Who Should I Start? Jake Ferguson or Isaiah Likely

Friday, January 2, 7:54 PM

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (calf) has been removed from the Week 18 injury report and will play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants. Ferguson didn't practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday, and upgraded to a full practice on Friday. The 26-year-old will be active this weekend, but after not finishing last week's Christmas Day win over the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys probably are in no hurry to play Ferguson the same as they normally would in a meaningless game. Fantasy managers should consider him to be a very volatile streaming option at the position, especially since quarterback Dak Prescott might not play a full game. Ferguson was a big part of Dallas' high-scoring offense in 2025, setting career-highs in catches (81) and touchdown receptions (eight) while racking up 595 receiving yards in 16 games.

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.