Isaiah Likely

Week 2 vs. Las Vegas Raiders
On a team devoid of a true number two option behind Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely showed out big time in Week 1. We can't expect another 12-target game here, but we can certainly ride this wave and consider Likely a top-12 option. He may not find as much success without a Chiefs defense putting the clamps on Andrews, but he's certainly a far better option than a lot of the tight ends currently sitting on waiver wires or benches.

Week 16 at San Francisco 49ers

Isaiah Likely caught five of his six targets last week against the Jaguars, gaining 70 yards and a touchdown. It was his second straight game with a touchdown, and he tied for the most targets on the team. You can’t replace Mark Andrews, but Likely is sure doing his best impression. Fantasy managers lucky enough to land him on waivers after Andrews’ injury should feel confident about him for the rest of the fantasy season.

This week, Likely faces a San Francisco defense that ranks 13th in aFPA to opposing tight ends. He’s starting to become matchup-proof, however, given the targets he’s getting and the athleticism he’s shown at the position. Continue to start Likely in what should be the game of the week.

Week 14 vs. Los Angeles Rams

In his first game as the full-time starter after the devastating Mark Andrews season-ending injury, Isaiah Likely caught four of his six targets for 40 yards. Most importantly, he played in 73% of the team’s offensive snaps. Any questions about whether or not Likely would be the primary replacement for Andrews were put to rest in the convincing victory over the Chargers before the bye last week.

This week, Likely faces a Rams defense that ranks dead last in aFPA to opposing tight ends. With a great matchup and seemingly a big role in the offense without Mark Andrews, Likely should be considered a weekly fantasy starter at the position, and we have him ranked inside our ten best tight end options this week.