Who Should I Start? Theo Johnson or Isaiah Likely

Monday, October 27, 10:29 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson had a quiet game in his team's Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, recording three catches for 20 yards on four targets. Johnson has been a relatively consistent producer so far this season, recording 23 catches for 212 yards and four touchdowns on 37 targets across eight games. He's shown a nice chemistry with Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, as all four of Johnson's touchdowns have come since Dart took over as the team's starter in Week 4. However, Johnson's Week 8 dip in production coincided with the return of Giants wideout Darius Slayton, who had missed the team's previous two games with a hamstring injury. Now that Slayton is back in the lineup, it may prove difficult for Johnson to see consistent target volume. Still, Johnson has proven to be a trusted red zone option in New York. He should be added in all PPR-scoring fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams ahead of a Week 9 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

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.