Isaiah Likely Fantasy Football Outlook: A Potential Breakout Star in 2025?
Fantasy football is about finding value—whether snagging a sleeper in the late rounds of your draft, picking up a breakout player off the waiver wire, or identifying rising stars before the rest of your league catches on. One name that’s generating significant buzz in the fantasy football community is Isaiah Likely, the Baltimore Ravens’ second-year tight end. In this article, we’ll explore the potential impact of Isaiah Likely in fantasy football, why he’s worth monitoring in 2025, and how he could fit into your lineup.
Who Is Isaiah Likely? A Quick Background
Before diving into his fantasy potential, let’s take a moment to introduce Isaiah Likely. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Coastal Carolina, Likely entered the league as a relatively under-the-radar prospect. Despite being overshadowed by more prominent names in his draft class, Likely quickly earned a reputation as a versatile and athletic tight end capable of contributing in both the passing and blocking game.
He likely showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season while playing behind All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews. He finished the season with 36 receptions for 373 yards and three touchdowns, including standout performances when Andrews was sidelined due to injury. These glimpses of promise have many fantasy managers wondering: could Isaiah Likely emerge as a hidden gem in 2025?
Why Isaiah Likely’s Fantasy Potential Is on the Rise
When evaluating a player’s fantasy football value, we consider several factors: talent, opportunity, and team context. Here’s why Isaiah Likely is a name to watch in fantasy football.
- Increased Role in the Ravens’ Offense
The Ravens’ offense under head coach John Harbaugh has historically leaned heavily on tight ends, making them an important position in their scheme. While Mark Andrews remains the clear TE1, there’s reason to believe Isaiah Likely could see a more significant role moving forward.
In 2024, Likely saw a noticeable uptick in his usage during preseason and regular season games where the Ravens ran two-tight end sets. With offensive coordinator Todd Monken emphasizing a more balanced attack that maximizes mismatches, Likely’s ability to line up as a traditional tight end or split out wide makes him a valuable chess piece. Even with Andrews on the field, they could earn consistent targets, especially in red-zone situations.
- Elite Pass-Catching Skills
Fantasy points are earned through production, and Isaiah Likely has already demonstrated his ability to make plays as a receiver. At 6’4″ and 240 pounds, he has the size to dominate smaller defenders, combined with the speed and agility to create separation from linebackers.
They likely stepped up and delivered in games where Mark Andrews was injured or limited. His Week 18 performance against the Bengals in the 2022 season (8 receptions for 103 yards) was a clear example of his passing-catcher ceiling. If allowed to see consistent targets, Likely could quickly emerge as a reliable fantasy option, especially in PPR (points per reception) formats.
- Insurance Policy for Mark Andrews Owners
In fantasy football, depth at the tight end position is often complex. For those who roster Mark Andrews, drafting or stashing Isaiah Likely as a handcuff makes a lot of sense. If Andrews were to miss time due to injury, he would immediately step into a featured role in the Ravens’ offense, making him a plug-and-play starter in most leagues. Even in games where Andrews is healthy, Likely’s athleticism and versatility could earn him standalone value.
Isaiah Likely Fantasy ADP: Is He a Sleeper or a Stash?
Regarding draft strategy, the biggest question is always when to target Isaiah. Likely? In early mock drafts for the 2025 season, Likely’s ADP (average draft position) places him in the later rounds, typically outside the top 15 tight ends. This makes him an intriguing sleeper pick for managers willing to gamble on the upside.
Likely’s long-term value is even more appealing for those in deeper leagues or dynasty formats. As Andrews ages and the Ravens continue to integrate Likely into their offense, his role could expand significantly, potentially making him a weekly starter.
How to Use Isaiah Likely in Your Fantasy Lineup
The key to maximizing Likely’s fantasy value is understanding when and how to use him. Here are a few scenarios where he could be a great addition to your lineup:
- Bye Week Fill-In
Tight ends with consistent target volume are hard to find, making Likely a great option to plug into your lineup during bye weeks. He could provide solid production if he plays in a favorable matchup—especially against defenses that struggle to cover tight ends.
- Matchup-Based Streaming Option
Likely’s upside as a red-zone target makes him an excellent streaming option in weeks where he faces weaker defenses. For example, against teams with poor linebacker play or those that give up big plays to tight ends, Likely could easily outperform expectations.
- DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) Sleeper
For DFS players, Isaiah Likely is a fantastic value pick in tournaments. His low price tag and ability to deliver big performances make him a high-upside choice for those looking to differentiate their lineups.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Of course, no player is without risks. While Isaiah Likely has plenty of upside, there are a few factors that could limit his fantasy value:
- Competition for Targets: The Ravens’ offense is crowded with playmakers, including Andrews, Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, and Rashod Bateman. Consistent volume could be hard to come by for Likely unless injuries occur.
- Dependence on Two-Tight End Sets: While the Ravens utilize their tight ends heavily, Likely’s production may be capped if he doesn’t see enough snaps or routes run, significantly if the offense shifts toward a broader receiver-focused approach.
- Touchdown Reliance: Like many tight ends, Likely’s fantasy production could be touchdown-dependent, making him a boom-or-bust option on certain weeks.
Final Thoughts: Is Isaiah Likely Worth the Hype in Fantasy Football?
Isaiah Likely has all the tools to be a fantasy football difference-maker in 2025. With his unique blend of size, athleticism, and pass-catching ability, he has the potential to carve out a significant role in the Ravens’ offense. Whether you’re targeting him as a late-round sleeper, a Mark Andrews handcuff, or a waiver wire stash, Likely offers upside that could pay off in a big way.
While his path to consistent fantasy production isn’t guaranteed, savvy managers who take a chance on him could reap the rewards. Keep a close eye on his usage in training camp and preseason, and don’t be afraid to draft or stash him in deeper leagues. If you’re looking for a potential breakout tight end, Isaiah Likely might be your guy.
In the ever-changing landscape of fantasy football, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. And with Isaiah Likely, you may find yourself holding a ticket to one of 2025’s biggest surprises.
