Isaiah Likely vs Trey McBride: Who Should You Start?
Trey McBride and Isaiah Likely are at different tiers heading into 2026. The Arizona Cardinals tight end averaged 14.9 PPG in 2025, a full 11.5 points per game ahead of Isaiah Likely's 3.4 with the New York Giants. That kind of gap doesn't close on matchup alone.
That 11.5-point weekly advantage for Trey McBride is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Trey McBride is the volume tight end in this matchup with 126 receptions for 1239 yards, while Isaiah Likely profiles as a more touchdown-dependent spike play (1 scores on 27 catches). In weeks where Isaiah Likely finds the end zone he out-scores Trey McBride, but the floor gap is real.
Both share a Week 11 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking tight ends this deep on your bench, plan your replacement tight end early.
