IsaiahLikely

News: 1 day agoLikely caught two of five targets for 13 yards during the Giants' 12-7 win over the Titans on Sunday.

Spin: After logging 13 catches through the first two games of the regular season, Likely was held to only two receptions in Week 3, the first game with Jameis Winston as the starter instead of Jaxson Dart (knee, IR). Likely's five targets were second most on the Giants behind Malik Nabers (six), but the scoring floors of all Giants pass catchers figure to be lower with Winston under center. That said, New York could turn the keys over to the recently acquired J.J. McCarthy if Winston continues to underwhelm. The Giants will stay home for Week 4 against the Cardinals, whose defense gave up a 6-82-2 receiving line to tight end George Kittle in a 36-30 loss to the 49ers in Week 3.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Likely signed with the Giants after four years of backing up Mark Andrews in Baltimore. Likely is reuniting with coach John Harbaugh and is finally expected to play a consistent offensive role. During his time in Baltimore, Likely was limited to 50% of the team's offensive snaps and never finished a season better than 20th among tight ends in snaps, routes, targets, catches, yards or fantasy PPG. His only extensive stretch with Andrews sidelined came back in 2023. During the seven-game span, Likely posted a 23-356-6 receiving line on a 16% target share and averaged a solid 13.5 fantasy PPG. The 26-year-old is obviously unproven, but his receiving skills in New York's ascending offense are enough to put him on the TE2 radar.