Who Should I Start? Connor Heyward or Isaiah Likely

Friday, November 3, 12:12 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward caught two of his three targets for 16 yards in the team's 20-16 win over the visiting Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Darnell Washington caught his only target for a seven-yard gain. Heyward caught a season-high five passes (six targets) for 24 yards in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, but he couldn't keep up that elevated production in Week 9. Freiermuth will miss at least two more games, but fantasy managers just won't be able to trust Heyward for consistent production in one of the weaker offenses in the league. The 24-year-old has just 14 receptions for 105 yards and no touchdowns in eight games in 2023.

Friday, December 26, 11:42 AM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely had some big hopes and expectations entering this season after breaking out in a handful of games last year. He had a bunch of "almost big plays" this season, but ultimately, he's cracked the TE1 level twice and TE2 once. Now, the Ravens are probably operating without Lamar Jackson (doubtful - back), and even Mark Andrews has struggled to produce much over the last few weeks. Likely is riding two straight goose egg weeks into a Week 17 matchup with the Green Bay Packers who are eighth against tight ends in the last four weeks. The fourth-year pro projects as the TE27 on RotoBaller's rankings, which means there are better options on the waiver wire for fantasy managers looking for a streamer in their playoff matchup.