC Matt Nagy plans to use Likely as a receiving tight end in the slot, creating logistical mismatches for opposing defenses. Likely should see more volume in New York than he did in Baltimore, where he recorded 27 receptions for 307 yards over 14 games and never moved ahead of Andrews on the depth chart.PositiveRoleJul 26, 2026
Likely joined the Giants as their biggest free-agent investment and is expected to be a featured piece of the offense. The Giants essentially swapped Likely in for Wan'Dale Robinson, signaling a shift in their offensive approach. Likely never hit his potential in Baltimore and never moved ahead of Mark Andrews on the depth chart, recording just 27 receptions for 307 yards over 14 games last season. Now in New York, coaches feel Likely can become a weapon as OC Matt Nagy's 'U,' or receiving tight end, setting up shop in the slot and creating logistical mismatches for opposing defenses. The argument centers on volume, and Likely should see more of that in New York than he did in Baltimore.PositiveValueJul 21, 2026
Isaiah Likely's contract with the Giants ($40 million over three years, $26 million guaranteed) ranks 4th in annual average value ($13.33M) among all tight ends, placing him in the same tier as George Kittle, Trey McBride, and Kyle Pitts Sr. This top-tier starter money illustrates the Giants' structural commitment to his role and the value they place on him, contrasting sharply with his TE18 finish in Baltimore despite being drafted as high as TE22 in preseason ADP.PositiveSleeperJul 21, 2026
Isaiah Likely, a four-year fantasy sleeper with the Ravens who never finished higher than TE18, is being drafted as TE11 this season after signing a three-year, $40 million contract ($26 million guaranteed) with the New York Giants. The source argues the stars are finally aligning for him to deliver every-week value in 12-team leagues due to: (1) John Harbaugh's Giants regime prioritizing him in free agency as the most intriguing available tight end; (2) his top-tier starter contract ranking 4th in AAV among all tight ends; (3) an open depth chart with targets behind Malik Nabers up for grabs while Nabers recovers from injury; and (4) young quarterback Jaxson Dart bringing playmaking talent.PositiveBreakoutJul 15, 2026
The source projects Isaiah Likely as a breakout candidate in 2026 after joining the Giants. Despite not posting big numbers over four seasons with the Ravens due to situation rather than talent, the 26-year-old is now out from under Mark Andrews' shadow and signed with the Giants. The source notes there is a legitimate chance he spends a big chunk of the 2026 season as the top option in the Giants' passing game, with Malik Nabers' Week 1 availability uncertain and the rest of the pass-catching corps consisting of "a whole lotta blah." The Giants playing from behind with regularity further supports breakout potential.PositiveBreakoutJul 15, 2026
The source projects Likely will lead the Giants in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches on the way to a top-five PPR finish at tight end in 2026. At 26 years old, Likely is out from under Mark Andrews' shadow and making big money with New York. The source argues there's a legitimate chance he becomes the top option in the Giants' passing game, especially with uncertainty around Malik Nabers' Week 1 availability and the rest of the pass-catching corps being "a whole lotta blah." With the Giants playing from behind regularly, Likely is positioned for a major breakout.PositiveValueNo date
At tight end, there are three doors: pay big bucks for McBride or Brock Bowers, target a second tier 4-5 players deep, or wait for 'Other Guys.' There isn't an 'Other Guy' with higher ceiling than Isaiah Likely, and his asking price is already creeping up. While Likely has never been tasked with being a no-doubt TE1, John Harbaugh is confident enough he can be that player that he brought Likely with him from Baltimore. Likely is going to shatter his career-highs across the board this year. Top-five upside with a sticker price outside the top-10. The source notes 'Likely a wise pick. Get it?'