Who Should I Start? Chig Okonkwo or Isaiah Likely

Saturday, November 22, 12:43 PM

Through 10 games this season, Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot) has recorded 32 catches for 337 yards on 42 targets. Okonkwo was limited in practice by a foot injury this week, but he is off the injury report and will be active for Tennessee's Week 12 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The Titans will be without wide receivers Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) and Calvin Ridley (leg) against Seattle, which could open up more target opportunities for Okonkwo. However, Okonkwo has failed to play more than 68% of his team's offensive snaps in any game since Week 4 as he splits reps with rookie tight end Gunnar Helm, limiting the upside for both players. Additionally, the Seahawks have one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. Through 11 weeks, Seattle is allowing the third-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.2) in the league. Even with the potential for an increased target share, Okonkwo remains tough for fantasy managers to trust as a starting tight end option in Week 12.

Saturday, November 22, 11:57 AM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely has yet to post a breakthrough performance and hasn't found the end zone yet this season. That's a big difference from his six touchdowns and four double-digit fantasy point finishes from last year. Likely has also been dealing with some nagging injuries for most of the year, which could be playing a part in everything. The New York Jets are 15th against opposing tight ends this season, and have only given up one touchdown and 160 yards to the position over the last four weeks. While Likely should see an extra target or two with Rashod Bateman (ankle) sidelined, it doesn't seem like a prime time for a breakout performance. He's currently projected as a low-end TE2, leaving him outside of the fantasy radar in most leagues.