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.

Tuesday, October 28, 11:49 AM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely has seen minimal usage so far in 2025, recording five catches for 26 yards on five targets across four games played. However, three out of Likely's four games played this season have come with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) sidelined. With Jackson expected to return in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins, Likely could see his role in Baltimore's offense expand. Across 16 games with the Ravens in 2024, Likely recorded 42 catches for 477 yards on 58 targets. Likely still figures to split playing time with Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, which limits the upside of both players. However, in deep fantasy leagues, Likely could be a stash candidate off the waiver wire now that Baltimore's offense has its quarterback back.