AJ Barner vs Isaiah Likely
Two tight ends fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Slight lean · 56% confident
Isaiah Likely- Higher projection: 157 vs 142 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 122 vs 192
- Market favorite: ADP 107.9 vs 188.7
AJ Barner and Isaiah Likely are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Isaiah Likely holds the edge in expert consensus (TE13 to TE22). Isaiah Likely typically comes off the board first, around pick 108 (round 9) to AJ Barner's pick 189. The 2026 projections give a modest edge: Isaiah Likely at 157 PPR points (9.3 per game) versus AJ Barner at 142.
Last season AJ Barner carried the heavier workload (78% snap share, 78 touches to Isaiah Likely's 36), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Isaiah Likely is the narrow pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Barner | Likely |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 142 | 157 |
| Points / game | 8.7 | 4.4 |
| Games played | 17 | 14 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #192 | #122 |
| ADP | 189 | 108 |
| Positional rank | TE14 | TE44 |
| Snap share | 78% | 58% |
| Red-zone touches | 15 | 6 |
| Age | 24 | 26 |
| Bye week | 11 | 8 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: AJ Barner or Isaiah Likely.
Frequently asked
Should I draft AJ Barner or Isaiah Likely in 2026?
Isaiah Likely is a slight lean over AJ Barner for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, AJ Barner or Isaiah Likely?
Isaiah Likely carries the higher 2026 projection at 157 PPR points (9.3 per game), compared with 142 for AJ Barner.
Where are AJ Barner and Isaiah Likely being drafted?
Isaiah Likely has an ADP around pick 108 (round 9), while AJ Barner goes closer to pick 189 (round 16).
Who is ranked higher, AJ Barner or Isaiah Likely?
Expert consensus ranks Isaiah Likely (TE13) ahead of AJ Barner (TE22) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.