Isaiah Likely
Tight End #80
Isaiah Likely News
Isaiah Likely's Breakout in Full Swing After Another Big Game in Week 6
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is certainly enjoying his first season in the Big Apple in 2026. Likely was a big contributor once again in Sunday's Week 6 loss to the visiting New Orleans Saints, catching six of his 11 targets for 99 yards and one touchdown. The 26-year-old's 11 targets were second to receiver Malik Nabers' 15, and his 99 yards trailed only Nabers as well. The big game came in a contest in which veteran quarterback Jameis Winston was benched in favor of J.J. McCarthy. Likely's production did not slow after the switch under center, and his touchdown catch came on a 24-yard hookup with McCarthy in the fourth quarter as the Giants tried to make things interesting in an eventual 34-27 loss. He has been the clear No. 2 target behind Nabers in what has been a pass-happy offense under head coach John Harbaugh. Likely is coming through on his breakout potential in New York, as he is currently the No. 1 overall in half-PPR scoring with 39 touchdowns, 383 yards, and five touchdowns in his first six games played. He should be locked into all starting fantasy lineups for his Week 7 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Oct 18, 2026 7:42 PM EST
Fire Up Isaiah Likely as a TE1 Against Saints
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely had a monster game in Week 5, hauling in 11 of 13 targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders. After a sluggish start with Jameis Winston taking over as the starter, Likely has snapped off two very productive weeks in a row, totaling 160 yards and two touchdowns on 18 receptions. The former Ravens tight end has emerged as one of the best in the NFL, averaging 13.8 half-PPR fantasy points per game, and is currently the TE2, trailing only Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. He faces a New Orleans Saints defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season and has struggled mightily in recent weeks. In what projects to be a high-scoring affair, fantasy managers can fire up Likely as a TE1 in Week 6.
Oct 17, 2026 8:05 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Rising After Massive Day Against Commanders
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) recorded a career-high 11 receptions on 13 targets (tying a career-high) in a 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders in Week 5. He posted 94 yards and two touchdowns against the Commanders as well. Likely is dealing with a foot injury, but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. He enters a Week 6 matchup with the New Orleans Saints as RotoBaller's No. 4 tight end this week. Likely is projected to score 10.6 fantasy points. According to Pro Football Reference, the Saints allow 9.5 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Likely is currently started in 70% of Yahoo leagues, but that number will almost certainly increase for Week 6. He is a must-start player moving forward.
Oct 14, 2026 6:20 PM EST
Isaiah Likely Off Injury Report, Remains a TE1 Option in Week 5
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely (groin) is off the injury report and expected to play against division rival Washington Commanders. After being limited on Wednesday and Thursday with a groin issue, Likely completed a full practice on Friday and is ready to go in Week 5. After back-to-back down games in Weeks 2 and 3, Likely bounced back, hauling in seven of 12 targets for 66 yards in the 36-24 win over the Arizona Cardinals. While he hasn't lived up to expectations since his Week 1 breakout, Likely remains a reliable option at tight end. He faces a Commanders defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends this season and has already seen Dallas Goedert and Jake Ferguson post monster games. While rain and wind could be a factor, Likely is a low-end TE1 in Week 5.
Oct 10, 2026 8:11 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Looking to Bounce Back Against Cardinals
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is looking to bounce back after a down game in Week 3. He caught just two of five targets for 13 yards in the 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans. In two games with backup quarterback Jameis Winston, Likely has caught just seven of 15 targets for 46 yards, averaging just 4.1 half-PPR fantasy points per game. On a positive note, Likely's usage has improved significantly from his Week 1 role, with 77% of snaps and 85% of routes over the last two weeks. He also faces an Arizona Cardinals defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, including a monster performance against 49ers star tight end George Kittle in Week 3. While his struggles with Winston could pose a threat to his Week 4 outlook, Likely should be considered a low-end TE1 against a weaker Cardinals secondary.
Oct 3, 2026 6:46 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Takes a Big Step Backward with Quarterback Downgrade
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has cooled back down following a scorching hot start to the season. Likely made his Giants debut in Week 1 with an impressive stat line of eight catches, 78 yards, and two touchdowns, but his fantasy production has declined in every game since then. His reduced productivity is a direct result of the Giants losing quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) for the season. New York has been forced to start Jameis Winston, and the veteran hasn't been able to match Dart's prowess in the passing attack. For a large portion of his career, Winston was viewed as a quarterback who could support top-end wide receiver and tight end production because he loved to air the football out. He's still pass-happy, but as of late, he has been delivering more turnovers and fewer completions than we'd like to see. As a result, Likely has fallen outside the top 12 tight ends in fantasy football as long as Winston is under center.
Oct 1, 2026 9:25 PM EST
Isaiah Likely a Low-End TE1 With Rough Conditions Expected in Week 3
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has been highly productive in his first few weeks with his new team. Through two games, Likely has hauled in 13 of 18 targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 14.8 half-PPR fantasy points per game. Despite wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) being healthy and active to start the season, Likely has been the team's lead receiver in every statistical category. However, quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) underwent season-ending surgery, and backup Jameis Winston will take over as starter. With Dart out, this Matt Nagy offense could lean more on the run game as it tries to limit Winston's turnovers. They face a Tennessee Titans defense that has allowed just 35 yards to tight ends in two games this season, but the main concern is the weather, with heavy rain and winds expected in East Rutherford on Sunday. While it's difficult to take Likely out of starting lineups given his consistent production, fantasy managers should temper expectations in Week 3.
Sep 26, 2026 3:18 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Leads Team in Targets Against Rams
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely hauled in five of 10 targets for 33 yards in the 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite lackluster fantasy production, Likely led all receivers with 10 targets and played 69% of snaps, a significant increase from Week 1. However, starting quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) went down on the team's opening drive, and backup Jameis Winston struggled in relief. Winston completed 40% of his passes for 111 yards with no touchdowns. If Dart is forced to miss time with his knee injury, Likely, along with the rest of the Giants' playmakers, would be negatively affected if Winston is unable to produce. While he's still a mid-TE1, fantasy managers should be patient with the former Ravens tight end.
Sep 21, 2026 8:12 PM EST
Isaiah Likely Aims To Follow Up On Great Debut in Week 2
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely delivered a sensational Week 1 performance against the Dallas Cowboys. In his first game with the Giants, Likely hauled in all eight of his targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns, finishing the week as the TE2 in half-PPR formats. The former Raven was a major factor on third downs, hauling in five catches that resulted in first-down conversions. However, he played less than half the snaps in Week 1 (49%) and ran just 68% of the routes. While Jaxson Dart had one of the best games of his career in Week 1, any regression from the second-year quarterback would likely impact Likely, given his limited snaps and route participation. He faces a Los Angeles Rams defense that allowed the eighth-fewest yards to tight ends in 2025 and held 49ers tight end George Kittle in check in Week 1. While his great game was a positive sign, fantasy managers should still value him as a low-to-mid TE1 in Week 2.
Sep 19, 2026 6:47 PM EST
Isaiah Likely Looks to Build on Fast Start
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely went off on Monday Night Football against the Cowboys, hauling in eight targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He led the team in receiving yards while finishing second in targets, just one behind Malik Nabers. Likely showed his athleticism and his scheme fit with new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy designing plays for him similar to the schemes that led to Travis Kelce flourishing under Nagy in Kansas City. He has a tough matchup in Week 2 against the Rams, but he looks ready to live up to the hype and be a true top-10 TE this season in a very heavily involved role with the Giants.
Sep 17, 2026 6:02 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Shines With Two Touchdowns Against Cowboys
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely hauled in all eight targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns in the 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Likely was the team's leading receiver throughout training camp, and he lived up to the hype in Week 1. Of his eight catches, four came on third down. Despite playing only 49% of the snaps in Week 1, he looks primed for a key role in the passing game this season. With quarterback Jaxson Dart and the Giants offense looking sharp in Week 1, Likely should continue to see valuable opportunities in the passing game. He faces the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2, where Likely should be considered a mid-TE1 despite the limited snap share.
Sep 14, 2026 6:43 AM EST
Isaiah Likely a Strong Starting Option Against Cowboys
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is set to make his debut in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. Likely signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Giants this offseason, reuniting with former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh in New York. During his time in Baltimore, he had 135 receptions for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns in 63 games as the backup tight end behind Mark Andrews. Likely has been a key part of the Giants' offense throughout training camp, leading the team in receiving with star Malik Nabers (knee) missing most of camp. If Nabers is inactive or has a limited snap count in Week 1, Likely has a legitimate shot to be the team's leading receiver against the Cowboys' defense, which allowed the most passing yards in the NFL last season. Likely profiles as a low-end TE1 in the season opener and should be a solid starting option.
Sep 12, 2026 8:12 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Could Hit The Ground Running This Season
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is creating some real buzz in the fantasy community mostly because he is no longer blocked for playing time behind Mark Andrews for the Baltimore Ravens. He has been impressive in training camp and there is a real belief among many who follow the team that he emerges as the No. 2 target behind Malik Nabers on the outside for the Giants. Adam Bernstein of GMENHQ, a Giants blog, wrote this about Likely: "Given the state of New York's receiver room, there's a real chance he functions as Dart's No. 2 receiving option behind Malik Nabers." Likeley played in 14 games last year with the Baltimore Ravens and caught 27 passes for 307 yards and a touchdown playing most of the season behind Andrews on the depth chart. This is an opportunity for a breakout season for Likely in an expanded role.
Sep 10, 2026 6:59 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Could Have a Breakout Season in First Year With Giants
ESPN's Dan Graziano does not think anyone should be surprised if tight end Isaiah Likely is a "breakout star" in his first season with the New York Giants in 2026. Likely followed head coach John Harbaugh from the Baltimore Ravens to the Giants in free agency, and Giants coaches "light up" when talking about Likely. The coaching staff thinks that Likely will "be a real asset" for quarterback Jaxson Dart as a receiver and "think he can win in both man and zone coverage." The Giants love how he has evolved his relationship with Dart, and he is a regular visitor to the QB room. The connection that Likely has formed with Dart on and off the field "could pay major dividends." Graziano thinks that Likely is a strong candidate to be the Giants' second-leading receiver this year, and potentially more if receiver Malik Nabers (knee) needs more time to get up to speed after tearing his ACL and meniscus early last year. The 26-year-old former fourth-rounder from Coastal Carolina never had over 477 receiving yards or six touchdowns in his four years in Baltimore, where he was in the shadow of Mark Andrews. Now that he is the TE1 in the Big Apple, Likely has clear TE1 upside in fantasy, with RotoBaller ranking him as the No. 15 player at the position heading into the new season.
Sep 2, 2026 8:16 AM EST
Isaiah Likely a Potential Steal at Current ADP
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely's stock continues to rise this offseason, but his ADP has remained quite reasonable as fantasy football drafts are in full swing. Entering this summer, there was uncertainty about how Likely and Theo Johnson would split reps in this Giants offense. As the preseason has progressed, it has become evident that not only is Likely the No. 1 tight end here, but he has also emerged as one of quarterback Jaxson Dart's favorite targets. There are plenty of vacated targets available following the departure of wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, who was targeted 280 times over the last two seasons. While a lot of those targets should go to Malik Nabers, who is coming back from an ACL tear, Likely should also see significant volume. Presumably, his floor is what we saw from Johnson last year: 45 catches, 528 yards, five touchdowns, and a TE18 finish. Meanwhile, his ceiling is a top-five fantasy tight end. There's a lot working in his favor, including the fact that he's athletic, sits atop the depth chart, has the trust of his quarterback and head coach, and plays in an offense that is trending upward. Likely currently has a 10th-round ADP in most leagues, which is a very reasonable price tag for a tight end who figures to get in your starting lineup every week.
Aug 28, 2026 5:35 PM EST
Isaiah Likely Emerging as Major Piece of Giants Offense
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is becoming one of Jaxson Dart's most trusted targets, according to Jordan Raanan. Likely caught six passes during live drills in Thursday's joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, with Raanan describing him as Dart's security blanket and favorite receiver. This hasn't come out of nowhere. Dart and Likely started building chemistry during the spring, and the Giants have featured their tight ends heavily throughout training camp. Likely gives Dart a big target in the middle of the field and can move around the formation, something New York has taken advantage of all summer. Malik Nabers is still working his way back from last year's knee injury, but Raanan expects Likely to remain a major part of the offense even once Nabers returns. Likely caught only 27 passes for 307 yards and one touchdown with Baltimore last season. His role in New York is shaping up to be much bigger.
Aug 20, 2026 11:14 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Sees Prominent Role on Third Down in Preseason Opener
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely caught both of his targets for 11 yards in the team's 13-10 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Likely caught both of his passes on third down, converting both to move the chains. While his receiving role appears to be a major factor (especially on third down) in offensive coordinator Matt Nagy's offense, his snap share was notable. In 16 snaps that the first-team played during their first preseason matchup, Likely played just six snaps, while Theo Johnson played seven and blocking tight end Chris Manhertz played five. Likely played all six of his snaps in 11 personnel, while Johnson and Manhertz operated primarily in heavy personnel. We've seen highly valued tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Evan Engram struggle to produce last season due to their low snap counts, so this could be something to watch for Likely during the course of the 2026 season.
Aug 15, 2026 5:01 PM EST
Isaiah Likely Becoming Favorite Target for Giants QB
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely could be ready to make a big impact with his new team. In recent practices, Likely has been quarterback Jaxson Dart's favorite target. He snagged a team-high four receptions during Friday's practice session. The wide receiver room is a bit cloudy right now, so Likely has a chance to step up and make an impact in a big way. The 26-year-old could end up being the top target in New York until Malik Nabers (knee) returns to the field. Likely is Rotoballer's TE14, but he has the upside to be a top-10 player at his position this season.
Aug 7, 2026 5:14 PM EST
Isaiah Likely the Number Two Option Behind Nabers
Despite a deep room of wide receivers on the New York Giants roster, NFL Insider Connor Hughes reports that it is tight end Isaiah Likely standing out as the number two option behind 2024 first-round pick Malik Nabers. Hughes calls Likely "more of a utility weapon than a traditional tight end" and points to his early chemistry with Jaxson Dart and the team's willingness to move him across the formation as indicators that a big year could be on the horizon. Likely has made plays at all three levels through the early days of training camp and could be in line for the heaviest target share of his young career after spending four seasons in Baltimore with All-Pro Mark Andrews. Likely is RotoBaller's TE14 and represents the exact type of upside that fantasy managers should be seeking in the later rounds of 2026 drafts.
Aug 3, 2026 5:52 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Becoming a Safety Valve in Giants Offense
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely was one of the team's most active pass catchers on Saturday, hauling in six of his nine targets during competitive sessions, and The Athletic's Dan Duggan sees his place taking shape in a new-look Giants offense. After leading the team and nearly doubling the next closest player with 131 targets in 2025, receiver Wan'Dale Robinson departed for Tennessee in free agency, and Duggan believes Likely will inherit that underneath safety valve role for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. After sharing a depth chart with three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews for four seasons in Baltimore, Likely followed head coach John Harbaugh to the Giants, signing a three-year, $40 million deal. Harbaugh has sung Likely's praises for years, and with him finally getting an opportunity to serve as his team's primary tight end, with heavy volume potentially coming his way, RotoBaller's TE14 is a breakout candidate to target in the later rounds of drafts.
Aug 2, 2026 6:01 AM EST
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