Isaiah Likely Emerges as High-End TE1 While Mike Evans Nears WR1 Status, Fantasy Analysts Assess Week 5 Trends
Fantasy analyst Dwain McFarland highlights Isaiah Likely's rise to a top tight end, Mike Evans' push toward WR1, and evaluates running back Bhayshul Tuten and receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. ahead of Week 6.
Fantasy analyst Dwain McFarland released his Utilization Report ahead of Week 6, outlining key fantasy football takeaways from Week 5. Isaiah Likely, after a slow start in Weeks 2 and 3, posted 13.6 and 32.4 points in the last two games, leading all NFL tight ends with a 30% target share and ranking third in both Utilization Score (95) and points per game (17.1). McFarland notes Likely now occupies high-end TE1 territory, though a potential quarterback change for the Giants and the team's low DBOE rating could limit his upside.
Mike Evans, now integrated into the 49ers' offense under Kyle Shanahan, recorded 26.3 fantasy points against a strong Seahawks defense and posted a 36% target share with a 92 Utilization Score. His route-run efficiency places him second in the league for targets per route run, and he leads the team in end-zone targets. McFarland projects Evans as a high-end WR2 with the potential to become a low-end WR1 in the coming weeks, recommending a BUY-HIGH approach.
Running back Bhayshul Tuten has seen his snap and attempt shares rise sharply over the past three games for the Jaguars, improving his efficiency metrics despite the offensive line's struggles. McFarland presents two scenarios: one where Tuten maintains his elevated role, offering RB2 upside with occasional RB1 potential, and another where his usage stabilizes at a lower level. He suggests buying Tuten at a low-end RB2 price.
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was traded to the Houston Texans, prompting questions about his future production. While his route depth and go-route percentages are strong, his after-catch yardage remains limited. McFarland expects Harrison to improve modestly in Houston but does not anticipate a breakout to top-24 fantasy status, projecting a likely WR3 finish.
Overall, the report advises fantasy managers to consider Likely as a high-end TE1, target Evans for a potential WR1 upgrade, evaluate Tuten's evolving role in Jacksonville, and view Harrison as a possible WR3 contributor with the Texans.