Who Should I Start? Theo Johnson or Isaiah Likely

Saturday, December 27, 1:04 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (illness) has ruled out for his team's Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders due to an illness. Johnson was a late addition to the injury report on Friday, and he will not travel with the team to Las Vegas. The 24-year-old has functioned as the Giants' TE1 all season long, recording 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets across 15 games. He's played at least 70% of New York's offensive snaps in every game in 2025. In his absence, Daniel Bellinger will likely step in as the lead receiving tight end for the Giants. Bellinger has hauled in 15 catches for 237 yards and a touchdown on 21 targets across 14 games so far this season. Despite the improved playing time outlook, he profiles as a risky start for fantasy managers in Week 17.

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.