Isaiah Likely remains a compelling name for fantasy football enthusiasts as the 2025 season approaches, particularly within the Isaiah Likely 2025 Fantasy Outlook. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 245 pounds, the Coastal Carolina product has shown flashes of significant upside since entering the NFL as a fourth-round pick in 2022. Known for his physicality and determination, Likely occupies a unique position in Baltimore’s offense, where his role hinges heavily on the availability of Mark Andrews.
Fantasy managers who follow the Baltimore Ravens or Lamar Jackson’s offensive schemes understand that while Andrews dominates targets, Likely’s chances to shine increase dramatically when Andrews is sidelined. This dynamic has made Likely either a savvy late-round sleeper or a valuable bench stash for those seeking unexpected weekly production.
Isaiah Likely’s Performance Under Mark Andrews’ Shadow
The crux of Likely’s fantasy value lies in his production when Mark Andrews is not in the lineup. Over the past three seasons, in the nine games Andrews missed, Likely averaged 3.4 receptions, 50.3 receiving yards, and 0.7 touchdowns per game. Projected over a full 17-game season, those figures translate into impressive totals of roughly 58 catches, 855 yards, and 11 touchdowns—numbers that qualify as top-tier tight end production.
However, when Andrews is active, Likely’s role diminishes significantly. He becomes a secondary option, contributing sporadically rather than serving as a primary target for Lamar Jackson. This fluctuating role creates both risk and reward for fantasy managers, who must weigh the likelihood of Andrews’ availability against Likely’s demonstrated ability to perform when given the opportunity.
Impact of Injury on Likely’s 2025 Season Prospects
Shortly before the upcoming season, Isaiah Likely suffered a broken foot that necessitated surgery, sidelining him for approximately six weeks. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh described the injury as not major but significant enough to potentially delay Likely’s participation in training camp and affect his availability early in the regular season. This setback amplifies the uncertainty surrounding Likely’s usage, especially given his dependence on Andrews’ status for target volume.
This injury complicates Likely‘s immediate fantasy outlook, limiting his chances to establish a rhythm early and likely solidifying Andrews as the go-to tight end for the Ravens during the initial weeks of the season. However, if Likely returns healthy midway through the year, he could once again become a valuable asset, especially if injuries arise elsewhere in Baltimore’s offense.
Why Isaiah Likely Remains a Worthwhile Fantasy Pick in 2025
Despite the injury, Isaiah Likely holds considerable intrigue for fantasy football managers seeking high-upside, low-cost options. His 2025 outlook positions him as a strategic late-round selection or a speculative stash, particularly in deeper or dynasty league formats. While not a dependable week-to-week starter, his ability to exploit mismatches and create yardage after the catch makes him a potential game-changer in the right circumstances.
Current rostership data reflects this growing interest, with Yahoo reporting a nearly 40% ownership rate compared to less than 10% on ESPN. This gap highlights the disparity in recognition among fantasy communities and underscores Likely’s value in leagues that prioritize forward-thinking player acquisition.
Moreover, both Likely and Andrews are in the final year of their contracts with the Ravens, adding an element of unpredictability regarding Baltimore’s tight end situation in the near future. Should Likely be separated from Andrews’ shadow, his fantasy upside could increase dramatically, making him a hidden gem for managers ready to take the risk.
Overall, Isaiah Likely offers a unique combination of potential and risk. He is best viewed as a last-round pick or a bench option with substantial reward if circumstances shift in his favor throughout the season, primarily due to injuries or changes in Baltimore’s offensive hierarchy.