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Isaiah Likely is mentioned as a potential acquisition target for Kyle Monangai, suggesting he is viewed as a quality tight end asset worth acquiring in trades.

Beyond his passing game production, Likely contributes as a blocker with good functional blocks at the point of attack when lined up as an inline tight end. On one play, he aggressively drove Dallas cornerback Shavon Revel back six yards off his spot, showcasing how his size creates mismatches within blocking assignments. These all-round contributions make him a significant upgrade at a position typically integral to Harbaugh's teams.

Likely demonstrated elite route-running and hands throughout the game: he ran a deep out with excellent break disguise to win outside leverage on a 19-yard catch (longest play of the day for New York), made a diving reception on a crossing route against zone coverage by boxing out a smaller defensive back, and showed excellent hands on a final diving reception. His athletic profile and route-running ability create natural matchup advantages at the tight end position.

The source notes Likely signed a three-year deal worth up to $40 million despite never previously surpassing 500 receiving yards in a season, but was trending upwards toward his prime. His dominant debut performance—one of the best of his career so far—suggests this upward trajectory should continue as he establishes himself as a favorite target of Jaxson Dart's over the next few years.

Likely led the Giants with eight receptions on eight targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns in his debut, establishing himself as a key target in John Harbaugh's offense. He converted four third-down plays and was featured in multiple formations (four-wide sets with him in slot or isolated left), demonstrating the Giants' commitment to getting him involved on critical situations and stretching the field as a downfield threat.

Isaiah Likely is ranked TE7 for Week 2 with an average rank of 7.0 and range from 5 to 9, showing expert consensus in the second-tier tight end tier.

Isaiah Likely caught all 8 of his targets for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns in his Giants debut. The source notes he is entrenched as the No. 2 target in an improved Giants offense. With Malik Nabers drawing defensive attention on the perimeter, the source projects Likely as a top-seven tight end for the rest of the season.

Likely delivered a strong Week 1 debut for the Giants with a 29% target share, top TE scoring, and an insane 96 Utilization Score, exceeding Isaiah Likely's offseason doubts.

Derek Brown highlights Likely as a potential league-winner late-round tight end pick after posting TE1 performance in Week 1 with 27.8 PPR points on 50% snap share; he earned 69.7% route share, 27.6% target share, 78 receiving yards (3.39 YPRR), 31.8% first-read share, two touchdowns, and four red zone targets. Brown projects continued strong production despite a tough on-paper Rams matchup, reasoning that elite usage and volume can overcome defensive matchup concerns.

Likely is ranked No. 11 in Matthew Freedman's Week 2 tight end rankings, placing him in the second tier of tight end plays for the week.

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.

Isaiah Likely was among Hayden Winks' top Week 1 performers, contributing to Winks' consistency-driven victory. Winks achieved at least 8.6 fantasy points from every roster spot, with Likely being one of his standout contributors.

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.

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.

Isaiah Likely is rising in rest-of-season rankings after topping 20 points in Week 1 with the New York Giants, indicating strong TE upside.

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.

Isaiah Likely is identified as a passing game issue for the Rams defense in Week 2, indicating he will be a focal point in the Giants' offensive attack under Harbaugh.

Rewarded anyone who waited on the position during draft season with a strong return on investment right out of the gate, validating the late-round tight end strategy.

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.

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.

Isaiah Likely is the top waiver wire priority for the week across all positions. He led all NFL tight ends in usage and expected fantasy points in Week 1. The source ranks him as the TE7 rest-of-season, noting he is being utilized as a big slot receiver; he is worth a significant FAAB bid of 12-25% depending on league depth.