Who Should I Start? Jake Ferguson or Isaiah Likely

Saturday, December 21, 12:16 PM

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson heads into Sunday night's matchup against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16 still searching for his first touchdown of 2024. Although the matchup is a good one against a Buccaneers defense that has allowed 12.1 half-PPR points per game to the TE position this year (sixth-most in the NFL), Ferguson just hasn't shown any real signs of breaking out with quarterback Cooper Rush under center. The 25-year-old has just five catches on 10 targets for 55 yards after returning from a two-game absence due to injury. But even before that, Ferguson was struggling to make a weekly impact for his fantasy managers. The good news is the Bucs have allowed the second-most receiving yards (974) to tight ends this year, so even if Ferguson stays out of the end zone, he could rack up some decent yardage to make him a top-12 TE in the fantasy semifinals in most leagues.

Saturday, December 21, 10:16 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely corralled all three of his targets for 29 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The third-year pro scored his fifth TD of the season -- matching his career-best mark from a year ago. His score was a nine-yard walk-in off a nifty misdirection in the first quarter. With quarterback Lamar Jackson brandishing low passing volume again, Likely was stuck with another low target-total outing. However, his yardage mark, target, and reception total were third most on the offense behind wide receiver Zay Flowers and fellow tight end Mark Andrews. While the 24-year-old is tough to trust for fantasy, he's flashed his upside when called upon in a featured role. Likely and the Ravens will square off against the Houston Texans next Wednesday in a road tilt.