Week 4 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em TEs: Kyle Pitts vs. Isaiah Likely

There were 17 tight ends who scored a touchdown during Week 3, including four who reached the end zone twice. Among the biggest disappointments was Bills TE Dalton Kincaid, who lost a fumble on his way to recording just 2 receptions for 38 yards.

With the focus now on Week 4, let’s break down our NFL Week 4 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em battle between Falcons TE Kyle Pitts Sr. and Giants TE Isaiah Likely for your fantasy football picks this week, including PrizePicks projections.

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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em TEs, Week 4: Kyle Pitts or Isaiah Likely?

Who'd be the better pick out of this NFL Week 4 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em dilemma: Pitts or Likely?

Why Start Kyle Pitts?

Kyle Pitts PrizePicks Projections: 27.5 Receiving Yards, 2.5 Receptions (Goblin), 6.5 Fantasy Score

• The Falcons beat the Packers 35-14 in Week 4, but Pitts only recorded 1 reception for 5 yards. He was only targeted twice, making it three straight games with 3 or fewer targets to begin the season.
• When the Falcons have looked Pitts’ way, it has generally been downfield. Per PFF, his average depth of target (aDOT) is 11.2 yards.
• It’s difficult to take much stock in the 25-year-old’s production over the first two weeks, given how bad Falcons QB Cooper Rush was performing. He posted a 56.4% completion rate and had 4 INTs to go along with just 1 TD.
• Across 10 games that he played with Pennix last season, Pitts was targeted 62 times. That included 5 red zone targets.

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Why Start Isaiah Likely?

Isaiah Likely PrizePicks Projections: 40.5 Receiving Yards, 3.5 Receptions (Goblin), 9.5 Fantasy Score

• Giants QB Jameis Winston attempted just 22 passes in a rain-soaked 12-7 win over the Titans in Week 3. That contributed to Likely finishing with 2 receptions for 15 yards.
• Despite New York relying heavily on its rushing attack, Likely was second on the team in targets last week (5), just 1 behind Giants WR Malik Nabers (6). The rest of the G-Men's wide receivers combined for only 6 targets.
• According to RotoWire, Likely has a 27.2% target share and has been targeted on 30.7% of his route run this year.
• At 128 offensive snaps logged, the former Raven trails only Malachi Fields (141) and Malik Nabers (129) on the team.

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Week 4 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Verdict: Start Kyle Pitts

Those who drafted Pitts could have also selected Likely later in drafts. Likely looked like he was going to be one of the steals of the season after an impressive performance in Week 1, but the season-ending injury to Giants QB Jaxson Dart (knee) has limited the upside of the Giants’ offense. They acquired QB J.J. McCarthy in a trade with the Vikings earlier this week, but he’ll remain in a backup role for now.

The targets are still for Likely with Winston under center, but the lack of production has been a concern. Winston hasn’t been accurate, leaving Likely to only catch 7 of the 15 passes thrown his way. There have been many short passes, leaving him to combine for just 46 yards.

Pitts has an ideal matchup against the Saints on Monday Night Football. According to RotoWire, New Orleans has allowed the second-most receptions to tight ends (25) and 2 TDs to the position through three games. In their 35-27 win over the Raiders in Week 3, TE Brock Bowers dominated the Saints with 10 receptions, 116 yards, and 1 TD.

This has the potential to be a high-scoring contest, with PrizePicks listing the over/under at 47.5 points. If that unfolds, Pitts could receive additional opportunities to exploit this favorable matchup.

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Pitts and Likely have both been underwhelming fantasy options the last two weeks. Likely could continue to be limited by Winston, but Pitts has the potential for a breakout performance in what could be an offensive explosion vs. the Saints on Monday Night Football.

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