Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Isaiah Likely

Saturday, October 11, 6:28 AM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller has been extremely productive since returning from his hip injury two weeks ago, and he'll be a solid starting option in Week 6 against the Chargers. Waller retired and did not play last year, and was sidelined by a hip issue for the first three weeks of 2025. He returned in Week 4 with two touchdowns and 27 yards against the Jets, and he built on that last week by hauling in all five of his targets for 78 yards and a third touchdown. His snap count doubled from 16 in Week 4 to 32 in Week 5, and he was a key contributor even at just a 58% snap share. If that number grows again this week, he should continue to progress and remain one of the focuses of the Dolphins' offense, which is now operating without Tyreek Hill (knee), leaving targets available from Tua Tagovailoa. Tua has looked Waller's way often and had great success, so Waller is the TE8 this week in RotoBaller's rankings and can be a very solid starter in standard-sized leagues.

Saturday, October 4, 2:36 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely did not see a target in Week 4, his first game of 2025 after undergoing foot surgery in August. Likely is expected to split playing time this season with fellow Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, who has recorded 13 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. On the bright side, Likely played just five fewer snaps (25) than Andrews (30) in the first game where they were both active. Still, Likely cannot be trusted by fantasy managers in a tough Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans until he proves he is fully healthy and re-incorporated into the offense.