Who Should I Start? Theo Johnson or Isaiah Likely

Tuesday, October 7, 10:26 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a risky, touchdown-dependent stream for the Thursday night matchup, despite his emergence as a key red-zone weapon. Johnson, the TE16 in fantasy with 7.08 fantasy points per game, has found the end zone three times this year, a figure made remarkable by the fact that rookie QB Jaxson Dart's only career touchdown passes have all gone to the tight end. This connection is vital, as Johnson operates with a high 75.4% snap share on his 15 receptions and 22 targets, but the Philadelphia Eagles present a brutal challenge. They rank as the 4th toughest fantasy defense against tight ends, allowing just 7.82 points against per game. Furthermore, the Eagles' elite 3rd-ranked red zone defense, which boasts a 42.9% Defense Red Zone TD Rate, significantly lowers the odds of Johnson continuing his unsustainable touchdown pace, making him a desperation play.

Saturday, October 4, 2:36 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely did not see a target in Week 4, his first game of 2025 after undergoing foot surgery in August. Likely is expected to split playing time this season with fellow Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, who has recorded 13 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. On the bright side, Likely played just five fewer snaps (25) than Andrews (30) in the first game where they were both active. Still, Likely cannot be trusted by fantasy managers in a tough Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans until he proves he is fully healthy and re-incorporated into the offense.