Who Should I Start? Drew Sample or Isaiah Likely

Saturday, September 27, 2:08 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample has only three catches this season, with one resulting in a trip to the end zone. The 29-year-old has logged more snaps than Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant (foot) through the first three weeks of the 2025 campaign. However, both have received more attention from quarterbacks Joe Burrow (toe) and Jake Browning. The Bengals offense is a mess, which has been a surprise to most. As a result, it's hard to trust anyone on that side of the ball. Granted, Sample should continue to lead the position in snaps, especially with his abilities as a blocker. Still, while he will likely add a few more scores to his resume before the end of the season, he's not consistent enough to be considered a starting fantasy option in any format in Week 4 versus the Broncos.

Thursday, November 20, 4:17 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (calf) returned to practice on Thursday after being held out on Wednesday due to a calf issue, per Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. It's unclear whether Likely practiced in full or in a limited capacity, but either way, his return to the field is a positive sign for his chances of playing in Week 12 against the New York Jets. Across seven games this season, the 25-year-old has hauled in 12 catches for 118 yards on 16 targets. Baltimore's crowded tight end room limits Likely's upside, as all three of Likely, Mark Andrews, and Charlie Kolar played at least 19 offensive snaps in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns. As long as all three of the Ravens' tight ends are active, Andrews is the only one who warrants low-end fantasy starter consideration.