Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Isaiah Likely vs Ja'Tavion SandersWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Ja'Tavion Sanders is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 4.2 PPG to Isaiah Likely's 3.4 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Ja'Tavion Sanders is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Ja'Tavion Sanders edges Isaiah Likely by 0.8 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, Ja'Tavion Sanders 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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TENew York Giants#99

Isaiah Likely

PPG

3.4

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

307

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 11

TECarolina Panthers#99PPG LEADER

Ja'Tavion Sanders

PPG

4.2

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

308

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 11

The Edge Chart

Isaiah Likely

Ja'Tavion Sanders

Head to Head

3.4 PPG4.2 PPG

14 GP14 GP

Bye: Week 11Bye: Week 11

Fantasy Tiers

Isaiah Likely: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #99 at the position). Ja'Tavion Sanders: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 30 tight ends this season, Isaiah Likely is producing at 15% of elite pace and Ja'Tavion Sanders at 19%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Isaiah Likely vs Ja'Tavion Sanders: The Full Breakdown

The gap between Isaiah Likely and Ja'Tavion Sanders is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.8 PPG in 2025, this is one of those tight end decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Isaiah Likely averaged 3.4 PPG with the New York Giants across 14 games, and Ja'Tavion Sanders posted 4.2 with the Carolina Panthers 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. Isaiah Likely had 27 catches for 307 yards; Ja'Tavion Sanders posted 32 for 308. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.

One thing to note: both players share a Week 11 bye. That means you need a backup plan at tight end for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.

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: Isaiah Likely (age 26) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value. Ja'Tavion Sanders (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value.

Did You Know?

•Ja'Tavion Sanders outscored Isaiah Likely by a projected 14 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Isaiah Likely scored 1 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.1 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at tight end.
•Ja'Tavion Sanders saw 45 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the tight end position.
•Both players share a Week 11 bye. If you roster both, you will need a replacement at the position that week.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Isaiah Likely vs Ja'Tavion Sanders: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Isaiah Likely	Ja'Tavion Sanders
PPG (Half-PPR)	3.4	4.2
Games Played	14	14
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	48	59
Receptions	27	32
Rec/Game	1.9	2.3
Receiving Yards	307	308
Rec Yds/Game	21.9	22.0
Receiving TDs	1	1
Targets	36	45
Target Share/Game	2.6	3.2
Age	26	-
Experience	4 yrs	-
Bye Week	Week 11	Week 11

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Ja'Tavion Sanders holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 4.2 points per game. Isaiah Likely averaged 3.4 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Isaiah Likely or Ja'Tavion Sanders in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Ja'Tavion Sanders has the edge at 4.2 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 Isaiah Likely and Ja'Tavion Sanders average in 2025?▾

Isaiah Likely averaged 3.4 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Ja'Tavion Sanders averaged 4.2 PPG over 14 games. That is a difference of 0.8 points per game.

Do Isaiah Likely and Ja'Tavion Sanders share a bye week?▾

Yes, both Isaiah Likely and Ja'Tavion Sanders share a Week 11 bye in 2026. If you roster both, you will need a fill-in at tight end for that week.

Is Isaiah Likely or Ja'Tavion Sanders a better fantasy tight end in 2026?▾

Ja'Tavion Sanders outscored Isaiah Likely by 0.8 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.