RADIO
Isaiah Likely Looks to Keep Breakout Season Going Against Eagles
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has had a career season through seven games and looks to carry that momentum into the post-bye week. In seven games, Likely has hauled in 41 of 63 targets for 395 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 12.9 half-PPR fantasy points per game. After signing with the New York Giants this offseason, many expected Likely to prosper in his full-time role, but few anticipated this breakout. The former Raven ranks third in receptions per game (5.86), sixth in yards (56.4), second in touchdowns (5), and third in fantasy points per game among tight ends. Now he faces the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9, who have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. While the Eagles have had success against tight ends, they haven't faced a top player at the position like Likely yet. Fire up the Giants playmaker as a top-end TE in Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely Looking to Establish Connection with New QB
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is looking to bounce back after a disappointing Week 7 performance. In quarterback J.J. McCarthy's first start with the Giants, Likely caught just two of four targets for 12 yards in the 27-21 overtime win over the Houston Texans. Prior to that outing, Likely had been enjoying a career season, hauling in 39 of 59 targets for 383 yards and five touchdowns through six games. While some worry that Likely had a better connection with backup Jameis Winston than with McCarthy, fantasy managers should expect him to produce in Week 9. However, another poor performance could raise concerns about his fantasy production moving forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Giants Among Most Active Teams as Trade Deadline Approaches
The New York Giants have been among the most active teams in making calls and showing interest in buying from teams willing to sell players, sources told NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The tricky part is that the Giants do not have a fourth- or fifth-round pick next year. Still, it sounds as though they are pushing for bigger names who would require higher picks. Signing Greg Newsome to a contract extension on Tuesday has helped New York create salary cap space for a potential big addition. The Giants are reportedly focusing most of their attention on running back and the interior of their defensive line. At the RB position, Tyrone Tracy Jr. is on Injured Reserve, Cam Skattebo is nursing a hamstring injury, and Najee Harris is no longer with the organization. They might be a serious contender to land Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor or New York Jets RB Breece Hall (quadriceps), but it remains to be seen if they have enough draft capital to pull off a deal of such magnitude. A high-end addition like Taylor or Hall to their backfield would obviously be devastating news for Skattebo's future fantasy outlook. Stay tuned.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Isaiah Likely Posts Week 7 Dud With Just 12 Receiving Yards
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely raised concern about his involvement in the passing attack with quarterback J.J. McCarthy under center, seeing his target volume plunge in Sunday's 27-21 overtime victory over the Houston Texans and catching just two of four targets for 12 yards without a touchdown. It was a dramatic reversal after Likely drew 36 targets over his previous three games, converting them into 24 receptions for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Both of his Week 7 catches came in the second half, and he finished with a disappointing 3.2 PPR fantasy points despite McCarthy throwing for 252 yards in his first start with New York. Malik Nabers commanded nine targets and finished with 111 receiving yards, while all four Giants touchdowns came on the ground. Likely's four targets represented his lowest total of the season. New York enters its Week 8 bye before visiting the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely Still a Must-Start in Week 7 Despite QB Change
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has had a career season through six games, solidifying his status as an elite fantasy tight end. He has hauled in 39 of 59 targets for 383 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 15.0 half-PPR fantasy points per game. After signing with the Giants in free agency, many hoped he would finally break out after leaving the crowded Baltimore Ravens tight end room. Through six games, Likely leads all tight ends in yards, touchdowns, and fantasy points. Now he faces a Houston Texans defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. While the tough matchup and the new quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, who is now starting, add some risk, Likely remains a must-start tight end in Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely's Breakout in Full Swing After Another Big Game in Week 6
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is certainly enjoying his first season in the Big Apple in 2026. Likely was a big contributor once again in Sunday's Week 6 loss to the visiting New Orleans Saints, catching six of his 11 targets for 99 yards and one touchdown. The 26-year-old's 11 targets were second to receiver Malik Nabers' 15, and his 99 yards trailed only Nabers as well. The big game came in a contest in which veteran quarterback Jameis Winston was benched in favor of J.J. McCarthy. Likely's production did not slow after the switch under center, and his touchdown catch came on a 24-yard hookup with McCarthy in the fourth quarter as the Giants tried to make things interesting in an eventual 34-27 loss. He has been the clear No. 2 target behind Nabers in what has been a pass-happy offense under head coach John Harbaugh. Likely is coming through on his breakout potential in New York, as he is currently the No. 1 overall in half-PPR scoring with 39 catches, 383 yards, and five touchdowns in his first six games played. He should be locked into all starting fantasy lineups for his Week 7 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Fire Up Isaiah Likely as a TE1 Against Saints
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely had a monster game in Week 5, hauling in 11 of 13 targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders. After a sluggish start with Jameis Winston taking over as the starter, Likely has snapped off two very productive weeks in a row, totaling 160 yards and two touchdowns on 18 receptions. The former Ravens tight end has emerged as one of the best in the NFL, averaging 13.8 half-PPR fantasy points per game, and is currently the TE2, trailing only Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. He faces a New Orleans Saints defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season and has struggled mightily in recent weeks. In what projects to be a high-scoring affair, fantasy managers can fire up Likely as a TE1 in Week 6.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely Rising After Massive Day Against Commanders
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) recorded a career-high 11 receptions on 13 targets (tying a career-high) in a 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders in Week 5. He posted 94 yards and two touchdowns against the Commanders as well. Likely is dealing with a foot injury, but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. He enters a Week 6 matchup with the New Orleans Saints as RotoBaller's No. 4 tight end this week. Likely is projected to score 10.6 fantasy points. According to Pro Football Reference, the Saints allow 9.5 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Likely is currently started in 70% of Yahoo leagues, but that number will almost certainly increase for Week 6. He is a must-start player moving forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely Remains a TE1 Option in Week 5
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely (groin) is off the injury report and expected to play against the division-rival Washington Commanders. After being limited on Wednesday and Thursday with a groin issue, Likely completed a full practice on Friday and is ready to go in Week 5. After back-to-back down games in Weeks 2 and 3, Likely bounced back, hauling in seven of 12 targets for 66 yards in the 36-24 win over the Arizona Cardinals. While he hasn't lived up to expectations since his Week 1 breakout, Likely remains a reliable option at tight end. He faces a Commanders defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends this season and has already seen Dallas Goedert and Jake Ferguson post monster games. While rain and wind could be a factor, Likely is a low-end TE1 in Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely Looking to Bounce Back Against Cardinals
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is looking to bounce back after a down game in Week 3. He caught just two of five targets for 13 yards in the 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans. In two games with backup quarterback Jameis Winston, Likely has caught just seven of 15 targets for 46 yards, averaging just 4.1 half-PPR fantasy points per game. On a positive note, Likely's usage has improved significantly from his Week 1 role, with 77% of snaps and 85% of routes over the last two weeks. He also faces an Arizona Cardinals defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, including a monster performance against 49ers star tight end George Kittle in Week 3. While his struggles with Winston could pose a threat to his Week 4 outlook, Likely should be considered a low-end TE1 against a weaker Cardinals secondary.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely Takes a Big Step Backward with Quarterback Downgrade
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has cooled back down following a scorching hot start to the season. Likely made his Giants debut in Week 1 with an impressive stat line of eight catches, 78 yards, and two touchdowns, but his fantasy production has declined in every game since then. His reduced productivity is a direct result of the Giants losing quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) for the season. New York has been forced to start Jameis Winston, and the veteran hasn't been able to match Dart's prowess in the passing attack. For a large portion of his career, Winston was viewed as a quarterback who could support top-end wide receiver and tight end production because he loved to air the football out. He's still pass-happy, but as of late, he has been delivering more turnovers and fewer completions than we'd like to see. As a result, Likely has fallen outside the top 12 tight ends in fantasy football as long as Winston is under center.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely a Low-End TE1 With Rough Conditions Expected in Week 3
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has been highly productive in his first few weeks with his new team. Through two games, Likely has hauled in 13 of 18 targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 14.8 half-PPR fantasy points per game. Despite wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) being healthy and active to start the season, Likely has been the team's lead receiver in every statistical category. However, quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) underwent season-ending surgery, and backup Jameis Winston will take over as starter. With Dart out, this Matt Nagy offense could lean more on the run game as it tries to limit Winston's turnovers. They face a Tennessee Titans defense that has allowed just 35 yards to tight ends in two games this season, but the main concern is the weather, with heavy rain and winds expected in East Rutherford on Sunday. While it's difficult to take Likely out of starting lineups given his consistent production, fantasy managers should temper expectations in Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Theo Johnson Heavily Phased Out of Giants' Offense
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson's volume has taken a massive hit this season. After finishing as the TE18 with 74 targets and 48 catches in his second pro season last year, Johnson has just five targets, one reception, and nine yards in 2026. We knew his role was going to be threatened by the signing of Isaiah Likely, but nobody predicted a downfall this drastic. Johnson has played 46% and 28% of the snaps in his first two games this year, respectively. He did command four targets in Week 2 with Jameis Winston at quarterback, but he didn't catch any of those passes. Johnson could get back onto the fantasy radar if Likely misses any time, but for now, Likely is healthy and Johnson can be left on waivers in almost all leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely Leads Team in Targets Against Rams
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely hauled in five of 10 targets for 33 yards in the 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite lackluster fantasy production, Likely led all receivers with 10 targets and played 69% of snaps, a significant increase from Week 1. However, starting quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) went down on the team's opening drive, and backup Jameis Winston struggled in relief. Winston completed 40% of his passes for 111 yards with no touchdowns. If Dart is forced to miss time with his knee injury, Likely, along with the rest of the Giants' playmakers, would be negatively affected if Winston is unable to produce. While he's still a mid-TE1, fantasy managers should be patient with the former Ravens tight end.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Isaiah Likely Aims To Follow Up On Great Debut in Week 2
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely delivered a sensational Week 1 performance against the Dallas Cowboys. In his first game with the Giants, Likely hauled in all eight of his targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns, finishing the week as the TE2 in half-PPR formats. The former Raven was a major factor on third downs, hauling in five catches that resulted in first-down conversions. However, he played less than half the snaps in Week 1 (49%) and ran just 68% of the routes. While Jaxson Dart had one of the best games of his career in Week 1, any regression from the second-year quarterback would likely impact Likely, given his limited snaps and route participation. He faces a Los Angeles Rams defense that allowed the eighth-fewest yards to tight ends in 2025 and held 49ers tight end George Kittle in check in Week 1. While his great game was a positive sign, fantasy managers should still value him as a low-to-mid TE1 in Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
