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Head to Head

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Hayden Hurst vs Isaiah LikelyWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Hayden Hurst is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 3.7 PPG to Isaiah Likely's 3.4 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Hayden Hurst is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Hayden Hurst edges Isaiah Likely by 0.3 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Hayden Hurst goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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TELos Angeles Chargers#99PPG LEADER
Hayden Hurst
PPG
3.7
Games
14
Rec
25
Rec Yds
238
Rec TDs
1
Targets
35
Bye
Week 5
TENew York Giants#99
Isaiah Likely
PPG
3.4
Games
14
Rec
27
Rec Yds
307
Rec TDs
1
Targets
36
Bye
Week 11

The Edge Chart

VolumeEfficiencyTD UpsideFloorCeilingDurability
Hayden Hurst
Isaiah Likely

Head to Head

3.7 PPG3.4 PPG
14 GP14 GP
Bye: Week 5Bye: Week 11

Fantasy Tiers

Hayden Hurst: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #99 at the position). Isaiah Likely: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 30 tight ends this season, Hayden Hurst is producing at 17% of elite pace and Isaiah Likely at 15%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Hayden Hurst vs Isaiah Likely: The Full Breakdown

The gap between Hayden Hurst and Isaiah Likely is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.3 PPG in 2025, this is one of those tight end decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Hayden Hurst averaged 3.7 PPG with the Los Angeles Chargers across 14 games, and Isaiah Likely posted 3.4 with the New York Giants in 14.

When two tight ends are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.

Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Hayden Hurst had 25 catches for 238 yards; Isaiah Likely posted 27 for 307. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.

Hayden Hurst has his bye in Week 5, and Isaiah Likely rests in Week 11. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at tight end for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Hayden Hurst (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value. Isaiah Likely (age 26) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value.

Did You Know?

  • Hayden Hurst outscored Isaiah Likely by a projected 5 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
  • Hayden Hurst scored 1 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.1 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at tight end.
  • Isaiah Likely saw 36 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the tight end position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Hayden Hurst vs Isaiah Likely: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
StatHayden HurstIsaiah Likely
PPG (Half-PPR)3.73.4
Games Played1414
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)5248
Receptions2527
Rec/Game1.81.9
Receiving Yards238307
Rec Yds/Game17.021.9
Receiving TDs11
Targets3536
Target Share/Game2.52.6
Age-26
Experience-4 yrs
Bye WeekWeek 5Week 11

Summary

Hayden Hurst outscored Isaiah Likely by 0.3 PPG in 2025 (3.7 to 3.4). That production gap is the baseline, but weekly context shifts the answer. DraftCall analyzes matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and health data to deliver a clear start or sit recommendation backed by real reasoning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Hayden Hurst or Isaiah Likely in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Hayden Hurst has the edge at 3.7 PPG compared to Isaiah Likely's 3.4 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Hayden Hurst and Isaiah Likely average in 2025?

Hayden Hurst averaged 3.7 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Isaiah Likely averaged 3.4 PPG over 14 games. That is a difference of 0.3 points per game.

When are Hayden Hurst and Isaiah Likely's bye weeks in 2026?

Hayden Hurst (LAC) has a bye in Week 5, and Isaiah Likely (NYG) has a bye in Week 11. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Hayden Hurst or Isaiah Likely a better fantasy tight end in 2026?

Hayden Hurst outscored Isaiah Likely by 0.3 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.